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How do I Treat Rosacea During Pregnancy?

Erin J. Hill
Erin J. Hill

There are a variety of ways to control rosacea during pregnancy that do not involve the use of harmful medications. Some natural remedies may be implemented such as drinking plenty of water, and applying tea tree oil or moisturizing lotions to the skin. Occasionally prescription medications may be used in severe cases. Using certain food items, like cucumbers, may help reduce inflammation and redness.

If your condition is not severe or widespread, your doctor may recommend using natural therapies to treat your rosacea during pregnancy. Many medications commonly prescribed to treat the condition can be harmful to a developing fetus, especially in the first trimester when the organ systems are developing. Remedies you may try include drinking plenty of water to help your skin hydrate and regenerate itself, and applying over the counter lotions and creams which contain natural ingredients.

Drinking plenty of water during pregnancy may help manage rosacea problems.
Drinking plenty of water during pregnancy may help manage rosacea problems.

One common natural remedy for skin irritation is tea tree oil. It has naturally occurring anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that have been shown to help a wide range of skin conditions. When used externally, it is generally considered safe for the treatment of rosacea during pregnancy.

Some food sources may also help with swelling and discomfort caused by rosacea. Cucumbers or cucumber based creams have been shown to reduce swelling and soothe skin. Aloe is another popular option that is safe for use during pregnancy.

Tea tree oil may be used as a natural remedy for skin irritation.
Tea tree oil may be used as a natural remedy for skin irritation.

You may also try over the counter lotions sold for dry skin. Baby lotion is one option, as well as many eczema creams targeted toward infants and young children. Most moisturizing creams will be safe for use during pregnancy, but if you are in doubt about any item in particular, do not hesitate to speak with your doctor or midwife.

If your condition is very severe and causing you extreme levels of discomfort, your doctor may prescribe medication to apply to the skin. Most orally taken rosacea drugs are not safe for use by pregnant women, but there are exceptions. Your doctor may require you to wait until after the first trimester to begin taking a prescription medication to avoid rare but serious potential birth defects.

Cucumbers may help reduce skin inflammation and redness.
Cucumbers may help reduce skin inflammation and redness.

Do not use any medication to treat rosacea during pregnancy without first speaking to a trained medical professional. Many popular creams and gels, including corticosteroids, have been shown to cause abnormalities during fetal development. Any medications that are deemed necessary should be taken under the direct supervision of your doctor and only when safer options have not been effective.

Discussion Comments

anon930807

Bluedolphin, I was in the same situation as you. I had good skin until I became pregnant and it got progressively worse. What worked for me was routine.

I made sure I drank my eight glasses of water every day, cleansed my face with gentle cleansers (Cetaphil is a favorite of mine), moisturised using gentle products such as Simple, Cetaphil moisturizer and baby lotion. Sudocrem was also effective on a night but only a few nights a week. Cucumber slices on the skin helped with inflammation, as well as avoiding make-up.

Time is also a factor -- getting into a routine is one thing but it can take weeks to take effect, so just stick to it. If you can't go without make-up, try using natural products. Check out KMS Mineralessentials, since they are really good for coverage as well as containing next to no harmful chemicals. I'm still managing my rosacea but it has improved and I'm now 15 weeks and three days along. Good luck!

anon351331

I'm not so sure that the tea tree oil is a good idea, since it actually dries out the skin and makes inflammation worse!

expert

@ankara: You should drink three to five cups of green tea and apply aloe vera gel (extracted from aloe vera plant) or you can plant it in your home, and you should also apply pure olive oil on your face in morning or at evening. If you apply aloe in the morning, then apply olive oil in the evening and you should also use dry dairy milk, 50-80 grams. You will feel a great difference after a week. Please remember me in your prayers

ddljohn

@ankara-- Make oatmeal, let it cool and apply it to your face. Let it sit for a while and then clean off. It will calm your skin and hydrate it, it's very beneficial for rosacea.

burcinc

@ankara-- Try liquid green tea extract.

You can get it online or at select stores selling natural products. Add it to the face lotion you are using right now and use it as normal.

I had excellent results with this and like you, I was also unwilling to use anything potentially dangerous to my baby during pregnancy.

After your pregnancy, you can also take green tea supplements if your rosacea continues. Good luck!

bluedolphin

I never had rosacea before I was pregnant but started experiencing it during my second month of pregnancy. Now I'm four months pregnant and my rosacea is very bad. My skin is irritated, red, burning and painful.

I don't want to take any prescription medicine even if my doctor says it's okay.I have tried mild face lotions, an over the counter acne treatment and eczema cream but it hasn't helped at all.

Is there anything else I can do? If anyone has experienced this and has had good results with a particular product or treatment that's safe during pregnancy, please let me know.

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