Pregnancy and Skin: Changes and Dermatoses

The document from 2012 discusses the various skin changes and dermatoses that occur during pregnancy, affecting over 90% of pregnant women. These changes are attributed to hormonal, vascular, metabolic, and immunological shifts during pregnancy. While most skin conditions are benign and resolve after childbirth, some can pose risks to the fetus and may require careful management or, in severe cases like generalized pustular psoriasis, pregnancy termination. The document classifies pregnancy-specific dermatoses, details physiological skin changes, and discusses the improvement or worsening of pre-existing skin diseases during pregnancy. It provides an overview of the management of pruritic disorders, recommending conservative treatments such as bed rest, low-fat diet, topical treatments, and carefully chosen antihistamines due to potential teratogenic effects. The document also covers specific dermatoses like pruritus gravidarum, intrahepatic cholestasis, Herpes Gestationis, PUPPP, Pruritic Folliculitis, and Prurigo of Pregnancy, noting their incidence, symptoms, and treatment. It highlights that atopic eruption of pregnancy is the most common pruritic condition and that certain conditions occur in specific trimesters. The document concludes with recommendations for preferred antihistamines and the use of narrowband UVB for severe pruritus cases, while emphasizing the importance of clinical identification and management for the health of both mother and fetus.