Obstetric Dermatology

The 2009 document provided a comprehensive overview of various skin conditions associated with pregnancy. It discussed the hormonal and immunological changes during pregnancy, such as the shift towards Th2 cytokines and the role of human leukocyte antigen G in maternal tolerance. Conditions like melasma, pruritus gravidarum, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, and Herpes Gestationis were noted for their prevalence and impact on pregnant women. Treatments for these conditions, including ursodeoxycholic acid for cholestasis and systemic steroids for Herpes Gestationis, were reviewed. The document also covered the effects of pregnancy on hair, noting that conditions like telogen effluvium and androgenetic alopecia typically resolve postpartum. Additionally, it examined the relationship between pregnancy and autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis, as well as the impact of pregnancy on malignant melanoma, concluding that melanoma likely follows a similar clinical course regardless of pregnancy. The document emphasized the importance of managing these conditions carefully during pregnancy and the need for specialized care in high-risk cases.