Pregnancy brings about so many changes. The skin is especially susceptible to a myriad of conditions that, while common, are not too pleasant. When you think it’s all over and your skin would return to its normal state after having your baby, other skin woes may start popping up. Fortunately, postpartum skin problems can be treated easily. Here are the most common skin conditions after giving birth and how new mothers can remedy them.
Common Postnatal Skin Issues
1. Stretch Marks
One of the most common skin conditions after childbirth is stretch marks. “Some of the skin changes during pregnancy will continue after giving birth – for example, stretch marks. This condition is due to the stretching of the abdominal skin within a short period of time and hormonal changes,” says Dr Peter Ch’ng Wee Beng, a Dermatologist at Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur (GHKL).
2. Hyperpigmentation
Any black splotches you had during pregnancy will typically vanish after a few months. They are usually visible on the face and around the nipples. Melasma (also known as chloasma) is a type of skin pigmentation change that usually fades when your hormone levels return to normal, and your body stops creating as much melanin. According to Dr Ch’ng, hyperpigmentation is due to hormonal changes. For melasma, however, it is caused by cumulative ultraviolet damage since young, genetics, and the ageing process.
3. Lumps and Bumps or Skin Tags
Skin tags usually go away after delivery, but if there’s still extra skin hanging around a few months later, you should schedule an appointment with your dermatologist to get them removed. The procedure is simple and painless (similar to removing a wart).
4. Saggy Skin and Persistent Abdominal Fat
Saggy skin is a common skin complaint amongst new moms. The skin extends during pregnancy to accommodate the increasing bump. Hormonal changes will cause the belly to shrink from the minute the child is born. However, your womb (uterus) will not contract to its pre-pregnancy size for another six to eight weeks. The extra fluid in your body accumulated during pregnancy will gradually drain. As a result, many women notice that the skin surrounding their stomach is loose after giving birth.
5. Spider Veins and Varicose Veins
Spider veins are usually a transitory side effect of pregnancy. When your blood volume returns to normal after delivery, they usually diminish. This can happen in three or four months. However, they may not always go away completely. Dr Ch’ng explains that spider veins and varicose veins often arise from increased pressure to the leg veins due to weight gain.
Following pregnancy, when progesterone levels return to normal, varicose veins in some women tend to improve. However, varicose veins can also persist in certain women after childbirth and worsen with subsequent pregnancies, regardless of which category you fall into.
6. Hair Loss
Telogen effluvium is the term for an increase in shedding hairs after giving birth. Postpartum hair loss is also known as ‘wimpy buns’. It usually starts one to six months following childbirth. While it can continue up to 18 months, most women notice that their hair returns much sooner.
“Telogen effluvium is caused by psychological or physical stress after delivery,” Dr Ch’ng says. “Therefore, we have to make sure that the patient is not anaemic or have low iron levels during pregnancy and delivery. Some of the patients can develop thyroid disease during pregnancy, and that itself can also cause hair loss.”
7. Underlying Medical Illnesses
Once your baby is born, your immune system returns to its pre-pregnancy state. Certain underlying illnesses can pop up during this time, including skin diseases. “Underlying medical illness may worsen during pregnancy because of changes in the immune system,” Dr Ch’ng says. Psoriasis, for example, is a common condition that flares up or worsens after giving birth.
8. Contact Skin Allergy
Contact dermatitis is a red rash caused by an allergic reaction due to contact with certain substances. The rash can be itchy, but it isn’t contagious or life-threatening, although it can be rather bothersome. Drugs, soaps, cosmetics, perfumes, jewellery, and plants can trigger allergic responses.
“Sometimes, patients may develop drug allergies as a result of the drugs administered during delivery,” Dr Ch’ng adds. “Occasionally patients may also develop contact skin allergy to liniments or “urut” during confinement.” Liniment is a medicated topical preparation formulated into lotions or balms for application to the skin. It is also sometimes called a heat rub.
Treatments and Natural Remedies
Most postpartum skin problems tend to resolve on their own in a matter of time. If they don’t, consult your healthcare provider. Here are some medical recommendations by Dr Ch’ng to treat various skin problems after giving birth.
- Stretch marks: Moisturise, and if it persists, we may recommend lasers or ultrasound devices to tighten the skin.
- Melasma: We need to prevent the condition from getting worse by UV avoidance. We can also improve the condition with a combination treatment of oral, topicals, and lasers.
- Lumps and bumps: These can easily be removed via lasers if they are cosmetically affecting the patients.
- Saggy skin: Lifting energy-based devices such as micro-focused ultrasound with direct visualisation can help.
- Fat: For skin fat, it can be removed using a device that cools the fat and gradually induces the fat cells to die.
- Spider veins: Vascular lasers are an effective treatment for this condition.
- Acne: Products with physical treatment are usually recommended. Sometimes patients may need oral treatment such as antibiotics and retinoids.
- Telogen Effluvium: DO NOTHING. Most of the time, it will grow back on its own within six months.
- Contact skin allergy: Stop using the liniments that cause the problem – you may also need topical steroids.
In addition, you can follow home remedies for sustaining your skin health. Have a cardio routine to burn fat and help tone muscles. Drink a lot of fluids and consume foods rich in protein and fats. Oil massages and skin spa treatments as per the recommendation of your dermatologist is good as well.
“Depending on the skin condition, for oily skin patients, I’ll tell them to use a cleanser during the day to reduce oil followed by a sunblock. At night I’ll ask them to use a hydrating cleanser with moisturisers,” Dr Ch’ng advises. “Sometimes, we may add on a night cream that contains retinoids. But for some patients with dry skin, it’s best to concentrate on moisturising the skin and if it is on the face, use non-comedogenic products.”
By: Dr. Peter Ch’ng Wee Beng
Dermatology,
Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur (GHKL)
