Dermatological Treatments for Pregnant Women, When to Do It?

Before and after pregnancy, various doubts arise One of the dreams of many women is pregnancy and what treatments can be done during and after gestation? Several complaints arise during the gestational period due to hormonal changes, including acne, stretch marks, fungal infections, scalp dermatitis, and melasma – a brownish stain that appears during pregnancy – which can accompany the patient for life. According to dermatologist and member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD), Irene Baldi, most aesthetic treatments are not allowed during pregnancy because studies do not guarantee the safety of fetuses, but in general, acne, stains, and fungal infections, which can also occur due to humidity, can be treated with caution, without any risk. Some acids can be used during pregnancy, but always under the guidance of dermatologists. Vitamins also help in the formation of the baby. "After birth, during breastfeeding, there are whitening creams, peels, and some lasers to treat stretch marks that can be done without any risk," explains the doctor. "We also provide a vitamin support to reduce hair loss – which is one of the major concerns and can start during pregnancy and persist for four to six months – and to strengthen the hair," says Irene. According to the doctor, at home, it is possible to hydrate the skin and take other precautions: "Massage the periumbilical area and the hip area during bathing, with a soft sponge, to activate circulation for the prevention of stretch marks, and use products that can reduce oiliness on the face and scalp. It is precisely the prevention that will make the difference for this pregnant woman," highlights the dermatologist. To treat the body and swelling during pregnancy, aesthetic devices cannot be used, but the dermatologist recommends lymphatic drainage, which should be done as early as the first trimester of pregnancy. "It is very beneficial for the pregnant woman, makes a big difference during pregnancy, and in life as a whole, preventing edema," she affirms. "Another important factor is to use sunscreen; it really prevents the exacerbation of melasma because if the pregnant woman already has the hormonal component to pigment the skin, if she does not use sunscreen, the melasma will become very apparent," points out the dermatologist.