Psoriasis and pregnancy??

I had Psoriasis from 17 to 38 yrs. It all disappeared during pregnancy except a tiny dot and only returned 3 weeks ago - I was clear for almost 5 years! This recent return occurred after severe tonsillitis which I understand can cause a flare up. I too think there must be some hormonal effect on it and would like to know if any research has been carried out. My Psoriasis prior to pregnancy was v stubborn and didn't improve at all during 20 years!

My second child is now four months old and my psoriasis has aggressively returned. I have suffered from skin problems on and off for 20 years, it didn't seem to affect my life too much. I did return regularly to the doctors and referred to the dermatology department at hospitals where they prescribed me ointments but there was no mention of psoriasis until the birth of my son. I was first pregnant 2008, the first thing I noticed was how clear and comfortable my skin felt during the pregnancy. I didn't need to moisturise as much and felt radiant, I know this is part of being pregnant but I did feel better. After a complicated delivery my son arrived. Around 3 months after his birth my skin became dramatically itchy, sore and covered in red spots like paint was splatted over me - guttate psoriasis. I was once again referred to the hospital where finally I was told I have psoriasis. I thought the trauma of giving birth to my son may have stimulated the guttate psoriasis and was relieved when after a course of light therapy my skin was clear. My psoriasis became manageable,though always present, until I was pregnant with my daughter and once again I was clear of psoriasis throughout the pregnancy feeling comfortable and little to no itching. I did begin to get scalp psoriasis towards the end of my pregnancy which I hadn't had before. The birth and delivery of my daughter was stress free, no complications so I thought I should be clear of guttate psoriasis and shouldn't go through the process of light treatment like I did before. I was pleased when my daughter turned 1, 2, 3 months, no guttate however between 3 and 4 months I suddenly am covered all over with guttate psoriasis and also with bigger patches under the breasts and on the elbows, it feels more aggressive than before. I am now waiting to go back to the hospital. I believe there must be a link between pregnancy and psoriasis linked to hormones, I was certainly more clear and my skin felt more comfortable whilst pregnant and on both occasions it returned aggressively when my babies were 3 months old.

I have been very lucky with my psoriasis until recently having little outbursts here and there over the last 24 years. However, since I got into my second trimester of pregnancy (6 weeks ago) I am now covered. Everyone is staring at me asking what has happened, as despite me covering up the rest of my body, my chest and neck are red raw and of course no steroids for me!! I am not complaining, so glad to have got this far in pregnancy this time! However, as psoriasis affects individuals differently, just wanted to point out that the hormones can make it significantly worse in some women! (Reading Danni's comment may be it indicates I am carrying a boy?!! - could be a new way of guessing the sex of your baby!) Can I just ask did anyone reading this consider having a few rounds on a sunbed whilst they were pregnant to tackle the psoriasis. I am bridesmaid at a wedding in 4 weeks time and would like to look a bit less like a decomposing corpse for the pictures!! I am tempted to just have a few sessions as I have read it is safe for the baby (although obviously long term use would not be safe for me.)

I've never had psoriasis in my life until I got an awful throat infection at the start of December last year. It started as tiny spots and after many trips and creams back as forward from the doctor, blood tests, and eventually being refered to see a specialist, I was finally diagnosed with guttate psoriasis. It started off not too bad but now it's awful! I am also 6 weeks pregnant (I've stopped using all creams). My skin is the worst it has ever been and my scalp feels like I have had a face lift! I feel so down and want to cry all the time! It's effecting my life so much! I have the specialist on Friday but I'm terrified of what he's going to say. There is no way I can live like this for 9 months. I just want my body and scalp to be back to normal. Maybe I'm having a boy too : )

Hi, I have had psoriasis for 17 years it has always affected my face but not too badly, when I was pregnant with my son it completely disappeared, now I am pregnant with my second child the psoriasis has flared up worse than it has ever been, my face is completely covered. As you can all understand, this is really affecting my mood and I am not enjoying this pregnancy as I should.

I would have to agree that I have shared the exact same experience!!!! There has to be a correlation between psoriasis clearing up and pregnancy. I have two daughters and both times I was pregnant my psoriasis cleared up completely. Not one on patch anywhere. I have guttate psoriasis all over and plaque on my scalp to which I have to apply topical steroids almost daily to control. Both times when I was pregnant it cleared up by 3 months and just as Danni says It returned so sadly when my babies were around 3 months old. I wish somebody would research this! I believe there is some special hormone released into the body during pregnancy which could be a cure for psoriasis!

I too, had the same experience. I was pregnant in 1983 and again in 1986 - both children were female, and my psoriasis left me completely until my babies were approx. 3 months old and then my psoriasis came back with a vengeance.. You may be on to something...

I know this an old post but thought I might add.. I have had psoriasis since I was about 14 (26 now). Guttate appeared with the onset of becoming an adult. With my first pregnancy (daughter) my P also cleared 99% within 3 months and came back afterwards. I am now preg again so we shall see what happens. I am hoping my skin clears again. I have researched the link between pregnancy and psoriasis. The Thymus gland (in your chest) works for both your immune system and endocrine system. This gland produces the T-Cells that attack our skin. During pregnancy the Thymus gland works to help the endocrine system more so than the immune system. For those who find P getting worse during pregnacy it is vice versa. There has been a case where a person had the Thymus gland removed and thier psoriasis totally cleared. Also cases of people who have has tonsils out it has cleared up. The thymus creates the T Cells (Naughty ones in our case) and the Thyroid and Tonsils gland decide what invaders need to be attacked so to me it seems our glands which control the hormones and the immune system are malfunctioning. So yes doctors are missing out how important the endocrine (reproduction) hormones and system actu are to treating or curing this awful disease.

I have three children the 1st, a boy, 2nd, a girl, with each pregnancy the p went but returned after I had the baby. It didn't go when I was expecting my third, a girl. My doctor couldn't really say why, but put it down to hormones. A mystery.

Elated to read these posts! Each pregnancy (2) my P completely disappeared, returning with a vengeance post pregnancy. Does anyone have any further research or light to share, my P just keeps spreading,& Im reluctant to use the pungent creams & lotions the DR suggests!

Kazza: the medical profession has a lot of research and experience to share.