Clinician's Photo Guide To Recognizing and Treating Skin Diseases in Women: Part 2. Pregnancy-Related Dermatoses

Abstract

This report identifies 4 pregnancy-induced dermatoses: (1) pemphigoid gestationis, (2) polymorphic eruption of pregnancy, (3) prurigo of pregnancy, and (4) pruritic folliculitis of pregnancy. According to 1 study of 3192 pregnancies, 0.06% of the women had pemphigoid gestationis (PG), 0.5% had polymorphic eruption of pregnancy (PEP), 0.2% had prurigo of pregnancy (PP), and 0.03% had pruritic folliculitis of pregnancy (PFP). Some reports have suggested an increased risk of fetal morbidity and mortality, as well as an increased risk of premature births, among women with PG. The incidence of fetal morbidity and mortality for the other dermatoses of pregnancy appears to be similar to that in normal pregnancies. Among the drugs used in dermatology, isotretinoin and antineoplastic agents, such as methotrexate, are 2 types that present high risk during pregnancy. Antipruritic medications, such as trimeprazine and doxepin, and some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, such as indomethacin, also should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation. Analgesics, including acetaminophen, are associated with minimal risk to the fetus or infant. Use of topical corticosteroids is associated with a low risk during pregnancy. Fortunately, many dermatologic disorders allow deferral of treatment or alternate therapeutic methods during pregnancy.