10-20 per cent women may experience psoriasis during pregnancy, finds study

Hormonal changes caused during pregnancy can trigger the risk of psoriasis in about 1020 per cent of women said health experts on SaturdayPsoriasis is a commonly seen chronic autoimmune condition that causes skin inflammation with thick itchy scaly patches most commonly on the knees elbows trunk and even the scalp The common symptoms are red patches rashes scaling of the skin dry and cracked skin itching and sorenessIt is caused due to an overactive immune system that causes inflammationldquoPregnancy is an exciting and lifechanging phase for women Though it can often bring about various challenges for expectant mothers and one concerning problem is psoriasis The hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy often lead to variations in immune response which can trigger flareupsrdquo Dr Jisha Pillai Dermatologist Lilavati Hospital Mumbai told IANSldquoAround 1020 per cent of women may suffer from psoriasis during pregnancy However there will be no risk to the foetus due to psoriasisrdquo added PillaiPillai noted that stress during pregnancy can also aggravate existing psoriasis and lead to the new onset of this condition Moreover changes in skincare routine and sensitivity to environmental triggers might position pregnant individuals at greater risk for outbreaksOther trigger factors include smoking secondhand smoke alcohol skin infections cold weather and certain medicationsBesides pregnancy hormones that can affect the immune system and skin potentially altering psoriasis severity changes in medicines can also work as potential triggers for psoriasisldquoMany psoriasis treatments are not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks to the foetus Women may need to discontinue certain medications which can lead to flareupsrdquo Dr Parinita Kalita Associate Director Obstetrics And Gynaecology Robotic Surgery Max Super Speciality Hospital told IANSWomen with more severe psoriasis before pregnancy may also have a higher risk of exacerbation the doctor notedThe health experts stressed the need to consult a dermatologist and an obstetrician to help manage psoriasis effectively during pregnancy They must use products suggested by dermatologists only and avoid selfmedication for managing symptoms of this conditionldquoWomen must report symptoms of psoriasis such as red patches scaling of the skin and itchiness without any delay for seeking timely interventionrdquo Pillai saidAlso ReadWorld Psoriasis Day What is the skin disease and why stress may be one of the causesThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever