Clinical study of skin changes in low and high risk pregnant women

Abstract

BACKGROUNDDuring pregnancy there is immunological, metabolic, endocrine and vascular changes responsible for physiological and pathological skin changes.OBJECTIVESdetermine the prevalence of specific physiological changes and pregnancy, comparing the period of gestation of their appearances and compare type of prenatal care as the skin changes.METHODSA cross-sectional study with 905 pregnant women.RESULTSThe prevalence of physiological skin changes was 88.95% and the most common was pigment. The prevalence of specific dermatoses was 8.72% and atopic eruption was the most common.CONCLUSIONPhysiological changes were seen more in the 3rd quarter, as well as the specific dermatoses. No statistical difference in prenatal low risk compared to high risk was observed, whereas the cutaneous physiological changes and specific pregnancy dermatoses.

Skin changes during pregnancy. Is that an important issue for pregnant women?

“…However, most of them are physiological changes. In our study the frequency of self-reported skin changes was 74.78%, which is in accordance with the results from other countries [1,7]. Choosing self-reported skin complaints in our analysis seems to be particularly relevant, as it may help us to understand pregnant women views and illness behavior.…”

“…Increased prevalence of pigmentary changes during pregnancy is related to increased alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone plasma concentration as well as melanocytic stimulation caused by estrogens and progesteron [10]. Kannambal et al [1] reported pigmentary changes in 90.8%, Fernandes et al [7] observed hyperpigmentation in 87,95% of cases, Panicker et al [6] reported hyperpigmentation in 87.6% of the studied women. In our group it is difficult to refer to the incidence of pigmentary changes because none of the interviewed women reported discoloration as a skin problem.…”

Physiologic changes of pregnancy: A review of the literature

“…The most commonly reported skin change during pregnancy is hyperpigmentation, which develops in some form in 85% to 90% of pregnant women, typically during the second half of the pregnancy ( Bieber et al, 2017 , Fernandes and Amaral, 2015 , Geraghty and Pomeranz, 2011 , Rathore et al, 2011 , Tyler, 2015 , Van Onselen, 2012 ). The exact mechanism of hyperpigmentation of the skin is not well understood; however, it is commonly attributed to a combination of hormonal factors, genetic predisposition, and ultraviolet exposure ( Bieber et al, 2017 , Geraghty and Pomeranz, 2011 ).…”

“…Melasma ( Fig. 2 ), also called the mask of pregnancy, reportedly occurs in up to 70% of gravid women and typically in patients with darker skin ( Bieber et al, 2017 , Farage and Maibach, 2011 , Farage et al, 2009 , Fernandes and Amaral, 2015 , Geraghty and Pomeranz, 2011 , Rathore et al, 2011 , Soutou and Aractingi, 2015 , Turcic et al, 2009 , Tyler, 2015 , Van Onselen, 2012 ).

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“…Varicosities can arise throughout the body and most commonly involve the saphenous vein ( Fernandes and Amaral, 2015 , Ponnapula and Boberg, 2010 , Rathore et al, 2011 , Soutou and Aractingi, 2015 , Tyler, 2015 ). The gravid uterus may compress the femoral and pelvic vessels, thereby increasing venous pressure and contributing to the development of varicose veins.…”