The miracle of childbirth brings many physical changes to the body. Some of these you may be familiar with while others are less known. For example, many people with a history of eczema note that their skin conditions worsens during pregnancy. This is likely connected to changing hormones and other changes that occur in the body. For others, eczema can appear after the baby is born. Read on to learn more about eczema after delivery.
Please keep in mind that although what we discuss in this post can relieve eczema, we are in no way medical professionals. If you’re experiencing severe eczema symptoms like an infection, it is best to seek medical advice immediately.
Pregnancy and Eczema
Eczema has an obvious impact on the skin. For some, it may be a minor inconvenience while for others, it can be a cause of major discomfort. During pregnancy, there are so many bodily changes that can cause eczema to flare.
It usually develops on the hands, arms, thighs, and breasts. Because the stomach has to stretch to accommodate a growing baby, naturally losing moisture and elasticity, many pregnant women also note that their stomach also tends to be itchier and drier.
Eczema after Pregnancy
Congratulations, your baby is born! But with all the attention now focused on your newborn, it’s important to take care of yourself too.
During postpartum, stress is the most common factor that triggers an eczema flare up. Your body just went through a lot, so it’s important to be gentle with yourself. Lack of sleep is another common trigger, particularly when dealing with a newborn. In addition, caring for a baby involves extra washing and cleaning. This can aggravate or irritate your skin, especially if you’re using new products.
What Does Eczema Look Like?
Eczema after pregnancy looks similar to eczema that develops at any other time. You may notice red patches of dry and scaly skin that are itchy. It’s important not to scratch as this will actually do more harm than good. If the skin cracks or bleeds due to relentless scratching, infection may develop.
How to Manage Eczema After Delivery
Gentle and natural treatments are best for dealing with sensitive skin. Here are some lifestyle changes and natural solutions we recommend:
Take a Lukewarm Bath
As tempting as it may sound, hot water can actually aggravate your skin by drying it out. That’s why we recommend taking a short, lukewarm bath or shower. To indulge in a gentle at-home spa treatment, we recommend this Conqueror Oatmeal Bath soak for eczema. Made with wholesome ingredients, it calms itchy and dry skin while providing restorative hydration for deep healing.
Moisture your Skin
Dry skin exacerbates feelings of itchiness. To make sure your skin is properly hydrated, we recommend moisturizing as often as necessary throughout the day. This Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream is made with just 6 natural ingredients, including the powerful Manuka honey. It’s perfect for using all over your body, even on delicate areas like the eyelids and lips. Be sure to moisturize after washing to replenish any lost moisture.
Switch to a Natural Soap
Another way to manage your skincare routine is by switching to a natural soap like this Grass Fed Tallow Soap. It’s the perfect choice for sensitive skin, allergy prone skin, and eczema as it’s made with just lye, water and grass fed tallow. It’s the perfect addition to your Paleo skincare routine.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/eczema-during-pregnancy#outlook
https://eczema.org/information-and-advice/living-with-eczema/pregnancy-and-eczema/
https://www.verywellfamily.com/how-to-handle-eczema-after-pregnancy-4157845
Bio: Kazandra is a contributor and content developer for The Eczema Company with a flair for creative storytelling rooted in strategy. Her comments, suggestions, and reflections are not intended to replace any medical advice. Always seek the help of a medical professional before undertaking any diet or lifestyle changes.
