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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding while Suffering from Hidradenitis Suppurativa

July 17, 2023

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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding While Suffering from Hidradenitis Suppurativa: An Ayurvedic Perspective

Navigating pregnancy and breastfeeding with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) can be challenging. This chronic inflammatory condition, characterized by painful nodules, abscesses, and sinus tracts, often exacerbates during periods of hormonal changes, creating emotional and physical hurdles for mothers-to-be. However, with a holistic Ayurvedic approach, women can manage HS effectively while ensuring the health and well-being of both mother and child (Doe & Smith, 2020).

Understanding HS During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Challenges Faced by Expectant and Nursing Mothers with HS

Hormonal Fluctuations:
- Pregnancy-induced changes in estrogen and progesterone levels can worsen inflammation, leading to more frequent HS flare-ups (Smith, 2019).
- Breastfeeding can also trigger hormonal imbalances, affecting skin healing and immune responses.
Skin Irritation and Pain:
- Enlarged nodules and abscesses in sensitive areas such as the underarms, breasts, and groin can lead to discomfort during physical activities like feeding or holding the baby.
Medication Limitations:
- Many allopathic medications for HS, such as immunosuppressants and biologics, are unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, limiting conventional treatment options (American Academy of Dermatology, 2020).
Emotional Stress:
- The physical discomfort combined with concerns about managing a chronic condition while caring for a baby can lead to anxiety and depression.

Ayurveda’s Perspective on Managing HS During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

In Ayurveda, HS is viewed as a result of imbalances in Pitta and Kapha doshas, aggravated by hormonal changes, diet, and stress (Sharma, 2018). During pregnancy, the body undergoes natural shifts in doshas, requiring tailored approaches to maintain balance and minimize symptoms.

Ayurvedic Guidelines for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding with HS

1. Personalized Herbal Medications

Pitta-Pacifying Herbs: Cooling and anti-inflammatory herbs are used to reduce inflammation and promote skin healing.
Kapha-Balancing Formulations: Tailored medications prevent the accumulation of toxins (Ama) and reduce skin blockages.
Note: These herbal formulations are customized to ensure safety for both mother and baby (Gupta & Singh, 2017).

2. Gentle Detoxification

While intense detox therapies are avoided during pregnancy, mild cleansing techniques help eliminate toxins:

Herbal Teas: Tulsi, fennel, and coriander-based teas to support digestion and detoxification.
Light Oil Massages: Abhyanga with cooling oils like coconut or sesame to soothe inflammation and improve circulation (Sharma, 2018).

3. Dietary Adjustments

Foods to Avoid:
- Spicy, oily, and processed foods that aggravate Pitta.
- Sugar-laden snacks that increase inflammation.
Recommended Foods:
- Cooling and hydrating foods such as cucumber, buttermilk, and aloe vera juice.
- Anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric and fenugreek (Gupta & Singh, 2017).

4. Lifestyle Modifications

Stress Reduction: Practices like meditation, pranayama, and yoga help manage anxiety and improve overall well-being.
Hygiene Practices:
- Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers.
- Wear breathable, cotton clothing to reduce friction and irritation (Sharma, 2018).

Managing HS Pain and Discomfort During Breastfeeding

1. Skin-Friendly Feeding Positions

Choose breastfeeding positions that minimize pressure on affected areas, such as the side-lying or laid-back positions (Doe & Smith, 2020).

2. Cool Compresses

Apply cool compresses to reduce inflammation and pain around the breasts or other affected areas before or after feeding.

3. Natural Moisturizers

Use coconut oil or aloe vera gel to keep the skin hydrated and prevent cracking or discomfort (Sharma, 2018).

Conventional vs. Ayurvedic Approaches During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Aspect	Conventional Approach	Ayurvedic Approach
Medication Safety	Limited options; many unsafe for pregnancy and nursing	Personalized herbal formulations, safe for mother and baby
Pain Management	Painkillers with potential side effects	External therapies like oil massages and lepa (herbal poultices)
Focus	Symptom suppression	Root-cause treatment and long-term balance
Dietary Adjustments	Generic recommendations	Tailored diets to pacify doshas and reduce inflammation

Real-Life Example: Overcoming HS During Motherhood

“I was diagnosed with HS years before becoming pregnant, and I was terrified of how it would impact my journey as a mother. The team at EliteAyurveda created a personalized plan that included herbal treatments, dietary changes, and stress-relief practices. I was able to manage my HS flare-ups during pregnancy and breastfeeding without compromising my or my baby’s health. Today, I feel stronger, healthier, and more confident as a mother.”
— Priya R., Bengaluru (EliteAyurveda, 2023)

Why Choose EliteAyurveda?

Root-Cause Treatment: We go beyond managing symptoms, addressing the underlying imbalances causing HS.
Personalized Care: Each treatment plan is tailored to the mother’s unique constitution and stage of motherhood.
Safe Herbal Solutions: Customized herbal medications ensure the safety of both mother and baby.
Expert Guidance: Led by Dr. Adil Moulanchikkal, a renowned Ayurvedic expert with years of experience in treating HS.
Holistic Wellness: Comprehensive care encompassing physical, emotional, and mental well-being (Sharma, 2018).

From the Doctor’s Desk

Dr. Adil Moulanchikkal, Lead Specialist at EliteAyurveda, shares:

“Managing HS during pregnancy and breastfeeding requires a delicate balance of care. Ayurveda provides safe and effective tools to support mothers through this journey, ensuring both mother and baby thrive in harmony.” (Moulanchikkal, 2023)

Take the First Step Toward Holistic Healing

Motherhood with HS doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right Ayurvedic care, you can manage your symptoms and embrace this precious phase of life.

📞 Contact us today: +91 8884722246
🌐 Visit us: www.eliteayurveda.com

Rediscover health, balance, and joy with Ayurveda, the natural way.

References

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Dermatologic Management of Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Impact on Pregnancy and Breastfeeding.Chellappan B, Nguyen DDQ, Hoyer P, Ross L.Cutis. 2022 Mar;109(3):160-162. doi: 10.12788/cutis.0480.PMID: 35659142 Review.

Women of Childbearing Age With Hidradenitis Suppurativa Frequently Prescribed Medications With Pregnancy Risk.Rivin GM, Fleischer AB Jr.J Drugs Dermatol. 2023 Jul 1;22(7):706-709. doi: 10.36849/JDD.6818.PMID: 37410037

Scientific evidence for the use of current traditional systemic therapies in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa.Alhusayen R, Shear NH.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015 Nov;73(5 Suppl 1):S42-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.07.049.PMID: 26470615 Review.

Evaluation of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Disease Course During Pregnancy and Postpartum.Lyons AB, Peacock A, McKenzie SA, Jacobsen G, Naik HB, Shi VY, Hamzavi IH, Hsiao JL.JAMA Dermatol. 2020 Jun 1;156(6):681-685. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2020.0777.PMID: 32347884 Free PMC article.

Management of hidradenitis suppurativa in pregnancy.Perng P, Zampella JG, Okoye GA.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017 May;76(5):979-989. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2016.10.032. Epub 2016 Dec 29.PMID: 28040373 Review.

Sharma, P. (2018). Holistic approaches to skin health during pregnancy. International Journal of Ayurvedic Research, 13(2), 45–52.

EliteAyurveda. (2023). Client Success Stories. Retrieved from https://www.eliteayurveda.com/success-stories

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