Learn how psoriasis can be managed during breastfeeding while protecting both your health and your baby’s wellbeing.
A common question among women with psoriasis is whether it is safe to breastfeed while receiving treatment to keep the disease under control.
In most cases, breastfeeding can be compatible with appropriate psoriasis treatment. Modern dermatology offers different therapeutic options that can be considered during this stage of life. However, the safest approach depends on the specific treatment, the severity of the disease and the individual circumstances of both mother and baby. In this article, I will review some of the main considerations that can help avoid unnecessary risks and make this stage as safe and straightforward as possible.
Specific dermatological guidance
Within the Grupo Español de Psoriasis, we have developed detailed scientific recommendations to help dermatologists select appropriate treatments during breastfeeding. These recommendations are important because the aim is to protect both maternal health and the baby while maintaining adequate control of psoriasis.
Choosing the right medication is essential during breastfeeding. Not all psoriasis treatments are suitable during this period, so it is important to discuss your treatment with your dermatologist before starting, stopping or changing any medication. Topical treatments are often considered because systemic absorption is generally lower, although their suitability still depends on the active ingredient, the area being treated and how the treatment is used.
Having psoriasis does not necessarily mean giving up breastfeeding
Psoriasis itself does not usually mean that breastfeeding has to be avoided. Breastfeeding offers recognised benefits for both mother and baby, including nutritional and immune benefits for the infant and support for mother–baby bonding. With appropriate medical advice, many women with psoriasis can continue breastfeeding while maintaining adequate control of their disease.
Speak to your dermatologist: important considerations
Women with psoriasis who wish to breastfeed should discuss this with their dermatologist. Together, you can assess the severity of the psoriasis and select the safest and most appropriate treatment strategy for this period. The goal is to maintain good disease control while ensuring that treatment remains compatible with breastfeeding whenever possible.
Some additional considerations include:
Topical treatments
Care should be taken to avoid direct contact between treated skin and the baby, particularly when medication is applied to the breast or nipple area. Specific instructions regarding timing, washing and application should be followed according to the prescribed treatment.
Systemic treatments
Some systemic treatments may pass into breast milk or may not be recommended during breastfeeding. For this reason, systemic medication should be reviewed individually with the dermatologist. In some cases, the treatment regimen may need to be adjusted or an alternative therapy considered. It is important not to stop or change prescribed medication without medical advice.
Skin care
Keeping the skin well moisturised and avoiding known irritants may help reduce dryness, discomfort and the need for additional treatment.
Ongoing monitoring
Regular follow-up with your dermatologist is important so that treatment can be adjusted if required and both psoriasis control and treatment safety can be reviewed throughout breastfeeding.
You may also find the following article useful, in which I discuss more broadly how psoriasis can affect women.
In summary
Breastfeeding is possible for many women with psoriasis, provided that the disease and its treatment are appropriately managed. The key is to review the treatment plan individually with the dermatologist so that psoriasis can remain controlled while minimising any potential risk to the baby.
I invite you to share this article about breastfeeding and psoriasis with anyone who may find it useful.
