The Skin in Pregnancy: A Review of Normal Changes

In 2002, a review detailed the normal skin changes during pregnancy, which are often misinterpreted as pathological. These changes, resulting from hormonal, metabolic, and immunologic factors, include hyperpigmentation, melasma, striae distensae, pruritus, vascular and hematologic changes, and alterations in hair, nails, and glandular activity. The review highlighted that many of these changes, such as increased hair shedding (telogen effluvium) and benign nail changes, regress postpartum and typically do not require treatment. Cutaneous tumors like skin tags and granuloma gravidarum were also discussed, with some resolving after childbirth and others treatable by excision. The document stressed the importance of physicians recognizing these changes to provide proper care and avoid unnecessary stress and treatments for pregnant women.