Keep Calm, Stay Cool
Easier said than done in pregnancy!
Feeling anxious and sweaty at times when expecting can increase the already higher risk of skin issues that comes from profound hormonal changes affecting all parts of your female system.
Approximately 40% of skin problems in pregnancy are Eczema related, with 80% of cases being 'first-timers', so it can often come as a bit of a shock on top of everything else. Women who are already eczema prone of course have the greatest risk and will want to take special care.
General guidance for care is the same as for all eczema (Managing Eczema Naturally) with particular emphasis on:
- take warm/cold showers, not long hot baths
- wear loose-fitting cotton clothing
- avoid swimming in chlorinated pools (clean ocean is good)
- drink plenty of filtered water
- don't over-heat in bed .... or anywhere
- use very mild soap or gentle non-soaps
- avoid perfumes and chemical based skincare
- apply lots of hypoallergenic moisturiser to higher risk areas
- ensure skincare is pH balanced and microbiome friendly
- look after your skin barrier
If you do get eczema during pregnancy, follow the above tips and try some DIY for affected areas:
- apply ice to calm
- apply freshly cut and peeled aloe vera to soothe
- apply home-made colloidal oatmeal for extra TLC :
- Simmer half a cup of organic oatmeal in filtered water until a glutinous film forms. Strain the mixture, reserving that milky substance which should be very thick. Keep in the fridge and apply directly to eczema areas as needed. Discard after 3 days.
Be sure to consult a doctor if you have any infected-looking skin.
*Please note this is not medical advice and you should always seek such advice from medical professionals. Dr Jude Lenart has a Ph.D. in Natural Medicine, she is not a medical practitioner.
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