Bed bugs are small parasites that feed on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals. Adult bed bugs are reddish brown, oval shaped and wingless. They are mainly active at night, and can be seen by the naked eye. They are attracted to their hosts by warmth and the presence of carbon dioxide. And like a mosquito, they inject their saliva, which contains anti-coagulants and anesthetics, into your skin with one tube, while withdrawing blood with the other tube. They feed for about 5 minutes before returning to its hiding place.

Due to the anesthetics in the saliva it injects, you usually cannot feel the bite for some minutes or hours later. Bites are usually raised red bumps or flat welts, and are very itchy. Bedbug bites look very similar to mosquito bites, except they last longer. They also appear in bites of three, similar to flea bites, but they do not have the red dot in the center which is characteristic of flea bites.

Almost 50% of people get no visible sign of the bites whatsoever. For the rest of us, the bites can burn and become extremely itchy. If over-the-counter cortisone creams are not effective, see your dermatologist for a prescription strength cream or cortisone shot for more expedient relief.

In the February 15, 2010 issue of Time magazine, researchers at Rutgers University created a homemade bedbug trap using a plastic cat-food dish, an insulated jug and some dry ice pellets. They reported that this homemade contraption captured the bloodsucking critters in an infested apartment just as effectively as, if not more so than, equipment used by professional exterminators:

Get an insulated 1/3 gallon jug, like the kind sold in camping supply stores. Fill with 2.5 lbs of dry ice, which costs about $1 per lb. Tilt the spout over a cat-food dish. As the dry ice pellets slowly evaporate during the night, the open thermos spout seeps out the carbon dioxide – which falsely signals bedbugs that a breathing, blood-filled meal is nearby. The bedbugs will climb the outer surface of the dish, which you should scuff with sandpaper to give them better traction, then get stuck in its moat, made slippery smooth with a dusting of talcum powder. This is an inexpensive way to determine if you have bed bugs, or in many cases, still have bed bugs. Just an FYI…adult bedbugs can survive up to 12-18 months without feeding.

Everyone has some form of flaking on his or her scalp because of the normal process of shedding the outer layer of skin cells. But if the flaking gets obvious on your hair and clothing, it’s called dandruff. This condition is not contagious, but does have periodic flare-ups.

The medical explanation for dandruff is that it is a mild form of a skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis. This condition is caused by overactive oil glands or, in some cases, by a yeast infection. It can also be hereditary. Certain other factors can also make the dermatitis worse, such as illness, poor diet, and emotional stress. Environmental conditions like cold dry air in the wintertime, as well as over-washing your hair can also lead to dandruff flare-ups.

If your dandruff lasts a long time, or if you have unusually large flakes combined with greasy scaling on either side of your nose, behind your ears, between your eyebrows, in skin folds, or on your breast bone, you probably have a more severe form of seborrheic dermatitis. You should contact your dermatologist to get diagnosed and hear about different treatment options. There are prescription strength dandruff shampoos available as well as cortico-steriod lotions to help reduce flaking. Below are some commonly asked questions about dandruff control:

1. Do dandruff shampoos really help?

Over-the-counter dandruff shampoos can often control mild to moderate dandruff. These shampoos contain various effective ingredients, such as sulfur, salicylic acid, selenium, or tar. Remember to rinse your hair thoroughly so that no shampoo buildup occurs, since this can also cause flaking. After rinsing, apply a conditioner to smooth your hair and make it easier to comb or brush. It may also help to comb or brush your hair before shampooing to loosen the flakes so they’ll wash off more easily.

2. How can I keep dandruff away?

After your dandruff clears up, you should shampoo only as often as necessary and occasionally use the dandruff shampoo to keep it from coming back. Also keep in mind that hair products create buildup that can irritate your scalp and cause flaking. If you use a lot of hair products, and you notice flaking, try to shampoo daily. If the scales do keep coming back, your doctor may recommend that you use shampoos, lotions, creams, or ointments containing sulfur, salicylic acid, or tar to keep it under control.

3. What is cradle cap, and how is it treated?

Cradle cap, which is another form of seborrheic dermatitis, usually occurs in infants during their first month of life. It appears as dry, scaly patches on the baby’s scalp, and it may become a thick, yellow crust. Its cause is unknown. Scaly areas can also appear at the hairline, eyebrows, nose, or ears, and the dermatitis sometimes affects the diaper area or the entire body.

Treatment options vary, such as using an anti-dandruff shampoo, then oiling the scalp with a light layer of petroleum jelly (Vaseline®) to help loosen the scaly patches. However, you should first consult your dermatologist to correctly diagnose the condition and provide treatment options that are right for your baby.

Estrogen levels in women decline faster than testosterone starting in their late 20s. Now what this means for the skin is Testosterone, which is an androgenic hormone, causes the masculine qualities of testosterone to increase and become more visible. Examples include facial hair growth around the chin, jawline and cheeks, as well as oil production which can clog pores and cause blemishes. At the same time, the decrease in estrogen causes fine lines and wrinkles to develop, as well as loss of elasticity, dry and thinning skin, and a lackluster complexion. And even if you did not experience breakouts at a younger age, about a third of women will get adult acne, usually in their 30s.

As an aside, the difference between adolescent acne and adult acne is rather than presenting as painful, cystic pimples, adult (or, hormonal) acne is usually small red bumps that often run along the jaw line and around the mouth area. A few examples of how to combat hormonal acne would be to go on the birth control pill, or take spironolactone, a water pill with anti-androgenic effects.

But what exactly causes facial wrinkles? Facial wrinkles occur when the skin loses elasticity, support,and volume. This is caused by a reduction in elastic tissue, collagen, and hyaluronic acid in the skin. Basically, your skin becomes too big for the tissue underneath. The first place a woman will usually start seeing fine lines is around the eyes (the peri-orbital region) where the skin is the thinnest. Next will be the areas that crease the most when we smile or laugh, such as the nasolabial folds, which run from the corners of our nose to the outer corner of our mouth.

How do we combat the effects of Natural Hormonal Progression on the skin? I recommend a two-prong approach to anti-aging: Procedures and Products. Procedures include Botox to relax the muscles that cause creases, Laser Skin Resurfacing to smooth away fine lines and regenerate fresh new skin, and Injectible Fillers to plump deep creases, as well as plump hollows under the eyes, temples and cheeks. Depending on the look you want to achieve, a combination of different procedures might be the right solution for you.

The second prong to anti-aging is Products. If someone only uses Procedures, they are doing nothing for the quality and texture of their skin. Look for skincare products that treat all 3 causes of skin aging (time, environment and natural hormonal progression) AND contain ingredients such as Soy and Black Cohosh, which mimic the positive effects of estrogen on the skin. The key to any skincare regimen is using quality products that contain multiple active ingredients so every application is like nourishing your skin with a multivitamin.

Understanding the difference between Procedures and Products, and combining the benefits of both prongs, will give the most complete approach to fighting skin aging. And of course, limit your sun exposure!

I am interviewed frequently these days on whether I see any cosmetic trends due to the challenging economic climate. And the answer is absolutely, trends in cosmetic procedures are changing. In these challenging economic times, patients are definitely looking for the most value. For some, that means shopping for venues that have the cheapest Botox prices. However, patients learn that if Botox is too cheap, it is watered down and not effective.

Other patients understand this and either wait longer between treatments, allowing some lines to return, or have their Botox done regularly, but just have fewer areas treated each visit.

The second trend I see is more patients choosing Botox and fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane, Evolence, Radiesse, and Sculptra, as an alternative to plastic surgery. While not as dramatic as a face lift, Botox and fillers are a lot less expensive yet provide significant results, and most importantly, a result that looks natural. Botox and fillers also have no down time, which means you don’t have to miss work or use up accrued vacation. In fact, if done by a skilled physician, you achieve results that are natural and fit your face, so you can keep your family, friends and co-workers guessing!

Interestingly, laser procedures are still quite popular. I think this is because there are few alternatives to laser in terms of changing the texture and quality of our skin. Lasers are so versatile in that they smooth rough skin, improve acne, resurface and diminish scars, remove hair, and treat blood vessels.

For patients that do not need the dramatic improvement that laser gives, chemical peels are a good alternative, and reasonably priced. So I have not noticed a significant reduction in chemical peels.

Lastly, I notice patients are understanding the value of buying skincare products that contain multiple active ingredients in one bottle, rather than buying 1 product per symptom. We are a society on the go, so it only makes sense that we are trending toward quality products that are an “all-in-one” solution.

At the end of the day, we all only have one face…and looking good makes us feel better no matter what the economic situation.

Your mother knew what scientists are just learning – a good night’s sleep of eight hours helps your skin.  A rested body keeps the immune system strong, and allows the skin to repair itself.

Not getting enough sleep affects your skin:

•    Increases inflammation, which can cause acne flares.
•    Increases insulin resistance, which can worsen diabetes as well as acne.
•    Can lead to obesity, since sleep affects hormones that control glucose metabolism and appetite.  Lack of sleep leads to cravings for fatty foods and carbohydrates.
•    Increases stress since a sleep deficit puts the body in a state of high alert, increasing the output stress hormones and driving up blood pressure.  This also affects the immune system.
•    Excess of stress hormones caused by the lack of sleep can slow collagen production in the skin.
•    may alter the regulation of blood vessel tone and thus contribute to puffiness or bags under the eyes.

A good night’s sleep

•    avoids eye puffiness
•    releases growth hormone, which helps repair skin and keep our skin stay young
•    releases melatonin, which helps skin, as well as the immune system
•    Skin regeneration is faster during the night, than during the day.  Sleep allows our body to repair itself, and that means our skin as well.

Make the most of your sleep time by giving yourself a beauty treatment while you sleep.  Use those eight hours and use skin care products especially designed for overnight.

Remember: Sleep allows skin care products to work better. Many anti-aging ingredients stay active longer if they are not exposed to sunlight.  Retinol, which speed cell turnover, deteriorates faster and loses its effectiveness when exposed to UV light.  Topical Vitamins C and E also break down faster when exposed to sunlight.  And since there is no sunlight at night, you get more bang for your anti-aging buck when you apply night creams before you go to sleep.  The best thing to do is use a night cream that contains numerous anti-aging ingredients and antioxidants all in one, like the kaplanMD Replenishing Night Cream. This product not only contains Retinol, Soy, Grapeseed Extract, and Matrixyl 3000 (a fantastic anti-aging peptide), but Vitamins A, C and E as well.

Keep in mind that sleep gives your skin the time it needs to repair the daily damage of pollution, UV rays, and other environmental damage.   These cause thinning of the skin, dehydration, lines, wrinkles and pigmentation. Rest and relaxation allows your body time to heal itself, so our skin, which is our body’s largest organ, has the time to repair itself, and reverse this damage.  Using an antioxidant-rich night cream boosts this repair process. If the skin is given these repairative nutrients at night, it can better protect itself the following day.

Nighttime also gives you eight uninterrupted hours to hydrate skin with formulations that don’t mix well with makeup or that might give you a shine you would avoid during the day. These superhydrators not only attract moisture to the skin, but also prevent moisture from evaporating from your skin. Active ingredients penetrate the skin better when you’re sleeping, because they have complete access to your skin.  While you are sleeping, these active ingredients are the only thing on your skin.  There is  no interference from sun, pollution, or makeup.  Eye creams that smooth and reduce puffy eyelids also work better at night, when make-up can’t interfere with their absorption.

Now that you know the amount of sleep you get is important, let’s talk about how you sleep

1.  Sleep flat on your back:  Do you wake up, and see wrinkles on your face from your bed or sheets?  When you were younger, you could wash your face, and as the circulation flowed, the creases disappeared.  Have you noticed that they are not going away as fast, now that you are getting older?  Natural hormonal progression, in both men and women, starting in our twenties, reduces the amount of collagen, elastic tissue and hayaluronic acid in our skin.  This means that the skin is thinner and less elastic, and doesn’t bounce back like it used to.  Lying flat on your face creates creases that worsen over time.

Think about how you sleep.  Sleeping on your side forms chest, cleavage and cheek creases.  Sleeping on your stomach, and smushing your face into a pillow can cause a furrowed brow, and deep face creases as well.  Try sleeping on your back.  It will allow your face to fall back, and help reverse the effects of gravity that have worked all day to pull your face down.

2.   Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water.  Also, to avoid moisture loss from the skin while sleeping, use a humidifier.  This is especially important in winter, when dry heating sucks all the moisture out of the air

3.  Use a thicker moisturizer after bathing: Seal in the moisture that your skin has absorbed after bathing.  You are going to bed, not putting on an expensive silk blouse.  Use a body and face cream that is rich and moisturizing, even if it is one that you would not feel comfortable using during the day.

This is a natural partnership for kaplanMD Skincare because breast cancer survivors experience many of the same skin symptoms of Natural Hormonal Progression, along with an accelerated pace of chronologic and environmental aging. Examples include increased skin dryness and sensitivity, loss of elasticity, uneven skin tone and pigmentation, and thinning skin. All of these factors are due to the imbalance of estrogen in the body, which then negatively affect the skin. But why is estrogen important for the skin? Estrogen maintains and regulates 3 key components that keep our skin youthful and healthy: collagen (which gives our skin strength and structure), elastic tissue (which gives our skin elasticity and bounce-back) and hyaluronic acid (which keeps our skin plump and retain moisture).

The exclusive ingredient in ALL kaplanMD products is the Phytogenic Triactive Complex. This Complex is the result of many years of researching phytoestrogens, or plant-derived substances, that have estrogen-like properties. Studies have shown that when estrogen levels are low for women, such as post pregnancy, peri-menopause, or following cancer treatments, phytoestrogens can mimic the effects of estrogen on the skin, but without the side effects of synthetic estrogen.

The most potent phytoestrogens on the skin have proven to be Soy, Black Cohosh and Grapeseed Extract. Collectively, these three powerful ingredients make up the kaplanMD Phytogenic Triactive Complex. Encapsulated in a patented microsphere time-release delivery system, this restorative formula actually penetrates deep within the skin for maximum effectiveness.

kaplanMD products work on the skin, and the skin alone. There is no internal effects or dangers. In addition, kaplanMD only treats the external skin symptoms of Natural Hormonal Progression. It has no effect on the body internally, and is therefore, completely safe for people who are on a low Soy diet.

See how celebs are getting ready for the Emmys, and what you can do to look your best on your big day…

Two weeks before the big event:

• Botox to the face to relax wrinkles. But it must be done carefully, and not too much. It is always better to do less than more, so actors and actresses look relaxed and normal, but not overdone or starched.
• Botox is also an excellent way to prevent underarm sweating and excess perspiration. No one looks good holding up a trophy with a big wet spot in their armpits. Botox also means that since anti-perspirant powder is not needed, there will be no powder that cakes up in the creases of the armpits.
• Laser will work nicely to treat fine blood vessels on the cheeks and around the corners of the nose. The Sciton Laser is also extremely effective for overall facial redness and rosacea.
• Laser Hair Removal can also be done two weeks before the event. While it is most common for women on their faces and underarms, men have it done for the front and back of their necks, to prevent shaving bumps and irritation.
• Injectable Fillers such as Juvederm, Radiesse, or Restylane work well to fill creases in the face. Restylane can be done to fill the hallows under the eyes, Juvederm can make lips appear fuller, while Radiesse is an excellent filler for the nasal labial folds that run from the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth.
• Lastly, a light peel such as a TCA peel can freshen up the skin, and improve surface imperfections and pigmentation. Leaves skin visibly smoother, and texture refined.

One week before the big event:

• Continue using a good skincare regimen. Do not try any new skin care products so close to a big event. You do not want to cause any unexpected irritation or skin allergies.
• If any touch-ups of Botox or fillers are needed, this is the time to do it with no evidence (residual bruising, swelling, redness) for the tabloids to talk about!
• For actors who may be resistant to Botox, or waited too close to the big event, Dysport is now available. It is an option for people that are resistant to Botox, has a faster onset, and is often less expensive.
• Acne Extractions of black heads and white heads can be done, with enough time to allow for complete healing. For larger cysts, a small injection of cortisone can quickly bring down inflammation and swelling.
• This is also an excellent time to get a facial. A good facial can help the skin look fresh and rejuvenated. Try not to experiment with new ingredients, since reactions, while rare, are possible.
• For women wearing high heels, who develop pressure pain on the soles of their feet, Radiesse can be injected into the soles to provide more padding and comfort.

The day before the big event:

• If you get a pimple now, do not pick it, no matter how tempting it is. Eve
• n if it looks like bubble wrap, and screams, “squeeze me,” you must resist. Picking a pimple so close to the event may leave redness or a scab. At this point, it is best to see your dermatologist to have it extracted and injected, so it will heal quickly.
• Would also recommend getting another facial at this time, but ONLY if you had a previous facial the week before. Important: DO NOT get a facial the day before a big event if you have never had a facial before or if it has been more than 2 weeks since your last one. You may get an allergic reaction to the products, or irritation and redness from the exfoliation. The skin stimulation from the facial, coupled with an already anxious and excited state-of-mind may increase your chances of a mild break-out.

The day of the event:

Relax and enjoy ~ You look your best! Don’t drink too much alcohol since it can make your face appear flushed. Remember to use skincare and make-up products you have used before. This is not the time to experiment with something new and risk a possible allergic reaction!

1) Wear Sunscreen. I know I have written about this topic a number of times in my blog. However, the single most effective means of preventing premature aging (wrinkles, age spots, leathery skin texture) as well as helping prevent skin cancer, is to wear sunscreen everyday. Apply it at least 30 minutes before going outdoors, and remember to apply to all exposed areas of your body, such as your neck, tops of ears, chest, arms and the back of your hands.

2) Wear An SPF On Your Lips. It is important to understand that our lips are covered with mucus membrane, which tends to chap, flake and burn faster than the rest of the skin on our body. Most lipsticks and glosses contain castor oil or petroleum jelly as their main ingredient. These ingredients enhance the UV damage to your lips, and leads to premature wrinkling and browning. This is one of the reasons why I created LIP 20, which moisturizes, repairs and protects with SPF 20 – all in one. It contains zero castor oil, petroleum jelly or parabens so you get all the benefits of a lip treatment that is wearable the entire day.

3) Stop Smoking. We all know smoking is bad for our health. But studies now show that smoking not only causes premature wrinkling, a lackluster complexion and skin yellowing on our face, but on the skin covering our entire body! So stop smoking for vanity’s sake.

4) Avoid Drinking Fruity Beverages Outdoors. If the peels or juices of lemons, limes, and some other citrus fruits come in contact with your skin while you are out in the sun (think lime margaritas) you can get a blistering sunburn in those areas. These fruits contain compounds called psoralens that dramatically increase your sensitivity to the sun. Affected patients don’t realize the cause, and think they have developed brown age spots, or even worse, herpes. So take precautions when enjoying your citrus beverages outdoors.

5) Exfoliate Regularly. Think of your face like a well manicured lawn, and your skin as the soil underneath. When soil is packed down and condensed, it leaves no room for water and nutrients to get to the roots. You need to loosen up the soil regularly so the roots can grow, and your lawn can stay lush and green. So for an instant glow to your complexion, use a gentle exfoliant to polish away layers of dead skin cells 2 to 3 times a week. Avoid overly harsh scrubs with large particles; these will irritate and dry out your skin. Instead, look for ingredients such as date seed powder, pineapple and papaya enzymes, and oatmeal…they gently exfoliate while nourishing and smoothing the skin. ]]> http://www.kaplanmd.com/blog/2009/05/13/womens-health-month/feed/ http://www.kaplanmd.com/blog/2009/04/28/extreme-diets-affect-your-skin/ http://www.kaplanmd.com/blog/2009/04/28/extreme-diets-affect-your-skin/#comments Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:53:58 +0000 kaplanmd http://kaplanmd.com/blog/?p=203 I do not recommend quick weight loss schemes. And I never recommend extreme measures that encourage eating disorders or promote obsession. They are not good for your skin, and they are certainly not good for your overall health.

Like other fad diets, detox regimens promise a quick weight loss that is ultimately unsustainable. Most detox regimens urge dieters to limit themselves to water and raw fruits or vegetables. The problem with these detox diets is that they are so restrictive that they are ineffective for long-term use. Even though the average person doesn’t drink enough water or eat enough fruits and vegetables, any weight loss that does occur during these types of extreme diets is just water loss, and is usually temporary.

In general, human beings can lose only 2 pounds of body fat per week, maximum. If we lose more than that, we are only losing water and glycogen, which is only temporary. Losing, for example, 20 pounds in two weeks definitely qualifies as a extreme weight loss. You may think you are losing fat, and the scale may show you are lighter. But all you have lost is water, which is an essential part of our diet and body.

Drinking only syrup and lemon juice for two weeks is also an extreme measure. Worst of all, extreme diets like the Master Cleanse can cause serious side effects in vulnerable groups. Some diets even recommend laxatives, enemas, or colonic irrigation to speed up the detox process. But rapid cleansing, using these methods, changes the bacterial make-up of our digestive system. And bacteria are important for our GI system, which is also important for good skin

Detox dieters may report specific benefits, but none have been proven to be due to detoxification. Fewer headaches can be traced to other lifestyle changes such as reduction in alcohol and caffeine intake. Clearer skin and better health does result from improved hydration, decreased alcohol, quitting smoking, no junk food, and better diet. Weight loss in overweight people is always a good thing. It just needs to be done in a healthy and safe manner.

Some detox dieters talk of increased energy, or even a sense of euphoria. This is also seen in people who are fasting. This is actually a reaction to starvation, which probably evolved as a way to help a starving person evade threats, and have the energy to locate food during times of decreased food availability.

Healthy individuals may be able to endure even the strictest diet for a short while. The problem is that certain groups may suffer serious side effects from highly restrictive diets. Groups at risk include children and teenagers (who need the calories for their rapidly changing bodies) as well as pregnant or breastfeeding women, seniors, and people with heart disease, diabetes, or other chronic conditions. These people are especially vulnerable to intestinal and even cardiac problems caused by malnutrition. In addition, certain medications need to be taken with food.

The use of laxatives in detox diets is also considered risky, since laxative abuse is often associated with eating disorders. It is a myth that laxatives are useful for weight control, according to the National Eating Disorders Association. In fact, laxative abuse can cause severe dehydration, and damage to the heart or colon. Colonic irrigation, another component of some detox diets, can cause bowel perforation or infection, which can cause death.

Instead of a 10 day extreme diet, use those 10 days to begin a balanced diet filled with lots of fruits and vegetables, and then stick to that diet forever. This healthy lifestyle will benefit both your health and the way your skin looks.

As more and more of my patients come in to see me recently with the beautiful glow of pregnancy, I have been asked the same skincare questions…

If you are pregnant, or know someone who is pregnant, here is a list of common skin changes you might experience:

1. Spider and varicose veins. The fetus affects the blood returning from your legs, causing spider veins and varicose veins to develop on your thighs and calves. Sclerotherapy and laser treatments will treat the problem after your baby is born, but wearing support and compression stockings during pregnancy can minimize these veins from occurring.

2. Rosy cheeks, facial veins. Increases in blood flow affect the many blood vessels just below the skin’s surface. If this becomes a problem, there are safe ways to treat unwanted blood vessels on your face, even when you are pregnant.

3. Melasma (the mask of pregnancy). Melasma is when brown blotchy pigmentation develops during the second trimester of your pregnancy. It looks like a blotchy tan. It often affects the upper lip (in a moustache pattern) forehead, upper cheeks, and between the eyebrows. Changes in estrogen and progesterone cause your skin to produce more pigment. The same problem can occur with the use of oral contraceptives. Melasma can be minimized by using sunscreen, limiting your exposure to sunlight (of course, no tanning beds), and using skin products that contain licorice extract, which acts like a natural skin brightener.

4. Acne. If you do get acne during pregnancy, it usually resolves after you deliver. Most acne medicines, including tetracycline, Accutane, Retin-A, etc., cannot be used during pregnancy. However, your dermatologist can extract pimples, and also give an injection of a dilute steroid into the larger cystic lesions if necessary.

5. Changing moles. You may notice new moles, or existing moles can get larger or darker. Most of the time, these are ok. But it is best to consult your dermatologist to make sure a new or changing mole is not dangerous. If it does appear to be of concern, a 30 second biopsy can confirm it is not dangerous.

6. Skin tags. Small fleshy growths, called skin tags, can occur in areas where skin rubs, such as in the underarm area, sides of the neck, under the breasts, or in the groin. If they bother you, they can be burned or frozen off within seconds.

7. Stretch Marks. Not all pregnant women get stretch marks. But the rapid stretching of the skin over your abdomen increases your chance of getting stretch marks. Stretch marks can be purple, brown, tan, or even lighter than your skin. Try to moisturize and lubricate your skin during pregnancy. Following delivery, lasers can help improve the color, texture, or appearance of your stretch marks.

8. Itching. Some areas of your skin may become dry and itchy during pregnancy. It may occur in areas where the skin stretches, such as the abdomen, hips, and thighs. There are many OTC and prescription products that can relieve the itching and dry skin associated with pregnancy.

9. PUPP, also known as Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy. This usually occurs during the last trimester of a woman’s pregnancy. Around one percent of pregnant women experience itchy, red, raised areas on their abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and extremities. It always disappears shortly after delivery.