TLDR Most pregnant women experience skin changes like darkening and stretch marks, and some may have skin conditions that usually get better after giving birth.
The April 1990 document outlines various skin changes and dermatoses that occur during pregnancy. It reports that hyperpigmentation is seen in at least 90% of pregnant women, with melasma affecting at least 70%. Vascular changes, hair changes including telogen effluvium and potential hirsutism, and the development of striae are also common. Specific dermatoses such as herpes gestationis and PUPPP are mentioned, with the former resolving near delivery and the latter characterized by severe pruritus. Impetigo herpetiformis, a rare condition, can lead to stillbirth and maternal mortality but resolves postpartum. Cholestasis of pregnancy can cause severe pruritus and complications like premature labor, while prurigo and papular dermatitis of pregnancy can affect maternal and fetal health if untreated. Pruritic folliculitis of pregnancy usually resolves after delivery. Treatments such as oral prednisone and cholestyramine are recommended for certain conditions, although the etiologies of many dermatoses remain unknown.
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.
41 citations,
October 2017 in “International Journal of Women's Dermatology” Most pregnant women experience skin darkening and hair changes, with these effects usually going away after giving birth.
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.
December 2021 in “Turkderm” The COVID-19 pandemic led to fewer dermatology patients, more stress-related skin conditions during the crisis, and a rise in contact dermatitis after, with ongoing concerns for public health and treatment delays.
January 2009 in “Springer eBooks” The document concludes that managing skin conditions during pregnancy is important and requires specialized care.
6 citations,
September 1990 in “International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics” The skin condition PUPP usually gets better on its own after giving birth and is unlikely to happen again in future pregnancies.
December 2016 in “Journal of evolution of medical and dental sciences” Skin problems are common in thyroid disorders, with dry skin in hypothyroidism and warm, soft skin in hyperthyroidism.
