My Journey with Psoriasis During Pregnancy

Psoriasis during pregnancy can be tricky. I have psoriasis and I am currently 6 months pregnant. Let me begin by saying almost immediately after I found out about my new bundle of joy, I had a major flare-up! My skin, especially my abdomen was almost completely covered. Of course, I was very self-conscious about it. Of course, since I was pregnant, naturally my husband would want to rub my stomach or ask to see the baby kick but I would be very reluctant out of embarrassment from my plaques.

Pregnancy and psoriasis

After talking with my dermatologist about my flare, I learned that it could be due to the increased amount of hormones and stress on my body due to the pregnancy. Of course, my follow up question to my dermatologist was simple: Can I just have a refill on my topical steroid cream? Well her next answer came as a huge shock! She told me that many steroid creams are not recommended for use during pregnancy. This is due to an increased risk of harm to the fetus. She explained to me that another reason certain steroid creams are not recommended during pregnancy is that many medications have just not been tested enough in pregnant women to know their safety. Puzzled, I looked at her in disbelief. There I was almost completely covered in plaques only to find out I can not resume my usual psoriasis treatments. I was horrified.

A talk with my doctor about treatment options

Pregnancy definitely alters psoriasis treatment options. My obstetrician and dermatologist discussed what treatment options were safe for me and my baby and which were unsafe. My dermatologist recommended phototherapy. After talking with my obstetrician, she confirmed that light treatment was the safest treatment for me during my pregnancy. This was a great relief because I’d had success with phototherapy treatment in the past. My skin improved after about one month of treatment. I began by going into the office twice a week for about two to three weeks. Soon, I realized driving to the office weekly was a bit strenuous and time-consuming due to the long commute to the office. I then stopped going to the office every week and I began using my in-home phototherapy light panel. By the second month of my pregnancy, I saw a great improvement with my skin. I was practically clear again!

My support system

Throughout my pregnancy, my husband, my family, and my friends have been my greatest support system. In the beginning, it was extremely difficult for me because I had a very bad flare up and I struggled because many of the usual treatment options were not safe for my baby. I am very happy to have found a way to cope with and a treatment regime that is safe. My husband and my mother provide so much support by always being there to talk to and reassure me that I’m doing great regardless if I am experiencing a flare or not. Currently, my skin has been doing quite well. I still make sure I keep my skin very moisturized by using thicker oils and creams like cocoa butter, shea butter and coconut oil. I am happy I made the decisions I did not only take control of my flare-ups but ultimately to ensure the safety and health of my child.