Skin Disorders In Pregnancy

Pregnancy-related skin changes are common in women and often become a cause for great concern. Some of these changes are common and normal such as stretch marks, acne and pigmentation. Some are common and abnormal like PUPP (pruritic uriticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy); and some occur during, but are not related to pregnancy (i.e. rashes related to immune conditions such as lupus).

This month’s newsletter addresses stretch marks, a common and normal change in pregnant women. I will explain the physiology of this condition and offer ways to minimize its development.

Also known as striae gravidarium, stretch marks affect 50 – 90 percent of all pregnant women. Although common, their unsightly physical appearance and the fact that they tend to persist after delivery can cause anxiety.

Symptoms: In most cases stretch marks do not present any symptoms. However, on occasion they can be associated with intense itching and burning.

Location: Stretch marks can appear on various parts of the body. The most likely areas are those that undergo rapid expansion such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, breasts, and underarms.

Appearance: Stretch marks first appear as pinkish, purple lesions that are slightly elevated, called striae rubra. In time, these lesions become blanched, linear streaks with surface depressions and fine wrinkling called linea alba. On microscopic study, striae show a thinning of the dermis which is a layer of connective tissue beneath the skin’s surface. These areas are remarkable for atrophy and a decrease in elastic fibers and collagen in the areas of skin where striae occur.

Cause: It is not completely known what causes stretch marks. Available data is somewhat confusing, since you can develop them in one pregnancy but not in another. Genetics, age and race all play a role, but rapid stretching of the skin and the rise in hormone levels (estrogen and cortisol) are key factors in their development.

Prevention and Treatment: Once stretch marks are formed, they are permanent. Various remedies have been developed to reduce their unsightly appearance, but they can only be used after delivery, since their safety for the developing fetus is not yet been established. Used topically, but not approved for use during pregnancy, tretinoin in conjunction with pulsed laser therapy has shown some success in reducing the appearance of stretch marks postpartum; but it does not eliminate them.

Because there is no known cure for stretch marks, prevention is most important. Beaute de Maman™ has developed an absorbent cream for stretch mark prevention. Its unique formula contains hyaluronic acid and special herbal ingredients which scientific studies have shown to increase skin collagen and elastin. These ingredients also increase skin moisture and prevent drying. Specially prepared to contain no messy oils which are common in the products currently on the market, this stretch mark cream will not stain clothes when placed on a protruding abdomen.

The Beaute de Maman™ Stretch Mark Cream is odorless in order to avoid the possible aversion to smells and/or allergic reactions that women often experience during pregnancy. It has also been tested on hundreds of pregnant women, and the ingredients have been adjusted to achieve maximum benefit and success.

We hope you enjoy using our stretch mark cream during your pregnancy, and we are sure that you will notice a marked increase in the hydration and moisturization of your skin when you do. Although stretch marks are not a major health risk to the mother-to-be or the child, prevention can help improve your psychological wellbeing and in turn improve your quality of life during pregnancy.