TLDR Pregnancy can cause skin changes and affect existing skin conditions, with limited treatment options due to the need for fetal safety.
The document from May 30, 2017, outlines the skin changes and dermatological conditions that can occur during pregnancy, as well as their management. Physiological changes like hyperpigmentation and striae affect up to 90% of pregnant women, while pathological changes can include the exacerbation or improvement of preexisting skin conditions. Postpartum hair loss, or telogen effluvium, is common, with most patients recovering within a year. The document also details pregnancy-specific dermatoses, such as gestational pemphigoid with an incidence ranging from 1:7000 to 1:50,000 pregnancies, and other conditions like PUPPP, intrahepatic cholestasis, and atopic eruption of pregnancy, each with specific clinical presentations and treatments. Treatment options during pregnancy are limited due to fetal safety concerns, with recommendations including the cautious use of corticosteroids, antihistamines, and Ultraviolet B irradiation, while avoiding potent corticosteroids and maintaining low doses of systemic corticosteroids during the first trimester to prevent teratogenic effects.
88 citations,
January 2011 in “Annals of Dermatology” The document concludes that specific itchy skin diseases during pregnancy have varying fetal risks and treatments, including corticosteroids and other medications.
96 citations,
January 1997 in “Clinics in Dermatology” Pregnancy can cause skin pigmentation, stretch marks, and changes in hair, nails, and sweat glands, with most resolving after birth.
64 citations,
June 1992 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Pregnancy often causes skin changes like darkening, stretch marks, and hair growth, which may improve after childbirth.
141 citations,
January 1984 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Pregnancy can cause skin darkening, varicose veins, more sweating, hair growth, hair loss after birth, nail changes, and gum inflammation.
4 citations,
September 2014 in “Elsevier eBooks” Use some skin medications with caution during pregnancy; avoid strong steroids, certain eczema treatments, and systemic retinoids, but many topical treatments and nasal sprays are safe.
144 citations,
September 2006 in “Clinics in Dermatology” Lupus affects the body and skin, causing joint pain and skin issues that can be treated with steroids and antimalarial drugs.
208 citations,
July 2001 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Pregnancy can cause various skin changes and diseases, with PUPPP being the most common skin condition specific to pregnancy.
34 citations,
June 2014 in “The BMJ” Pregnancy can change skin disease severity, with some conditions improving and others worsening, and treatment should balance benefits and fetal safety.
January 2009 in “Springer eBooks” The document concludes that managing skin conditions during pregnancy is important and requires specialized care.
