Pregnancy and the Skin

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.