General research about eczema - some information is copied and pasted.

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a skin condition which results in the person having itchy skin, inflammation and colour changes. Anyone of all ages can develop eczema, from infants to the elderly. The most common types of eczema are atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis. However, the causes of eczema are unknown, but it is determined that it is linked to genetics, and also closely linked to allergies such as hay fever, asthma, the weather, soaps, specific foods, stress and clothing material etc.

What causes eczema in pregnancy?

Eczema in pregnancy happens when hormone changes affect the body causing the balance of the cells in the body to shift. This occurs when the immune cells may begin attacking the skin. Some people may experience flare-ups during pregnancy or their symptoms would disappear, however, those with no experience of eczema would develop it during pregnancy and would be seen as a symptom. It is the most common skin condition related to pregnancy and it is reported only 20-40% of patients are estimated to have a pre-existing history of eczema, while the 70% develop symptoms during pregnancy for the first time. Within the first two trimesters, three-quarters of patients develop symptoms.

About 20 to 40 percent of women who experience eczema while expecting have had it before, according to the National Eczema Society. For these women, it tends to worsen during the second trimester (Friedmann suspects because of the immunological changes that occur as the fetus grows), though it can happen in the first or third trimesters as well.

Eczema does not cause harm to an unborn child during pregnancy, however, rare forms of eczema (Eczema herpetium) can lead an unborn child to get an infection.

• Symptoms

Types of eczema in pregnancy

Each person gets affected differently.

• Atopic eruption of pregnancy (AEP) - eczema flare-ups. (Also includes people who already have a common type of eczema before becoming pregnant or not. May experience symptoms that could worsen or get temporarily better. It usually goes away after birth, however, it is a result of the temporary impact of pregnancy on the immune system.
• More symptoms of other types of eczema: vesicular hand dermatitis (Also known as dyshidrotic eczema).

Diagnosis of Eczema during pregnancy

Doctors will diagnose simply by looking at the person’s skin. A biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. The doctor will inform the person of any changes if they notice any changes. The doctor will want to rule out any other conditions that could cause skin changes, ensuring the baby is not affected.

However, it is important to inform the doctor when:

• Skin condition changes
• If the person has changed routine or lifestyle, including diet.
• The person’s symptoms and how it is impacting them in their daily life.
• If their symptoms have gotten better or worse
• Medication or treatments the person is using.