Pregnant women require specialized treatment for eczema, psoriasis

Key takeaways:

• Pregnant women must consult their dermatologists about eczema or psoriasis treatment.
• Treatment options for pregnant women include moisturizers, mild corticosteroids and phototherapy.

NEW ORLEANS — Pregnant women with eczema or psoriasis may need to exercise increased caution when evaluating treatment options, according to a presentation at the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting.

“The potential for motherhood requires constant vigilance in evaluating medical choices,” Elizabeth A. Kiracofe, MD, FAAD, founder and dermatologist at Airia Comprehensive Dermatology in Chicago, said in an AAD press release. “Traditional medications that suppress the immune system are often not recommended during pregnancy.”

In addition to immunosuppressants, medicines that are more precise at targeting the source of the disease, while safer for most patients, are not approved for pregnant women and should be discontinued before starting a family, according to Kiracofe.

However, some of the safest and most widely used treatments for pregnant women with eczema or psoriasis include moisturizers, low-to-mid strength corticosteroids and phototherapy. Moisturizers work by assisting the skin in protecting itself, whereas mild corticosteroids stabilize symptoms. According to Kiracofe, phototherapy is another great option; however, a dermatologist must be on site to monitor administration.

“It is unfortunate to me how often women think they have to stop all treatment during pregnancy, so I am always happy to share that we actually have a number of options with very good safety data,” Kiracofe said. “Pregnancy is hard enough without women also having to deal with an itchy rash.”

While these options may be safe during pregnancy, Kiracofe emphasized that personal consultations from board-certified dermatologists are vital.

“It’s important to remember that dermatologists can help women treat their skin conditions during every stage of their lives, especially when they are considering starting a family,” she said. “Our goal is to guide them through a shared decision-making process and support them in deciding which treatment plan is best for their unique situation.”

Reference:

• Treatment options for pregnant women living with ezcema and psoriasis. https://www.aad.org/news/treatment-pregnant-women-eczema-psoriasis. Published March 17, 2023. Accessed March 28, 2023.