Extracts of pregnant women’s treatment experiences with eczema

PREGNANCY? Q&A WITH A PATIENT

Eczema is treated first by combining good hygiene practices with daily hydration. However, in case of a flare-up, anti-inflammatory treatments will be added.

• During pregnancy, the skin naturally becomes drier whether someone has eczema or not. Keeping a daily habit of keeping the skin hydrated is encouraged, such as short warm showers, and using soap-free products and cleansing oils should be kept to a minimum.
• Moisturisers should be applied twice a day. Oil balm emollients are more moisturising than creams.
• It is important to use topical corticosteroids if eczema skin starts itching or becomes red or rough. It should be applied as soon as possible as eczema would be harder to control if it is left as it is. Topical steroids do not affect the mother or the baby, but it is said these steroids should be discontinued because of the lack of appropriate scientific data.

Systematic treatments: If a patient is administered injections or tablets ****(methotrexate, cyclosporine and biotherapy). They must inform a physician of these treatments and seek medical advice when they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

My Eczema Was Under Control—Until I Got Pregnant

• Eczema was manageable before pregnant at 17 years old. Diagnosed at 4 years old and used the same topical steroid for years.

• A severe case of eczema condition during pregnancy - itchy and red rashes on her wrists, back of legs and face.

• two months pregnant - the left side of the face was uncontrollable. Went to the hospital because of inflammation.

• At the hospital - found out she had very high pressure (which can lead to premature birth)

• As blood pressure was being monitored. She was also diagnosed with MRSA (a serious, sometimes life-threatening infection caused by a type of Staph bacteria). The patient had to be isolated.

• Discharged after the birth of the child, but still in a lot of pain (especially in the legs). Had to go to a different hospital to get a prednisone shot - her legs stopped hurting for the first time in two months.

• Went to the dermatologist and did everything they could do, even though the dermatologist had a full schedule. Her skin regained some of its colours and doesn't itch as much.

  —Jillian M., 27, from Tampa, Florida, as told to Maria Masters

How I Managed Crazy Eczema Flare-Ups During Pregnancy And Post-Partum

How I Treated Eczema Flare-ups During Pregnancy

• Not particularly reliant on steroid creams and have been weaned off of them in the last decade. Need a dab of cortisone when symptoms were unmanageable. The symptoms are then followed with some diet and lifestyle changes (more sleep, omitting fragrance, short-term candida control diet, lukewarm showers, avoiding makeup, and other changes).