Unknown Source of Skin Condition After Giving Birth

Ask your doctor to test you for lupus. I have discoid lupus which affects the skin. With predisone and a topical steroid cream I got it under control.....but it also means you need to use a sunscreen on your face EVERY day. I use Neutrogena Healthy Defense daily moisturizer under my make up. If you have this you may also need to use it on the rest of you exposed skin and limit sun exposure. I can even go to the beach as long as I don't stay out too long and use a 55 sunblock and shade my face with a hat. Good Luck. Oh and it took over 10 years to correctly diagnose this problem.

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Hi A. ,
I have been at home the past several years due to some medical issues. I was an ICU nurse and although dermatology wasn't my specialty I do know a little bit. Do you have any other symptoms? Aside from roseacea Lupus can cause a rash across the cheeks in the shape of a butterfly. I am probably way off base but just offering another potential answer.Hope it get's better.
J. H
http://www.workathomeunited.com/J.

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I suffer the same way. Have you tried changing shampoo's and skin conditioners? I noticed that I wasn't allergic before birth but after I was. After my shower in the morning I my face would be so dry red and itchy that I have to put lotion on it. then I realized it was my shampoo and lotion that I was allergic too. When I stopped using them it went away.

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I, like Jennifer have discoid lupus. It is a lupus that just a skin condition, not systemic. These conditions usually flare up after giving birth and here is why. While you are pregnant you body has a surplus of it's own natural steroids that go away when you deliver. This causes a rebound effect which flares everything up. I was diagnosed right after my first baby. This condition is usually found in women in their late 20s and early 30s. I was fortunate to have my condition diagnosed right away through biopsy. I highly recommend you find a doctor who will biopsy your rash. If it is discoid lupus, the rashes can actually damage your skin and leave scaring, not something, I am sure you want on your face. I hope this is not the case, I hope it is just a simple allergy, but you do not want it to go on for 10 years like Jennifer. good luck

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My daughter had an excema type rash on her cheeks only. It turned out to be a dairy allergy. After pregnancy you can also become sensitive to things that didnt use to bother you. I would keep a food journal to see if something you are eating is making it flare up. and also use a mild soap like cetaphil. It could be dry skin and the cetaphil soap would be the most gentle cleanser to use on your face.

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Extreme dry skin can also be a symptom of hypothyroidism, which is common after pregnancy. You might look up its other symptoms and consider having your thyroid tested. It is easily treated. Have you tried sleeping with humidifier in your room? I also recommend Aveeno baby lotion, which does not have some of the chemicals that other posters have mentioned. Good luck.

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I would suggest making an appt with Dr Whalen at Mt lebanon dermatology if live close enough. I had the exact same situation as you and finally made an appt there. He was very familiar with these post partum skin disorders and gave me the correct medicine to take away the rash within a day or two it was gone.

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