Managing Psoriasis During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding

Psoriasis is a common skin problem that affects millions of people across the world, including conceiving and nursing mothers.

Some women reported improvements in their psoriasis symptoms during pregnancy. The reason behind this is that the production of their progesterone hampers the overactive immune system associated with the triggering of psoriasis.

But for some, their skin problem just gets worse. They experience flare-ups that leave them little choice but to seek professional help to soothe the symptoms.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are both delicate situations that call for extra care and awareness. It is impossible to predict how a woman will behave during and after pregnancy, and when they will have flare-ups or remissions. But it is still possible to reduce risks by being more aware of the drugs used or ingested. 

In this article, we will be discussing the safe ways for managing psoriasis during pregnancy. We will also tackle the safest route to breastfeeding while taking psoriasis medications.

Pregnant Women

Pregnant women should be aware of anything they take

Managing psoriasis during pregnancy can be done by using the following products. Just make sure you are using the appropriate dosage advised by your doctor.

Moisturisers and emollients

Moisturisers and emollients can help protect the skin from chaffing. They can also reduce the risk of flare-ups whenever the skin becomes irritated. These products have little to no risks when used while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Petroleum jelly, Cetaphil, and mineral oil are some of the safest options available. Look for fragrance-free options like those from Medovie because they do not contain compounds that are irritating to the skin.

Corticosteroids

A light to mid-strength corticosteroid is usually what doctors give to patients who are pregnant or who must do breastfeeding with psoriasis. 

Doctors recommend the use of low-dose topical steroids for managing psoriasis during pregnancy. However, they also advise using the drug only when needed. The side effects of steroids can affect the skin and this is a crucial factor during pregnancy. 

The skin of pregnant women goes through a lot of changes during and after pregnancy. Keeping it healthy is very important, so using safe and natural medicine is the recommended option. 

Phototherapy

Light treatment for managing psoriasis during pregnancy is one of the most recommended options by specialists. There are two types considered safe to use during pregnancy: Narrowband UVB and Broadband UVB.

They increase your chance of developing melasma or the appearance of dark patches on the face. If you are taking phototherapy treatment, it is advised that you avoid sun exposure or at least cover your face if you cannot avoid sunlight.

Breastfeeding Women

Breastfeeding women should be careful of what they ingest and apply to their breasts

If you have a history of psoriasis, you will often find yourself suffering from flare-ups after giving birth. In this case, breastfeeding with psoriasis can be tricky, especially if the affected area is on the breast or nipple.

There are still no studies on what kind of medicines for psoriasis can be passed through breastmilk. However, there are reports on babies developing problems when nursing moms use certain psoriasis medications.

Still, there are safe ways for managing psoriasis while breastfeeding. Here are the medications often prescribed when you are nursing.

Corticosteroids

If you are using a strong corticosteroid, you must be aware not to apply it near or on your nipple because it is the part that will have direct contact with the baby.

You should avoid applying steroid creams before breastfeeding. If you do, just thoroughly wash off the cream before nursing the baby.

Calcipotriene

This is a synthetic vitamin D supplement usually given for managing psoriasis during pregnancy and when breastfeeding. Assigned dermatologist has to be consulted first in determining the right dosage. 

Phototherapy

There have been no known reports of any complications arising from undergoing phototherapy while breastfeeding with psoriasis. So, this is a good option to consider when you need to deal with psoriasis that is getting out of hand.

Once the baby has been born, it is okay to go back to your normal routine. You can basically use any skincare product you have been using before. But take care that you do not use medications that are too strong when you are breastfeeding. Breastmilk and psoriasis drugs do not go well together, so make sure you tell your doctor before you begin nursing.

Which Medications To Avoid

While it is possible to take medications or apply creams for managing psoriasis during pregnancy, there are some treatments that you should avoid altogether.

The following drugs for managing psoriasis must be avoided during pregnancy or when breastfeeding.

Acitretin

This can cause birth defects, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. This medication for psoriasis is so potent that doctors recommend that you stop using it at least three years before you plan to get pregnant.

Methotrexate

This drug has been associated with birth defects such as cleft palate, or worse, miscarriages. It can even cause chromosome problems that doctors recommend both partners to stop using the medication at least three months before planning to get pregnant. While the drug will not affect your capacity to conceive, it can reduce the sperm count of the male.

Tazarotene

Topical treatments including coal tar and Tazorac must be avoided. They are labeled as category X and are known to cause birth defects. It is advised that you stop using the drug and immediately tell your doctor in case you become pregnant, miss your menstrual cycle, or stop using birth control. 

Using this as psoriasis medication when breastfeeding is also not advisable. 

Biologics  

Stop taking biologics like Humira, Enbrel, and Remicade. Taking these medicines has been found to cause severe birth defects, or worse, miscarriage. It is strongly advised that you stop taking these medications even before you get pregnant. These should be avoided until you have given birth. 

In case your psoriasis flares up during pregnancy, do not fret. Anxiety and stress can make your skin problem worse. Just hydrate your skin, especially your belly and breasts which are prone to having stretch marks. When in doubt, always consult your dermatologist first for the best solution for managing psoriasis during pregnancy.

The Best Solution For Managing Psoriasis During Pregnancy

As a mother, you do not want to risk your baby having complications because of the medications you take. If you are looking for natural psoriasis treatment during pregnancy, consider using Medovie. Medovie skincare products are designed for managing the appearance of psoriasis during pregnancy without any harmful effects.

Our range of Medovie products are made with natural ingredients safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women

Medovie products contain the patented 3HX™ formula. This is the extracted contents of the most powerful botanicals in traditional Chinese medicine, combined into the right amount to improve the appearance of psoriasis-prone skin.

Our line of Medovie products is steroid-free. They are all made from natural ingredients extracted from the most powerful herbal botanicals. 

We have a range of skincare solutions designed to address and improve the appearance of psoriasis during pregnancy. They can be applied on the skin or scalp, depending on where the affected area is.

If you still have some questions regarding the safety of our products, feel free to contact us and talk to our skincare experts.