Dry skin during pregnancy: causes and features of care

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Changes that occur to a woman during pregnancy are expressed not only in the aggravation of feelings and emotions, but also in the deterioration of the condition of hair, nails and skin. About a third of all pregnant women face similar problems. And despite the fact that such changes usually do not have a negative effect on the fetus, they can cause a lot of inconvenience to a woman.

You will learn about the causes, features of care and prevention of dry skin during pregnancy from our article. Below are some effective recipes for face and body masks that will help in the fight against dryness.

Causes of dry skin during pregnancy

Even before a woman finds out about her situation, hormonal changes begin in her body. From the moment a fertilized egg implants in the uterine wall, everythingorgans and systems are already working to help a pregnant woman bear and give birth to a he althy baby. But the changes that are taking place do not always go smoothly.

Many pregnant women may find their skin suddenly dry. During pregnancy, the sensitivity of the skin really increases. Itching, peeling, irritation may appear. Moreover, not only the skin of the face often suffers, but also the hands, legs, and abdomen.

The most common causes of dry skin during pregnancy include:

• changes in the functioning of the endocrine system;
• lack of fluid in the body;
• insufficient intake of vitamins and minerals;
• allergic reactions.

Hormonal changes

From the first days after the implantation of the egg, an intensive increase in the amount of hormones in the body, namely progesterone and estrogen, begins. On the one hand, they “do” everything possible to prevent abortion, and on the other hand, they cause the very changes in hormonal levels that negatively affect the condition of the skin.

Progesterone produced in large quantities reduces the elasticity of the skin, but increases its sensitivity. At the same time, an excess of estrogen leads to a violation of the regulation of the function of the sebaceous glands. Insufficient production of sebum contributes to the fact that the skin becomes drier, begins to peel off. In this case, the hair loses its natural shine. Since all women, without exception, face hormonal changes,the situation when the skin becomes very dry during pregnancy is not uncommon. Women with oily skin most often complain of acne, and those with normal and sensitive skin complain of peeling and irritation.

Lack of vitamins and fluids in the body

When pregnant, a woman's needs double. First of all, she needs to ensure sufficient fluid intake in the body. Water is necessary not only for the baby and mother, but also to some extent for the formation of amniotic fluid. To maintain optimal water balance, a woman needs to drink up to 2 liters of fluid per day, including first courses, tea, juices, etc. But it is important not to overdo it. Excess water is harmful, as is its lack, since it is fraught with additional stress on the kidneys and the formation of edema.

Dry skin during pregnancy may be the result of a lack of vitamins, especially A and E, which are responsible for elasticity. In the diet of a woman carrying a child, beef liver, eggs, sea fish, butter, carrots, beets and other products must be present.

Do I need to see a doctor?

The obstetrician-gynecologist should be aware of all changes in a woman's he alth, especially those that cause her great concern. The causes of dry skin on the face during pregnancy can be not only insufficient hydration and hormonal changes in the body, but also infectious diseases. The latter, in turn, pose a danger to the he alth of the baby.

Only after going to the doctor can a woman make sure that nothing threatens the he alth of the child. The obstetrician-gynecologist will prescribe a set of necessary studies for the pregnant woman, select a special diet and prescribe treatment or vitamins to prevent dry skin. It is strongly not recommended to use any ointments and creams without a doctor's prescription.

Diagnosis of disease

Only a competent specialist can determine the exact cause of dry skin during pregnancy and make the correct diagnosis. If irritation, peeling and itching are detected on the face or other parts of the body, you should immediately contact your local gynecologist.

The doctor will conduct an examination, give a referral for a general blood test, prescribe the necessary treatment, consisting of moisturizing creams, ointments, antihistamines, vitamins allowed during pregnancy. In particularly difficult cases, the gynecologist is obliged to refer the patient for a consultation with a dermatologist.

Effect on fetus

In most cases, a woman carrying a baby should not worry if she has dry skin during pregnancy. The most common cause of this condition is a banal allergy to food or household chemicals. The danger to the fetus is only irritation and peeling caused by infectious diseases, which is extremely rare in obstetric practice.

Thus, dry skin does not affect the development of the baby. But she can bring discomfort to the expectant mother,because due to a decrease in elasticity, a pregnant woman may experience the following unpleasant symptoms:

• stretch marks on the chest, abdomen or thighs;
• itch;
• flaking;
• irritation and redness of affected areas;
• dandruff.

To eliminate the above symptoms, it is necessary to choose products for moisturizing and nourishing the skin. But the treatment must be prescribed or at least agreed with the doctor.

What to do about dry skin during pregnancy?

To deal with a problem, you must first determine the cause that led to its occurrence. Further, based on the result, you should build a treatment regimen or special care for very dry skin. During pregnancy, a woman must ensure that the following actions are mandatory:

1. Provide the body with enough liquid. It is best if it is ordinary clean water. The lack of fluid in a woman's body is reflected not only in the condition of the skin, but also in her well-being.
2. Eat a balanced diet. Preference should be given to fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as foods rich in animal protein.
3. When cleansing the skin, give up toilet soap, including baby soap. Instead, you should use a special moisturizing milk, micellar water or, in extreme cases, a cream soap.
4. Regularly nourish and tone the skin using special face masks that can be easily prepared inat home.
5. Don't forget to apply moisturizers, oils or lotions to your skin. It is not necessary to use cosmetics of expensive brands. It can be a regular baby cream, as well as olive or sea buckthorn oil.

Dry skin of the body and hands during pregnancy

Every woman can face the problem of dry skin. And first of all, unpleasant symptoms, such as itching, redness, peeling, appear on the hands. This is explained very simply. The fact is that it is the skin of the hands that is most susceptible to the aggressive action of household chemicals and other substances. The palms of pregnant women very often peel off, there is always a feeling of tightness, microcracks often appear. To avoid this, all housework should be done with rubber gloves, and be sure to go outside with mittens.

Dry skin of the body during pregnancy is also not uncommon. If it is not moisturized, stretch marks may appear on the abdomen, chest, or thighs. That is why dry skin should be treated with various oils, such as olive oil. This will help prevent stretch marks and relieve discomfort.

Medicated treatment

If during pregnancy, dry skin is very flaky, itchy, which is accompanied by the appearance of purulent lesions on the combed areas, a woman should immediately contact a dermatologist. Only a specialist after the examination will be able to prescribe drugs that will not harm the expectant mother and child. In addition, you should refrain frompeels, scrubs and lotions containing alcohol. With severe skin irritation, a pregnant woman may be prescribed one of the following drugs:

1. "Bepanthen". A drug that improves tissue regeneration is widely used for various pathologies. The cream should be applied in a thin layer on the affected surface, lightly rubbing it. It is recommended to use 1-2 times a day.
2. "Pantoderm". The cream is indicated for use in scratches, cracks and other small wounds with a threat of infection. It is used externally 1 or several times a day.
3. "D-Panthenol". The drug is widely used for dermatitis and various skin diseases. "D-Panthenol" is allowed to be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Folk remedies

For dry skin of the face and body of a pregnant woman, it is recommended:

1. Apply honey-based nourishing face masks at least 2-3 times a week.
2. Occasionally take a warm bath with milk, glycerin, essential oils, decoctions of flax seeds and oats.
3. Moisturize dry hand skin with a special cream made from melted lard and lamb fat (1 tbsp each). The resulting mass should be applied to the affected area, covered with polyethylene, and then wrapped with a warm cloth. Use at least every other day. Apply on hands at night.
4. When washing, use healing infusions of medicinal herbs (chamomile, calendula).

Effective masks for dry skin

Cope with problems caused bydry skin during pregnancy, every woman can do it. To do this, it is not necessary to buy expensive moisturizers and masks. Even the simplest and most affordable products can moisturize the skin very well. Below are recipes for effective face masks:

1. Combine a teaspoon of liquid honey and heavy cream. Add 1 egg yolk. Mix the ingredients together. Apply the mask on the face for about 15-20 minutes, then rinse with purified or mineral water. Use several times a week.
2. For the next mask, you will need the pulp of one ripe avocado, honey and natural yogurt (1 tbsp each). All ingredients should be thoroughly mixed together, and then applied to the resulting slurry on the skin of the face and body. Leave on for 20 minutes and then wash off.
3. For the next mask, you will need vitamins A and E, which are sold in liquid form at any pharmacy. To begin with, you need to pour oatmeal (2 tablespoons) into a small bowl. You can take ordinary flakes, after grinding them in a coffee grinder. Add 4 drops of each vitamin and a little olive mask to the flour to get the consistency of the mask. Apply the resulting mixture for 20 minutes twice a week.

Prevention of skin problems during pregnancy

The following recommendations will help to avoid drying of the skin in women in any position:

1. When showering, use cosmetics as little as possible.
2. Use a washcloth to cleanse the skin no more than 1once a week.
3. Get rid of hard soap forever. Instead, it is better to use cosmetic milk or moisturizing shower gel.
4. Before going out, protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
5. Eat more fresh vegetables and fruits and less carbohydrates found in confectionery and baked goods.
6. Quit smoking and other bad habits.
7. Drink more water and other energy drinks.
8. In the cold season, do not forget to apply a nourishing cream and put on mittens before going outside.