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Atheroma in pregnancy
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
[ Causes and symptoms
An atheroma is a functional retention cyst that forms in the gland duct, blocking it and interfering with the normal secretion of sebum. Such obstruction of the sebaceous gland does not manifest itself clinically with painful sensations; the only discomfort may be a visually determined increase in atheroma. For a pregnant woman, such an insignificant cosmetic defect should not be a concern, but if the cyst reaches a large size, it is removed at any stage of gestation. The need to excise the atheroma is associated with the risk of inflammation and suppuration, which in turn entails a potential threat of intoxication, including for the fetus.
Treatment
In general, atheroma during pregnancy is not considered an alarming disease that should be neutralized urgently. The cyst is subject to dynamic observation; if it grows slowly, and, as a rule, this happens most often, the neoplasm is operated on after childbirth. Removing atheroma in a pregnant woman is not difficult, however, even such minor operations are not advisable due to the need to use local anesthesia and anti-inflammatory drugs.
What should a pregnant woman do to prevent the development of atheroma?
- Carefully observe the rules of personal and intimate hygiene, especially if pregnancy is accompanied by increased sweating.
- Visit your gynecologist regularly for examination.
- Maintain a normal diet and ensure a complete diet that includes vitamins and microelements.
- Avoid situations that provoke injuries and bruises.
- Maintain reasonable physical activity.
- Do not use synthetic detergents, if possible, limit the use of decorative cosmetics.
- Limit the use of creams containing lipids and fats.
- Do not self-medicate or try to squeeze out any atheroma that is discovered.
- Try to get examined by a dermatologist before pregnancy and remove any atheromas that are found.