Is it normal to get rashes when your pregnant

Pruritic folliculitis begins as lesions on the torso and may spread to other parts of the body. The lesions contain pus, so they may resemble acne. This rare condition appears in the latter two-thirds of pregnancy and usually lasts between two and three weeks. The exact cause of pruritic folliculitis is unknown, and it generally resolves after delivery. Treatments include ultraviolet B light therapy, topical corticosteroids, or benzoyl peroxide.

Pustular psoriasis , specifically impetigo herpetiformis, generally occurs in the second half of pregnancy. The rash can develop on any part of the body and may be very red, inflamed, and crusty.

Other possible symptoms include:. Treatment involves corticosteroids, such as prednisone, and antibiotics if lesions become infected. While impetigo generally goes away after delivery without much reported risk to baby, at least one study links this rare condition to stillbirth. Hives are raised bumps that appear alone or in clusters of red spots or patches. They can appear anywhere on the body and are itchy.

Hives may appear suddenly and go away just as fast or within a few days to six weeks. Sometimes they may be a sign of allergic reaction to food, insect bites, pollen, or other triggers. Treatment may involve taking antihistamines, corticosteroids, or taking medications to help with inflammation. Prickly heat or heat rash can develop anywhere on the body, usually due to excessive sweating.

Because pregnancy can increase your body temperature, you may be more prone to heat rash during this time. Along with an itchy or prickly feeling, you may see small spots, redness, and even swelling. Identify heat rash with the help of these pictures. You may try antihistamines or calamine lotion. What also helps is staying cool and avoiding activities that produce sweating. Over-the-counter medications called antihistamines can help with cases of hives, herpes gestationis, and other conditions that come about from a rise of histamine.

Pine tar soap has a strong odor, but its antiseptic quality makes it a popular choice to help with various skin conditions, including psoriasis. Consider using the soap while bathing with lukewarm water up to four times daily on affected areas.

Some people report that this method relieves itching within a few hours. To further soothe itchy skin, try taking an oatmeal bath. Simply pour 1 cup of rolled oats into the center of a piece of cheesecloth and secure with a rubber band. Place it in a tub of warm water and then squeeze to release the milky, oat-infused water.

Oats help to moisturize the skin. If you're well, it's really important you go to all your appointments and scans for the health of you and your baby. If you're pregnant, hospitals and clinics are making sure it's safe for you to go to appointments. They will advise you what to do. The main symptom is itching, usually without a rash. For many women with ICP, the itching is often:. Symptoms of ICP typically start from around 30 weeks of pregnancy, but it's possible to develop the condition as early as 8 weeks.

Wearing loose clothes may help prevent itching, as your clothes are less likely to rub against your skin and cause irritation. You may also want to avoid synthetic materials and opt for natural ones, such as cotton, instead. These are "breathable" and allow the air to circulate close to your skin. Some women find that products with strong perfumes can irritate their skin, so you could try using unperfumed lotion or soap.

Mild itching is not usually harmful to you or your baby, but it can sometimes be a sign of a more serious condition, particularly if you notice it more in the evenings or at night. These include: Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy PUPP : Patches of very small, red bumps on your belly. It can spread to your thighs, buttocks, or breasts.

It usually itches. Prurigo of pregnancy: Tiny, itchy bumps that look like insect bites. Usually starts with a few bumps and increases each day. Pemphigoid gestationis: Blisters appear on the abdomen and can spread to large parts of the body. Could slightly increase the risk of complications, including preterm birth. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy ICP : A liver condition that causes severe itching without a rash.

Itching usually occurs on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Could increase risk of preterm birth or other problems. If you have these symptoms, you should call your doctor. Questions to ask your doctor Is this rash or skin condition normal during pregnancy? Are there complications from this skin condition? What types of lotions and creams are safe for pregnant women to use?

How long after the baby is born will it go away? Last Updated: July 21, This article was contributed by familydoctor. Tags: Pregnant Women , prenatal care , Skin Conditions , skin rash , women's health. Related Articles. Do this with a…. Visit our interactive symptom checker Visit our interactive symptom checker Get Started. Treatment of PUPPP involves oral antihistamines and topical steroids ; sometimes oral steroids are needed. Prurigo of pregnancy is another common form of itching you may experience while pregnant.

Prurigo can occur at any time during the pregnancy and is treated with moisturizers, topical steroids, and oral antihistamines. The rash usually resolves shortly after delivery but may occur again in future pregnancies.

Itching from cholestasis of pregnancy typically occurs in the third trimester. There's no associated rash, but you may experience skin jaundice yellowing.

The itching usually goes away after delivery but may recur in future pregnancies. Cholestasis can affect the baby, causing fetal distress and pre-term labor. If that happens, prompt medical attention is required.

Pemphigoid gestationis PG formerly called herpes gestationis is a rare autoimmune rash that occurs during late pregnancy second and third trimester and affects 1 in 50, pregnancies. It's not caused by a herpes virus infection ; the rash, however, may look like herpes—with blisters and vesicles that may form rings—and occurs mostly on the abdomen, especially around the umbilicus belly button. Treatment usually involves topical, and sometimes oral, corticosteroids.

Occasionally, pemphigoid gestationis is associated with premature delivery and low birth weights, but it does not otherwise affect the baby. The rash commonly flares at delivery and resolves shortly thereafter. It's likely to recur with future pregnancies.

Pruritic folliculitis of pregnancy most commonly occurs during the second and third trimesters, affecting 1 in 3, pregnancies. It causes an itchy rash that looks like acne on the chest, arms, shoulders, and back. Treatment includes topical acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide and, occasionally, topical steroids and oral antihistamines. This rash usually goes away within a month or two after delivery and does not affect the baby.

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