Dermatologic Conditions of Pregnancy

Abstract

With pregnancy comes a variety of physiologic changes in hair and skin brought on by hormonal shifts, particularly increased levels of estrogens and progesterone. Common dermatologic changes include hyperpigmentation, vascular and glandular changes, and shifts in hair growth prenatally and postpartum. While most skin changes are benign and resolve postpartum, some pregnancy dermatoses benefit from treatment prenatally and some are associated with adverse fetal outcomes. Recognition of these conditions can aid in patient reassurance, treatment, and, when necessary, ensure appropriate fetal monitoring and delivery management.

Keywords: Atopic eruption of pregnancy; Dermatoses of pregnancy; Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy; Melasma; Pemphigoid gestationis; Pigmentary demarcation lines; Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy; Spider angioma.