Pregnancy and skin

Abstract

Pregnancy is associated with complex of endocrinological, immunological, metabolic, and vascular changes that may influence the skin and other organs in various ways. Pregnancy is a period in which more than 90% women have significant and complex skin changes that may have great impact on the woman's life. The dermatoses of pregnancy represent a heterogeneous group of skin diseases related to pregnancy and/or the postpartum period. The dermatoses of pregnancy can be classified into the following three groups: Physiologic skin changes in pregnancy, pre-existing dermatoses affected by pregnancy, and specific dermatoses of pregnancy. Though most of these skin dermatoses are benign and resolve in postpartum period, a few can risk fetal life and require antenatal surveillance. Most of the dermatoses of pregnancy can be treated conservatively but a few require intervention in the form of termination of pregnancy. Correct diagnosis is essential for the treatment of these disorders. This article discusses the current knowledge of various skin changes during pregnancy and the evaluation of the patient with pregnancy dermatoses with special emphasis on clinical features, diagnostic tests, maternal and fetal prognosis, therapy, and management.

Pattern of Pregnancy Dermatoses among Antenatal Mothers in Government Vellore Medical College

“…The incidence of polymorphic eruption is said to be less than one out of 100 pregnancies and we had a slightly higher reporting. In our study it was seen more in 3rd trimester (p value 0.04) which is similar to the finding suggested by Sachdeva in his review article 12. It is less likely to cause any maternal or fetal complications 7 .…”

“…90 percent of the pregnant women experience some pigment changes in areola, genital area etc. Hyperpigmentation which is the most common skin change in pregnancy and considered to be due to increase in the levels of estrogen, progesterone and Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone 7 . Pigmentary skin changes were the most common cutaneous condition seen in our study, Linea Nigra being the most common.…”

Pruritic Folliculitis of Pregnancy

“…7 Its etiology is uncertain, probably due to its rare ocurrence. 1,6,7 A few studies on the subject have been conducted, and a few cases have been reported in the literature. It is believed that many cases are under-reported, as it is often confused with bacterial folliculitis .1,7…”

“…It typically develops in the second quarter of pregnancy [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] , and the incidence rate is approximately 1 in 3,000 pregnancies. 7 Its etiology is uncertain, probably due to its rare ocurrence.…”

“…PUPPP, prurigo of pregnancy, and gestational pemphigoid). [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] The absence of bullous lesions accompanied by non-specific histopathology, as well as negative immunofluorescence, might help differentiate pruritic folliculitis of pregnancy from gestational pemphigoid. PUPPP may be distinguished from PFP by the absence of pregnancy stretch marks and skin rashes, typical of PUPPP.…”