The body changes in numerous ways during pregnancy, and that includes changes in skin’s health and appearance. According to Dr. Lauren Snitzer of U.S. Dermatology Partners Sugar Land, “Changes in skin tone, development of lesions, and skin dryness or irritation can all occur during pregnancy. While none of these changes are necessarily warning signs of anything dangerous, skin cancer and more serious conditions can also develop during pregnancy. For this reason, it’s important to monitor skin during pregnancy, and if you’re ever worried that the skin health concern is something that needs attention, contact a dermatologist right away.” In this blog, Dr. Snitzer talks through common skin changes during pregnancy and when you should consult a dermatologist to receive treatment.
Understanding Skin Changes During Pregnancy
Every part of the body is impacted during pregnancy, including the skin. Most skin changes during pregnancy aren’t anything you should be worried about. Some common, benign skin changes that occur during pregnancy include:
- Stretch marks – when weight is gained quickly, the skin stretches rapidly. This may cause indented and discolored lines of skin. These are common on the stomach and breasts, which grow rapidly during pregnancy.
- Dark spots (melasma) – this condition is so common for pregnant women that it is often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy.” It’s a skin condition where darker patches of skin develop, usually on the face.
- Changing moles or freckles – existing moles and freckles on skin may change during pregnancy as melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) increase. These existing spots can become darker or change shape. While this is common during pregnancy, it can also be a warning sign of skin cancer, so it’s important to have changing moles or freckles examined by a dermatologist.
- Dry, itchy skin – keeping skin moisturized is always important, but this is especially true during pregnancy. Changing hormone levels can lead to dry skin, itching, and even rashes. For some, skin is dry all over. Others only have dry patches of skin.
- Skin tags – a benign skin growth that develops where skin encounters friction or is otherwise irritated.
- Hemangiomas – non-cancerous vascular (related to the blood vessels) tumors that develop due to increased estrogen levels during pregnancy.
- Acne – increased oil production can lead to clogged pores, causing acne to develop or making acne breakouts worse.
Common Causes of Skin Lesions
Common pregnancy-related skin lesion causes, according to Dr. Snitzer, “Are mostly caused by the changes in hormone levels, specifically estrogen. As pregnancy advances, estrogen levels increase. Skin’s pigment cells are fed by estrogen. That means more melanocytes are produced during pregnancy, causing dark spots and general changes in skin’s tone. In addition to changes in skin tone and dark spots, hormonal shifts during pregnancy can also change the amount of oil produced to keep skin hydrated. For some, this means an increase in oil production, leading oily, acne-prone skin during pregnancy. Others experience decreased oil production and have dry, itchy skin. Rapid weight gain on the stomach, chest, and other areas may lead to stretch marks. Spider or varicose veins can occur due to changes in blood flow and increased blood volume during pregnancy.”
Signs to Look for in Skin Lesions During Pregnancy
Skin lesions during pregnancy, according to Dr. Snitzer, “The vast majority of skin conditions that occur during pregnancy aren’t dangerous, but there are some changes in skin’s appearance and health that should be reported to your dermatologist. By performing a monthly skin exam during pregnancy, you improve the chances you’ll receive a diagnosis for skin conditions, including cancer, in the early, treatable stages.” Some signs of skin cancer in pregnancy include:
- Moles and freckles that change in size, color, texture, or shape, especially if they evolve quickly.
- New skin lesions that appear suddenly, especially if they are growing or changing rapidly.
- A spot that is painful or has a burning, tingling sensation.
- A wound that doesn’t heal or a lesion that bleeds or develops a scab or crust over the top.
- A lesion that’s itchy or irritated.
Importance of Early Detection
Skin cancer, like most other forms of cancer, is most easily and effectively treated when diagnosed in the early stages. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, there is a 99% five-year survival rate for patients with melanoma that is caught in the early stages. With regular at-home skin self-checks every month (before, during, and after pregnancy), the risk of skin cancer reaching the more advanced stages is significantly diminished.
When to See a Dermatologist
Dr. Snitzer says, “The vast majority of pregnancy-related skin conditions aren’t dangerous, and most importantly, they clear up on their own after giving birth. If you’re ever worried about a skin lesions, you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, or you notice signs that are indicative of more serious skin health concerns, you should reach out to a dermatologist for a professional evaluation of skin lesions. You can also ask your obstetrician if they think a skin health change is serious enough to warrant a trip to the dermatologist’s office.”
Know Your Skin Well & Consult a Dermatologist Early
When it comes to skin health during pregnancy, Dr. Snitzer says, “Keeping skin healthy is important at every stage of pregnancy and starts before you ever conceive. The better we know your skin, the better equipped we are to notice changes in skin’s health and appearance. For this reason, it’s important to perform regular skin health exams monthly and take careful note of all moles, bumps, freckles, and other irregularities. This makes it easier to pinpoint changes in the early stages, and it also makes it easier for your dermatologist to determine if the skin changes are indicative of something more serious.”
Schedule a Dermatologic Consultation
If you’re concerned about skin changes during pregnancy or you want to develop a better skincare routine now to keep skin healthy throughout your pregnancy, the U.S. Dermatology Partners team is here for you. Simply take a few moments to schedule a visit with a local U.S. Dermatology Partners office by completing our simple online appointment request form.
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