Dermatologic Diseases and Pregnancy
September 2021
in “
CRC Press eBooks
”
Studysummary This article reviews various skin changes and conditions during pregnancy, noting that while many are normal, some can become pathologic, but it reports no new research findings.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
During pregnancy, the skin undergoes significant changes due to various endocrine, metabolic, and immunologic adjustments. These changes can be physiological or endocrine-induced, and while they are considered normal due to their regular occurrence, they can become pathological if severe. Pigmentary changes include darkening of the areolae, known as secondary areolae. Nail changes can include Beau's lines, brittleness or softening, distal onycholysis, subungual keratosis, and accelerated nail growth. Vascular changes related to distention, fragility, and proliferation of vessels also occur. Breast changes include enlargement, tenderness, erect nipples, hyperpigmentation of nipples and areolae, prominence of veins, striae, and Montgomery's tubercles. Striae distensae, or stretch marks, are linear violaceous bands that over time progress to pink or white atrophic lines.
