What causes a face rash when you are pregnant? Is it normal to have face rash in pregnancy? Will it affect the baby? Questions galore. Find some answers to these common FAQs, in this article.
Pregnancy brings with it many ‘happy side effects’, right? But, apart from these happy side effects, like that cute bump on the belly, and the charming facial glow, there are many other ‘unwanted’ effects that a pregnant woman can experience. During pregnancy there are hormonal changes in the body, and this leads to many changes, both emotionally and physically, rash on face being one.
Common body changes during pregnancy that a woman might experience are change in the appearance of breasts, vaginal changes, skin changes, change in the heart rate, etc. As far as the skin changes are concerned, there is darkening of the skin, increase in the appearance of acne, tenderness and swelling of the breast skin, colored patches and rashes on the facial skin, etc. These changes are normal during pregnancy, and are just an outcome of hormonal changes that occur.
Causes
Pregnancy stimulates secretion of some hormones like estrogen, melanocyte-stimulating hormone and progesterone. These hormones are specifically called pregnancy hormones and are specifically found in the blood. Fluctuation in the balance of these hormones leads to changes in the body including facial rash. Increased heat in the body also causes face rash, among other reasons like allergy and infection.
There are two types of rashes that can be seen in pregnant women, one is the appearance of rashes on the face without irritation, and the other one is accompanied by irritation. The latter one of these two kinds is more dangerous. The below listed rashes are the commonly seen rashes in pregnant women.
Pumphigoid Gestationis
This kind of rash affects both first time pregnant women and in second or third pregnancy also. The rash appears in the form of lesions and red patches on the facial skin and can affect whole of the body. The rash in severe cases is treated with the use of certain medications.
Papular Dermatitis
The appearance of these rashes can lead to severe consequences in rare cases. The rashes appear like insect bites, and are blood red in color. Dosage of the medication corticosteroids proves beneficial in treating these rashes. These rashes also affect the entire body including the facial skin.
Prurigo Gestationis
This kind of rash generally affects the abdomen and upper region of the body, but in rare cases it can affect the face. The appearance of this rash is not that severe as compared to the above two rashes, and it generally goes away on its own.
Prevention
As far as the appearance of these rashes on the skin is concerned, it is normal due to the hormonal changes in the body, and the rash goes away with time. But, if the rashes are getting severe with each passing day, you need to consult your physician, because these rashes grow with time. These rashes in no way affect the baby, and if not in a week will go away after the baby is born, when the body returns back to its original state.
Following a diet rich in vitamins and iron along with drinking lots of water may prove beneficial to some extent. Also as a pregnant woman, you should take enough rest, and should keep mental and physical stress at bay. This is because, the increase in stress and rise in hormonal levels is directly proportional.
So this was all about facial rash during pregnancy. Hope this article has cleared all the doubts in your mind. Facial rash to a very severe extent is a reason to worry, and so if the rash on the face is troubling you for a long time, consult your doctor. Have a happy and safe pregnancy!
