Information on postpartum eczema: a skin condition that may affect new mothers after childbirth
Postpartum Eczema: Understanding and Managing Flare-ups
Postpartum life can be a whirlwind of changes, and one unexpected challenge some new mothers may face is eczema. This skin condition, characterised by itchy, red, and inflamed patches, can affect various parts of the body, including the genitals and hands of caregivers who frequently wash their hands.
It's essential to clarify that eczema is not contagious. You cannot contract it through touch after birth. However, postpartum eczema can be triggered by a combination of hormonal changes, stress, and exposure to skin irritants.
Hormonal fluctuations, particularly the increase in prolactin due to breastfeeding, can affect the immune system and skin barrier, potentially triggering eczema or hives. Psychological stress and lack of sleep, common postpartum experiences, also contribute to flare-ups. Environmental factors like exposure to extreme temperatures, allergens, and irritating fabrics or topical products may worsen eczema during the postpartum period.
To manage postpartum eczema, it's crucial to avoid triggers, use moisturizers and topical steroids, keep fingernails short, wear gloves or socks at night, use a humidifier, avoid irritants, and apply lubricating creams to damp skin. For those nursing with nipple eczema, topical steroids can be an option, but it's essential to allow an hour between application and the next feed and to wipe the nipple before nursing. Wiping breast milk on the nipple may help reduce dryness.
Facial eczema can be treated by reducing irritation from cosmetics, lotions, or soaps, using a gentle skin care routine, and treating eczema with topical steroids and emollients. Emollients and lifestyle modifications can help manage eczema, but relapses often occur.
Interestingly, the chance of a baby developing eczema is influenced by the family's health history. If only one parent has eczema, asthma, or hay fever, the baby's risk is 1 in 4. If neither parent nor any siblings have these conditions, the risk decreases to 1 in 10. However, if any siblings or both parents have eczema, asthma, or hay fever, the risk increases to 1 in 2.
It's important to note that while family history can provide some insight, it doesn't definitively predict whether a baby will develop eczema. With the proper treatment, people can manage their postpartum eczema, but finding what works may take trial and error.
In conclusion, postpartum eczema is a common issue that new mothers may face. By understanding its causes and adopting appropriate management strategies, new mothers can effectively manage this condition and enjoy their postpartum journey.
- Family history can influence an infant's likelihood of developing eczema, with a higher risk if either parent, siblings, or both parents have eczema, asthma, or hayfever.
- To manage postpartum eczema, it's necessary to avoid triggers, use moisturizers and topical steroids, keep fingernails short, wear gloves or socks at night, use a humidifier, avoid irritants, and apply lubricating creams to damp skin.
- Facial eczema can be treated by reducing irritation from cosmetics, lotions, or soaps, using a gentle skin care routine, and treating eczema with topical steroids and emollients.
- Hormonal fluctuations, particularly the increase in prolactin due to breastfeeding, can affect the immune system and skin barrier, potentially triggering eczema or hives in the postpartum period.
- The science of health-and-wellness, especially in women's health and skin-care, can provide guidance on managing postpartum eczema, helping new mothers enjoy their postpartum journey.
