Schamberg’s Disease During Pregnancy
I keep saying this baby is out to get me! I visited a dermatologist at the request of my OB-Gyn and found out I have a condition called Schamberg’s Disease. Fun right?
Apparently, Schamberg’s Disease during pregnancy isn’t anything major to worry about. In fact, it’s pretty rare, affecting mostly young men. Also known as Purpura pigmentosa progressiva dermatitis (say that five times fast), this condition starts as reddish brown or orangish patches on the lower legs. It can spread upwards, but mostly stays on the legs.
Basically, Schamberg’s Disease is when little bits of blood leak out to the surface of the skin. It may or may not be itchy or irritating. It’s not contagious, nor is it life threatening unless accompanied by something else.
Causes of Schamberg’s Disease
Schamberg’s Disease can be caused by a number of things, including:
- an allergic reaction
- viral contamination
- reaction to an unknown agent
- improper iron storage in the body
Treatments for Schamberg’s Disease
Most people won’t require treatment unless there is itching or pain. For itching, a topical cortisone cream is prescribed. Sometimes laser treatment is used, depending on the severity of the case.
Schamberg’s Disease During Pregnancy
I noticed my patches on my skin after showering on day. I thought I had cut myself shaving, but the blood was under my skin, not above it. Over the next few days, I noticed the patches on my feet gradually climbing up my legs.
If I didn’t see the patches, I wouldn’t have even known they were there. They don’t itch and I don’t feel pain.
When I mentioned them to my OB-Gyn, he referred me to a dermatologist, who knew right away what the patches were. He decided to do nothing about it since I’m pregnant and the patches aren’t bothering me.
The dermatologist thinks that the Schamberg’s Disease is caused by swelling during pregnancy, which I have plenty of. His suggestion was to rest with my feet up whenever possible, and jokingly told my kiddos to make sure they don’t stress me out or my patches will grow bigger.
Bottom line, I’m still okay, but it’s just another pregnancy complication I need to deal with.
Leave a Comment!
Have you ever heard of Schamberg’s Disease? Did you or someone you know have Schamberg’s Disease during pregnancy? I’d love to hear from you!
Dandi D says
I’d actually never heard of this, so it was informative to read.
Cassandra says
Hello hope you don’t mind I linked your post to Schamberg’s Disease Facebook support group to let others read your experience!
https://www.facebook.com/Schambergs
Lili Serrano says
I actually was the other way around. I was diagnosed with schambergs disease 5 years ago. Gradually spreading all over my feet. I have no pain and no itching but it looks horrible. Entering my 3 trimester my Schambergs gradually disappeared. When my daughter was 3 months it was back 😲.
Marissa says
Interesting! Wonder then if hormones can play a part? Thanks for sharing your story with me!
Nicole says
Has it gone away post-pregnancy? I got this a few years after my twins were born and it has not gone away. I’ve had a few treatments of laser to remove, which has just minimized so far.
Marissa says
I just had my baby 6 days ago, and so far it is a lot lighter than it was a few months ago. Time will tell if it completely goes away…
Gila Aakel says
Hi yes I have it on my upper arm & it’s getting bigger – the specialist told me what it is some years back … it’s not itchy or painful just very unsightly … I am 70 & it has nothing to do with pregnancy since I was around 55 when it started….
Marissa says
It’s on your arm? Interesting! I didn’t think it went anywhere other than the lower extremities.
I understand that it doesn’t just appear during pregnancy, but I wrote this post in case there were others out there who did experience it as a result of pregnancy. 🙂
Gila Aakel says
Sorry but I received your page on my news feed & decided to answer … if you know of another group which is for me please let me know … good luck 🙂
Mary says
i am 72 years old have had this for 2 years i need more information on it thank you for this post
Marilyn Ridgeley says
I was diagnosed with Schaumburg’s Disease in September of 2014 and I was 64. I had a total of 4 biopsies to confirm the diagnosis. It started on my legs and it was horrible. It spread to my arms and yes, it’s not supposed to go there. It also was on my chest and stomach. I worked with my doctors and changed around some medication because some meds can aggravate it. In addition, I changed my bath soap, dish soap, laundry detergents, etc. to all natural with no perfumes. I figured that was something I could do. By the first of April, 2015, it was nearly gone and as of January of 2016, it has not reappeared, thank God. Who knows. That was just my experience.