Psoriasis

More than Scratching the Surface: Psoriasis During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Disclaimer: This page houses important information and resources pertaining to psoriasis during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, including links to our evidence-based Fact Sheets. However, the resources here should not replace the care and advice of a medical professional.

Psoriasis is a skin condition in which skin cells grow faster than expected. This can leave dry, thick patches on the skin. Psoriasis is a chronic (long-term) disease that is thought to be caused by a problem with the immune system; it is not contagious so you cannot catch it from another person. It tends to go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months and then going into remission for a while. More than 50% of people with psoriasis are women and most are diagnosed before the age of 40 – which means a lot of people will be living with this disease when they are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Reference: Murase et al., 2005

It isn’t clear if psoriasis can increase the change of pregnancy complications like miscarriage, preeclampsia (a pregnancy-related condition characterized by a dangerous rise in blood pressure and problems with kidney function), or preterm birth. The chance for pregnancy complications may depend on whether the symptoms of psoriasis are mild or severe. Some medications used to treat psoriasis might be concerning during pregnancy or breastfeeding, while others appear to be okay to take. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all of your pregnancy and breastfeeding questions.

Yes, it’s possible to treat psoriasis while pregnant or breastfeeding. A [person] must avoid some treatments because they can harm [their] baby. Others can be prescribed.

— American Academy of Dermatology

Join Our Psoriasis Study

If you’re pregnant and have psoriasis, please consider enrolling into our observational study to give people better answers about how psoriasis and its management can affect a pregnancy and a developing baby. You will not be asked to take or change any medications, and you can participate from the comfort of your home

Please see our library of resources below on psoriasis during pregnancy and breastfeeding.