Dermatoses of Pregnancy

Excerpt

Three main factors cause skin changes commonly seen in pregnancy. These changes include an increase in hormone levels, intravascular volume expansion, and skin compression from the pregnant uterus. Melasma, venous congestion, varicosities, spider telangiectasias, palmar erythema, cutis marmorata, acrochordons, and striae are common skin changes seen during pregnancy. However, there are several pathological dermatoses that are specific to pregnancy. These specific skin conditions occur during pregnancy or in the postpartum period and range from benign and transient to more severe and chronic. These dermatological manifestations can cause discomfort, distress, or pose potential risks to both the mother and the developing fetus. The dermatoses specific to pregnancy include the following:

1. Pemphigoid gestationis (PG)

2. Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy (PEP)

3. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP)

4. Atopic eruption of pregnancy (AEP)

5. Pustular psoriasis of pregnancy (PPP)