The exact cause of keratosis pilaris is usually unknown. The tiny skin bumps are hair follicles plugged by dead skin cells. Hormonal changes during pregnancy may increase the risk of keratosis pilaris.
This article discusses keratosis pilaris during pregnancy and how to treat it.
Types of Skin Conditions During Pregnancy
Hormonal changes during pregnancy may lead to a variety of skin changes. Many pregnant individuals report changes in their skin, nails, and hair at some point during the prenatal or postnatal periods.
Possible skin changes during pregnancy may include:
Skin darkening Acne Stretch marks Varicose veins Spider veins Melasma Linea nigra
Signs / Symptoms of Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis pilaris is a common, harmless skin condition that usually resolves on its own. This condition does not cause pain or itching and is not contagious.
Common signs and symptoms of keratosis pilaris include:
Tiny, painless bumpsGoosebump-like bumpsDry, rough patches of skinPink skin or redness Patches of skin that feel like sandpaper
Causes
Keratosis pilaris is caused by a build-up of keratin on the skin. Keratin is a protein in the hair that protects the skin from infection. When this protein builds up on the skin’s surface, it causes the hair follicle to become clogged. This leads to tiny bumps that appear like goosebumps.
It is unknown why some pregnant individuals experience a build-up of keratin while others do not. Those with a history of dry skin may be at an increased risk of keratosis pilaris.
Diagnosis
Keratosis pilaris is diagnosed by a physical exam by your healthcare provider. There is no diagnostic test to detect keratosis pilaris. Your healthcare provider can make a diagnosis based on the appearance of your skin and your description of your symptoms.
Treatment
Keratosis pilaris usually resolves on its own. There is no known prevention or cure for keratosis pilaris, but it can be treated.
Keratosis pilaris is typically treated with chemical exfoliant creams. These creams remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. This helps to clear out the clogged hair follicles and resolve the irritation.
However, most chemical exfoliants are not recommended during pregnancy. The skin changes during pregnancy can cause your skin to become more sensitive and dry.
To treat keratosis pilaris during pregnancy, focus on gentle ways to remove dead skin cells, dirt, and oil from the skin’s surface. Gentle exfoliation methods include gently massaging the skin with a loofah or washcloth. Avoid scrubbing the skin. This could lead to more irritation and worsened symptoms.
Retinols treat keratosis pilaris by helping the skin shed old cells. However, retinol creams, retinoids, and treatments are not considered safe during pregnancy. They can lead to birth defects. Salicylic acid is a chemical exfoliant that clears pores and helps to remove dead skin cells. It can be used in pregnancy in small quantities that are washed off quickly. Even though salicylic acid can be used in pregnancy, it is generally not recommended because it could increase the risk of possible birth defects.
After exfoliating your skin, it’s important to moisturize to prevent dryness. Choose a quality moisturizer and use it daily. Using a humidifier at home may also help your skin to retain its moisture.
Risk Factors
Possible risk factors of keratosis pilaris include:
Family history Dry skin History of allergies or asthma Eczema Ichthyosis vulgaris (when the skin is unable to shed dead skin cells) Melanoma
Coping
To cope with keratosis pilaris during pregnancy, focusing on taking good care of your skin is helpful. Use a daily moisturizer and avoid any harsh soaps or detergents. Hot baths and showers can dry out the skin, so keep the water warm and limit your time in the tub to 10 minutes or less.
Summary
Keratosis pilaris is a benign skin condition that causes tiny, painless bumps on the skin. The bumps are caused by hair follicles clogged with dead skin cells. The hormonal changes during pregnancy may raise the risk of keratosis pilaris. It is usually treated with a chemical exfoliant cream, but many of these creams are unsafe during pregnancy. Talk with your healthcare provider about safe ways to exfoliate and moisturize your skin.
A Word From Verywell
Pregnancy can be an overwhelming time of rapid change. You may be surprised at how different your hair, nails, or skin have become. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have recently developed symptoms of keratosis pilaris. While many treatments are unsafe during pregnancy, there are still steps that you can take to treat skin dryness and bumps.
