Clinician's Photo Guide To Recognizing and Treating Skin Diseases in Women: Part 1. Dermatoses Not Linked to Pregnancy

Abstract

The clinical presentation of certain dermatologic conditions differs between women and men; this may be especially true when women are perimenstrual or pregnant. Skin diseases that erupt or become aggravated during the perimenstrual period include autoimmune progesterone dermatitis and melasma. Dermatologic conditions that may be exacerbated perimenstrually include acne vulgaris, rosacea, lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, atopic eczema, lichen planus, dermatitis herpetiformis, erythema multiforme, and urticaria. The hormonal effects of increased cutaneous vascularity, seborrhea, and dermal edema during the perimenstrual period may account for the eruption of or increase in severity of these diseases. Clinical presentation, differential diagnoses, and treatment options for select cutaneous conditions are discussed.