Hormones Can Affect Your Skin (Especially During Pregnancy & Menopause). Here's What You Can Do.

Two of the most stressful periods in a woman’s life, pregnancy and menopause, can result in a range of hormonal skin disorders. Our compassionate team at Seacoast Dermatology, PLLC — James Dinulos, MD; Andrew Werchniak, MD; Maria Petkova, NP-C; Emily Farrell, PA-C; and Darin Franceschini, PA-C — can help you combat any skin issues that may arise.

The ABCs of acne

During pregnancy and menopause, certain hormones go into overdrive and oil glands beneath your skin may produce more oil (sebum). This oil, along with dead skin cells, can become trapped as they flow toward the surface, creating cysts, pimples, and other forms of acne.

Our team can help you with:

• Painful acne cysts or nodules
• Sudden breakouts caused by pregnancy, menopause, or other hormonal changes
• Acne that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter remedies

We can devise a customized plan to remedy your problem, which may incorporate:

• Prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide creams
• Oral or topical antibiotic medications
• Retinoid or tretinoin medications
• Pore extractions
• Chemical peels

You can fight acne at home by:

• Using water-based products instead of oily cosmetics, conditioners, and sunscreens, which can cause acne
• Shampooing every day if you develop acne around your hairline
• Avoiding facial scrubs, astringents, masks, and excessive washing, which can irritate your skin and worsen acne

Usually, your skin only absorbs small amounts of topical creams. So most of these are considered safe to use during pregnancy. We can discuss with you which treatments are best for you.

What are the symptoms of rosacea?

Inflammatory skin diseases, such as rosacea, often appear in cycles of flare-up and remission that can vary from mild to severe. Hormonal changes brought about by pregnancy and perimenopause can increase rosacea flare-ups. More than 14 million Americans suffer from this condition, which can lead to ongoing facial redness and acne-like pimples. It may even signal an underlying autoimmune disease.

We examine you to see if you suffer from this issue. Signs of rosacea may include:

• Acne-like pimples
• Burning, itching, or stinging
• Visible small vessels
• Roughness and dryness

Since diet and environment may also trigger rosacea, our specialists counsel you on nutrition and lifestyle changes to help reduce your flare-ups.

The agony of eczema

Woman may experience eczema flare-ups during pregnancy. Fortunately, eczema isn’t contagious and won’t harm your baby. It does, however, cause unsightly redness, itchiness, and inflammation. Our team at Seacoast Dermatology, PLLC, treats your eczema with:

• Antibiotic medications
• Antifungal creams
• Wet dressings
• Light therapy
• Prescription-strength antihistamines
• Oral or topical corticosteroids, which have been approved for use during pregnancy
• Specialized moisturizers

Win your fight over hair loss

Hair loss in women can occur during times of stress and hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause. Treatments include medications, anti-androgen hormone-blocking drugs, and iron supplements. Our team evaluates your specific case to decide which treatments may be right for you.

Reduce menopausal skin changes

During menopause, your body produces less collagen. Your skin’s elasticity diminishes, as well. Dryness caused by hormonal changes can increase sagging and wrinkling. Avoid overly hot showers and apply water-based moisturizer to help your skin stay hydrated, without adding excessive oil that can clog your pores and cause skin problems.

We can also connect the dots to make sure any menopausal age spots aren’t actually skin cancer. We treat age spots with creams, laser, and other techniques, while looking out for suspicious signs of cancer.

Whether you suffer from acne, rashes, or other skin problems exacerbated by hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or other issues, our caring team at Seacoast Dermatology, PLLC, in New Hampshire provides treatments, nutritional guidance, medical aesthetics, and topical applications to help you feel and look your best. Simply call one of our offices or book an appointment online today.