Planning for a Pregnancy? Don’t Let Eczema, Psoriasis Get in the Way

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you may need to consider different options for treating certain health issues. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) offers some suggestions for pregnant women living with the common skin conditions eczema and psoriasis. “Women may consider their health care decisions differently during different stages of their lives,” says Chicago dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Kiracofe, an expert in eczema and psoriasis. “The potential for motherhood requires constant vigilance in evaluating medical choices, which is why it’s important for women living with eczema and psoriasis to partner with a board-certified dermatologist,” she said in an academy news release. Psoriasis and eczema affect men and women differently, according to the AAD. Women who are harder hit by the conditions are also more likely to experience depression, some research has shown. RELATED: Stop Scratching! Try These Natural Remedies for Itchy Scalp You don’t have to stop treatment altogether “The medicines most commonly used as a first option to treat both eczema and psoriasis do not affect birth control, impact fertility, time to conception or the ability to breastfeed after pregnancy,” Kiracofe shares. “However, traditional medications that suppress the immune system are often not recommended during pregnancy.” Among...