GETTING ACNE BREAKOUTS DURING PREGNANCY? GYNECOLOGISTS SHARES POSSIBLE CAUSES, RISKS AND TREATMENT

Expectant mothers often get that ‘pregnancy glow’ but many experience unexpected breakouts. Pregnancy acne is a common occurrence due to the fluctuating hormonal levels experienced by the expectant mother. This turns out to be distressing for expectant mothers and is common during the first and second trimesters. As per studies, more than half of pregnant people can expect to develop acne. In some cases, the acne may be severe too. It is not easy to manage acne during pregnancy as treatments come with a high risk of birth defects. So what should you do now?

We got in touch with health experts who have shed light on causes, risks and if there are any long-term effects of pregnancy acne.

Why Some Pregnant Women Experience Acne During Their Pregnancy?

Dr Astha Dayal, Lead Consultant - Obstetrics and Gynaecology, CK Birla Hospital Gurugram explains, hormonal changes during pregnancy are a major factor in acne formation. Estrogen, progesterone, and androgens (like testosterone) are the main hormones involved. "Changes in hormones have the potential to increase oil production by the skin's sebaceous glands, resulting in clogged pores and breakouts of acne."

While not all pregnant individuals experience acne, those with a history of hormone-related acne or individuals prone to acne breakouts may be more susceptible to developing acne during their pregnancy.

What Hormonal Changes Occur During Pregnancy That Contributes To The Development Of Acne?

Dr Neelam Suri, Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi shares, the surge in estrogen levels can increase the production of melanin, leading to the darkening of existing acne lesions and the development of melasma (pregnancy mask). These hormonal imbalances, coupled with increased sensitivity of the sebaceous glands to hormones during pregnancy, create an environment conducive to the development of acne.

Factors That Increase The Likelihood Of Acne

Dr Astha Dayal shares that approximately one in two women who are pregnant are likely to experience acne, which is a common condition. Pregnancy acne may be more likely to occur for the following reasons:

Hormonal fluctuations: As previously indicated, the main reason for acne during pregnancy is changes in hormones.

Genetics: Certain people may have a higher genetic susceptibility to acne, and pregnancy-related hormonal changes may make this risk worse.

Acne history: People who have previously experienced acne may be more likely to get it during pregnancy.

Stress and anxiety: Being pregnant may be a stressful time, and for some people, stress makes acne worse.

Are There Specific Areas More Prone To Acne During Pregnancy?

Dr Neelam Suri shares that during pregnancy, acne can develop in various areas of the body, but some regions are more prone than others.

Face

The face is the most commonly affected area, with acne often appearing on the forehead, cheeks, chin, and jawline. This is because the face has a higher concentration of sebaceous glands, which are stimulated by the hormonal changes during pregnancy, Dr Neelam Suri noted.

Neck And Chest

“The neck and chest area may also be affected, as these regions also have a significant number of sebaceous glands. In some cases, pregnant individuals may experience acne on their back, shoulders, and upper arms, a condition known as "bacne" or "body acne." This is particularly common in those who have a history of acne vulgaris or have experienced body acne before pregnancy. The distribution of acne lesions can vary from person to person, but the areas with a higher density of sebaceous glands tend to be more susceptible,” Dr Neelam said.

What Are The Potential Risks Or Complications Associated With Pregnancy Acne?

Dr Neelam Suri explains, “While pregnancy acne is generally considered a cosmetic concern, there are potential risks and complications that should be addressed. Severe or cystic acne can lead to scarring, which may be challenging to treat after pregnancy. Picking or squeezing acne lesions can increase the risk of skin infections and worsen inflammation.”

She further added, “In some cases, pregnancy acne can also contribute to psychological distress, low self-esteem, and negative body image, which can impact the overall well-being of the expectant mother. Furthermore, certain acne medications may not be safe for use during pregnancy, as they can potentially harm the developing fetus. Pregnant women must consult with their healthcare provider to develop a safe and effective treatment plan, as untreated acne can persist and potentially worsen after delivery if not properly managed during pregnancy.”

Long-Term Effects Of Pregnancy Acne On The Skin Or Overall Health

Dr Neelam shares that while pregnancy acne is usually a temporary condition, some potential long-term effects can occur if it is not properly managed.

- One of the primary concerns is the risk of scarring, especially in cases of severe or cystic acne. These scars can be difficult to treat and may persist long after the pregnancy has ended.

- Picking or squeezing acne lesions can lead to permanent hyperpigmentation or discolouration of the skin.

- In rare cases, pregnancy acne can also be associated with hormonal imbalances or underlying conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can have long-term implications for fertility and metabolic health if left untreated.

- The psychological impact of pregnancy acne should not be overlooked, as it can contribute to body image issues, low self-esteem, and increased stress levels, which can potentially affect overall well-being and mental health in the long run.

2024-05-03T15:03:53Z dg43tfdfdgfd