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Psoriasis in Pregnancy
By Dr Joe Kabyemela, MD
Psoriasis is characterized by thickened patches of inflamed red skin; the skin is
often covered by silvery scales and the new skin cells are produced about ten times
faster than normal. What happens to psoriasis in pregnancy varies. It may worsen,
get better or remain unchanged. Some forms of psoriasis may develop for the first
time in pregnancy. This makes it difficult to offer any specific advice to a person
with pre-
The dermatologist (skin specialist) should be kept involved
in the monitoring and
treatment of the condition during the course of the pregnancy. This is mainly because
when psoriasis worsens during pregnancy (which is uncommon); it requires prompt and
intensive treatment, without which both the mother and baby's life may be in danger.
SLE (systemic lupus) in pregnancy
In SLE there is inflammation of the connective tissues. This condition tends to remain
the same in pregnancy. However, as any affected person will surely be aware, it affects
other body orga
ns and systems apart from the skin. Because of this, and the antibodies
associated with this condition, there is a significantly increased risk of miscarriage,
which may become a recurrent phenomenon. Moreover, the baby may have skin lesions
when he or she is born or these may develop in the first few weeks of life.
SLE may be diagnosed for the first time in pregnancy.
The rare exacerbation tends to involve the skin and joints.