During pregnancy, some people can experience flare or worsening of their eczema. The hormonal changes can lead to a number of itchy skin rashes such as:
- prurigo in pregnancy
- atopic eruption of pregnancy
- intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
- polymorphic eruption of pregnancy.
So it's important to be sure of the diagnosis.
During pregnancy, it is safe to use gentle soap-free cleansers and moisturizers. You should use them regularly as we do in eczema treatment.
You can also use topical steroids. But it is best to avoid using very potent steroids for too long and to large areas. I would recommend opting for milder potency topical steroids.
Oral antihistamines can be taken during pregnancy. They are generally safe. But your doctor will choose those that have a better safety profile in pregnant women.
In general, we do try to minimize taking oral medications during pregnancy. You can discuss this further with your doctor or dermatologist.
