Pimples and acne in pregnancy and breastfeeding: causes and remedies.

The appearance of pimples in pregnancy is a very common phenomenon.

In fact, there are many pregnant women who witness the appearance of these annoying "imperfections" which, often and willingly, lead to a real acne. In a sense, pimples in pregnancy are considered to be a normal manifestation that occurs due to the changes that take place in the pregnant woman's body during this particular period.

However, the treatment of pimples in pregnancy, especially when the manifestation is particularly widespread and severe, may be difficult. This is because, when prescribing any therapies or treatments, it is essential to take into account the relationship between the potential risks for the unborn child and the expected benefits for the mother. Therefore, before embarking on any kind of treatment in case of pimples in pregnancy, it is necessary to consult your doctor.

What are Pregnancy Pimples?

Pimples in pregnancy are considered completely normal at this particular stage of a woman's life. However, this does not mean that pimples have to appear in every pregnant woman.

The lucky ones, in fact, have radiant and almost perfect skin during pregnancy, but of course, every woman's body reacts in a unique way to the changes that typically occur in this period.

When do pimples occur in pregnancy?

Generally, pimples in pregnancy appear in the first trimester and then regress spontaneously around the fourth or fifth month. In some cases they may disappear only after the baby is born; while in still other cases they may regress in the second trimester and then reappear shortly after delivery, in a more or less severe form. Also in this case, therefore, there is a great variability from woman to woman.

How Do Pregnancy Pimples Manifest?

Pimples in pregnancy can manifest themselves in different ways, from the mildest forms to the real acneic forms that create considerable discomfort for the pregnant woman. Pimples can manifest as both solid, red lesions (papules), pus-containing lesions (pustules) and comedones. The type, number and size of pimples that form during pregnancy can vary from person to person. Similarly, any symptoms associated with this disorder can also manifest themselves with different intensity in each pregnant woman.

Where Do Pregnancy Pimples Occur?

Pimples in pregnancy can occur in different districts. The site on which they preferentially appear is the face, but it is not certain that they develop in a homogeneous way. Generally, in fact, pimples in pregnancy tend to focus on the nose, chin and cheeks and can sometimes extend up to the neck. Other areas that may be affected by the appearance of the disorder during gestation are the back and upper arms.

Causes of the formation of pimples in pregnancy

The main cause of pimples in pregnancy is to be found in the hormonal changes that normally occur within the pregnant woman's body.

Not surprisingly, the onset of this disorder usually occurs in the first trimester, a period in which there are significant changes in hormone concentrations compared to normal levels. Alterations which, in turn, stimulate the activity of the sebaceous glands with a consequent increase in sebum production. This increase can cause obstruction of the hair follicle which, in addition to being filled with sebum, also accumulates cellular debris inside it. This accumulation and obstruction phenomenon favors the onset of inflammation and the consequent appearance of the pimple.

In many cases, moreover, the inflammation is accompanied by infections caused by Propionibacterium acnes.

Risk Factors for the Formation of Pimples in Pregnancy

Unfortunately, it is not possible to predict which women will experience pimples in pregnancy. However, mothers-to-be may be at greater risk of developing the disorder who:

• Have combination or oily skin;

• Have suffered from acne in the past;

• They had a tendency to develop acne and pimples before and during menstruation.

What Symptoms Can Cause Pregnancy Pimples?

In addition to the typically cosmetic damage, pimples in pregnancy can cause the appearance of some rather annoying symptoms. Fortunately, in most cases, these are not serious symptoms.

A typical symptom of pimples in pregnancy, as well as pimples in general, is itching that can occur just before the onset of the disorder. It can sometimes develop into pain that is localized to the exact spots where the pimples will develop.

However, itching and pain can persist even after the onset of pimples in pregnancy, often associated with redness, swelling and possible irritation due to scratching or rubbing the affected areas.

Complications of Pregnancy Pimples

In severe cases, pregnancy pimples could become complicated, giving rise to real cysts. Should this occur, it is good to ask your doctor for advice on what to do.

Possible Cures and Treatments Against Pimples in Pregnancy

Since, as stated in the course of the article, pimples in pregnancy tend to regress spontaneously in the majority of cases, often it is not necessary to intervene with any type of treatment, but it is sufficient to maintain a good cleansing of the skin.

In the event that the disorder occurs in such a serious form as to constitute a real problem capable of negatively affecting the patient's life, however, the intervention of the doctor is necessary.

However, the treatment of pimples in pregnancy is very difficult, as many of the drugs normally used to counteract acne and pimples are contraindicated during gestation. In cases of absolute necessity, the doctor may still decide to prescribe the use of benzoyl peroxide-based drugs to the future mother.

In any case, before taking any drug (even if over the counter) for the treatment of acne and pimples in pregnancy, it is absolutely necessary to ask your doctor and / or your gynecologist for advice.

Dear mothers, after reading our article we recommend that you visit our Luxurykids website where you will find many articles for you and your child.