What should I do if I develop perianal eczema during pregnancy?

If a patient experiences particularly pronounced symptoms of perianal eczema, they should promptly visit the relevant medical department for a thorough perianal examination, primarily to assess any underlying conditions. Common underlying conditions include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and anal fistulas. Statistical data indicate that some individuals with rectal polyps may also develop perianal eczema. So, what should be done if perianal eczema occurs during pregnancy?

Managing Perianal Eczema During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, patients with perianal eczema should avoid spicy and irritating foods and practice warm or hot sitz baths around the anal area. During active flare-ups of perianal eczema, it is essential to avoid spicy and irritating foods, greasy foods, seafood, or any foods previously untried. Prolonged standing or sitting should also be avoided to prevent sustained pressure on the affected perianal area. Warm or hot sitz baths around the anal region are recommended; occasionally, a small amount of potassium permanganate may be added to the bathwater. However, soap water should not be used for bathing or cleansing.

Perianal eczema is a common dermatological condition affecting the perianal region, characterized by irregular rashes, exudation, pruritus (itching), and a tendency toward recurrence. Its precise etiology remains unclear. Clinically, lesions are typically confined to the perianal skin surrounding the anus but may sometimes extend to the perineum, scrotum, or labia.

In daily life, patients should maintain a positive mental outlook, actively cooperate with their physicians’ treatment plans, take prescribed medications as directed—both in terms of dosage and timing—and pay close attention to routine self-care measures, thereby facilitating prompt improvement of their condition. We hope this information proves helpful.