What causes rashes during pregnancy?
Most rashes during pregnancy are unrelated to your pregnancy and instead are caused by other conditions, like contact dermatitis, allergies, or skin infections. These rashes during pregnancy are irritating but fairly harmless, not usually causing any serious problems for you or your baby.
But a few pregnancy conditions do cause rashes, and a very rare one called pemphigoid gestationis could affect your baby. Different conditions can have very similar symptoms, so don't try to diagnose yourself. See your healthcare provider to find out what's causing your discomfort.
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A few conditions that could cause a rash during pregnancy are listed below.
Atopic eruption of pregnancy (AEP)
Atopic eruption of pregnancy (AEP) is a general term that includes three conditions:
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
- Pruritic folliculitis of pregnancy
- Prurigo of pregnancy
AEP makes up about half of all skin conditions diagnosed during pregnancy. It typically starts in the late second or early third trimester.
What AEP looks and feels like: An outbreak of AEP can be extremely itchy and usually appears on your arms, legs, or torso. Eczema is often characterized by red or purple, scaly patches, small bumps, or flaky skin. The affected skin may appear thickened and hyperpigmented. Pruritic folliculitis looks like tiny, pimple-like bumps, and prurigo of pregnancy may look like small bug bites at first.
How AEP is treated: AEP may be treated with topical medication and oral antihistamines. Some women also need to take oral steroids.
How AEP can affect your pregnancy: AEP doesn't appear to pose any risk to you or your baby. It usually goes away soon after you give birth, though it may last for up to three months after delivery. Unfortunately, having it once means you have a greater chance of getting it again in a later pregnancy.
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Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy
Less than 1 percent of pregnant women develop pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP), a rare condition characterized by itchy, red bumps and larger patches of a hive-like rash on the belly. It's also called polymorphic eruption of pregnancy.
PUPPP usually appears in the third trimester, though it can begin earlier or later (even during the first two weeks postpartum). It's more common in women carrying twins and those having their first baby. No one knows what causes PUPPP.
What PUPPP looks and feels like: A PUPPP rash may itch like crazy and usually shows up first on your belly or around any stretch marks you have. It may spread to your thighs, buttocks, back, and, more rarely, your arms and legs. PUPPP doesn't usually affect your neck, face, hands, or feet.
How PUPPP is treated: Your doctor or midwife will probably prescribe a topical ointment for relief, and they may also recommend an oral antihistamine. In severe cases, you may need a course of oral steroids.
How PUPPP can affect your pregnancy: PUPPP isn't dangerous for you or your baby. It usually disappears within a few days after delivery, although it sometimes persists for several weeks. Most likely, it won't return in future pregnancies.
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Pemphigoid gestationis
Pemphigoid gestationis is a very rare autoimmune condition, affecting fewer than 1 in 20,000 pregnant women. Pemphigoid gestationis usually begins in the second or third trimester with a hive-like rash, but it can start anytime, including in the first week or two after you have your baby.
This rash is also called herpes gestationis because of its appearance – but it's unrelated to the herpes virus.
What pemphigoid gestationis looks and feels like: Pemphigoid gestationis typically begins as an intensely itchy rash that looks like hives at first then turns into large, blistering lesions. The eruptions often start in or around the belly button and may also affect other parts of your trunk as well as your arms and legs, including your palms and soles.
How pemphigoid gestationis is treated: This condition is usually treated with oral steroids.
How pemphigoid gestationis can affect your pregnancy: Most women with pemphigoid gestationis deliver healthy babies, but the condition increases the chance your baby could be premature or small for their age.
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Pemphigoid gestationis can come and go throughout pregnancy, and it often flares up during the postpartum period. It may take weeks or months for it to subside after you give birth.
If you develop pemphigoid gestationis, you'll be monitored closely because of the risk of pregnancy complications. In a few cases, the newborn develops the rash, though it's typically mild and goes away within a few weeks.
Pemphigoid gestationis usually happens again in subsequent pregnancies and tends to be more severe. There are reports that oral contraceptives trigger a recurrence in some women.
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