Researchers aren’t completely sure what causes eczema, but hormones may be responsible for triggering eczema flares during pregnancy.

Pregnancy can trigger many different changes in women’s skin, including changes to pigmentation, acne, and eczema.

Pregnancy-induced eczema can happen to women who may or may not have a history of the condition. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, eczema is the most common skin disease people experience during pregnancy.

Eczema that occurs during pregnancy is also known as:

  • atopic eruption of pregnancy (AEP)
  • prurigo of pregnancy
  • pruritic folliculitis of pregnancy
  • papular dermatitis of pregnancy

This article explores why eczema may occur or worsen during pregnancy, how it might affect your baby, and what eczema treatments are safe to use while pregnant.

The symptoms of pregnancy-induced eczema are the same as those of eczema outside of pregnancy. These primarily include dry, itchy, inflamed, and irritated skin.

Eczema can develop anywhere on your body but usually affects the arms, inner elbows, backs of the knees, cheeks, and scalp. The itchy bumps are often grouped and may have a crust. Sometimes pustules are visible.

If you have a history of eczema before becoming pregnant, your eczema flares may worsen during pregnancy.

Doctors still aren’t completely sure what causes eczema, but environmental and genetic factors are thought to play a role. Pregnancy hormones may also play a role.

Eczema can occur for the first time during pregnancy. If you’ve had eczema in the past, your pregnancy could trigger a flare-up.

Most of the time, your doctor will diagnose eczema simply by looking at your skin. They may order a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

Let your doctor know about any other changes you notice during your pregnancy. Your doctor will want to rule out other conditions that could be causing your skin changes and make sure that your baby isn’t affected.

Your doctor will ask you:

  • when your skin changes began
  • whether you’ve changed anything in your routine or lifestyle, including diet, that may contribute to the changes to your skin
  • whether your symptoms are affecting your daily life
  • whether you’ve noticed anything that makes your symptoms better or worse

Bring along a list of current medications you are taking, and any medications or treatments that you’ve already tried for your eczema.

In most cases, pregnancy-induced eczema can be managed with moisturizers and ointments. If the eczema is severe enough, your doctor may prescribe a steroid ointment to apply to your skin.

Older research indicates that topical steroids appear to be safe during pregnancy but talk with your doctor about any concerns you may have. They can help you understand your treatment options and associated risks. There is some evidence that UV light therapy may also help clear up the eczema.

Medications to avoid during pregnancy

Avoid any treatments that involve methotrexate (Trexall, Rasuvo) or psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) during pregnancy. They can harm the fetus.

You can also take steps to help prevent eczema or stop it from getting worse:

  • Take warm, moderate showers instead of hot showers.
  • Keep your skin hydrated with moisturizers.
  • Apply moisturizer directly after you shower.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing that will not irritate your skin. Choose clothing made from natural products like cotton. Wool and hemp clothing may cause additional irritation to your skin.
  • Avoid harsh soaps or body cleansers.
  • If you live in a dry climate, consider using a humidifier in your house. Heaters can also dry out the air in your home.
  • Drink water throughout the day. It’s beneficial not only to your health and the health of your baby but also to your skin.

Eczema during pregnancy is generally not dangerous to the mother or the baby. In most cases, the eczema should clear up after pregnancy.

However, sometimes the eczema can continue even after the pregnancy. You may also be at increased risk for developing eczema during any future pregnancies.

Eczema is not associated with any problems with fertility and will not cause any long-term complications for you or your baby.

Can I use the same treatment methods while breastfeeding that I used during pregnancy?

Yes, you should be able to use the same moisturizers and even topical steroid creams while breastfeeding. If you require steroid creams over wide areas of your body, check with your doctor before using. In most cases, breastfeeding is compatible with eczema treatments.

Will having eczema while pregnant increase the risk of your baby having eczema?

According to an article the National Eczema Society published, the risk of your baby developing eczema is 25% if only one parent has eczema, asthma, or hay fever.

The risk increases to 50% if you have other children with eczema, asthma, or hay fever and both parents also have these conditions.

What eczema treatments should you avoid if you’re pregnant?

Certain eczema medications can cause serious side effects during pregnancy. If you’re planning to become pregnant or are already pregnant, avoid methotrexate or PUVA phototherapy while trying to conceive or during pregnancy.

What is the difference between psoriasis and eczema?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease in which your body mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells. This causes your immune system to create skin cells more quickly to defend themselves. These extra skin cells pile into the thick, raised plaques associated with psoriasis.

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition. It is triggered by substances inside or outside the body, and people with it also have an overly reactive immune system that leads to skin inflammation. Some people with eczema have a mutation in a gene that leaves the skin more vulnerable to dryness and irritants.

While the exact cause of eczema is unknown, the National Eczema Society reports that researchers believe it may be due to a combination of genetics, environmental factors, and the immune system.