Skin Diseases in Pregnancy

The document from June 3, 2014, provides a comprehensive review of skin diseases during pregnancy, highlighting the immune system changes that can affect the prevalence and severity of these conditions. It states that 50% of women in pregnancy skin clinics have common inflammatory skin diseases or infections, while 30-50% have specific dermatoses of pregnancy. Conditions like psoriasis may improve, while atopic eczema and systemic lupus erythematosus may worsen during pregnancy. Specific dermatoses, such as pemphigoid gestationis, polymorphic eruption of pregnancy, and atopic eruption of pregnancy, are intensely pruritic and have various implications for maternal and fetal health. Treatment options include topical and systemic corticosteroids, antihistamines, and emollients, with a focus on balancing treatment benefits with potential risks to the fetus. The document also discusses the management of other skin conditions like acne vulgaris, providing recommendations for safe treatments during pregnancy and emphasizing the importance of consulting reliable sources regarding drug safety. It concludes with guidelines for prescribing topical corticosteroids, advising the use of mild formulations and monitoring fetal growth if potent corticosteroids are necessary. The review includes a table categorizing the safety of commonly used dermatological drugs during pregnancy and an algorithm for distinguishing pruritic dermatoses in pregnancy.