The Skin Findings of Pregnant Women and Our Treatment Choices: A Turkish Experience Over a 5-Year Survey

The study analyzed 697 pregnant women in Turkey over a 5-year period to assess dermatological conditions and treatment approaches. Common skin issues included pruritus, urticaria, acne, and contact dermatitis, with infections like vulvovaginal candidiasis and herpes simplex virus affecting 8% of the patients. Hyperpigmentation was seen in 4.27%, hair growth changes in 3.6%, and striae in 3.95% of the women. Specific dermatoses of pregnancy were diagnosed in 1.92% of the cases. Dermatologists preferred topical treatments, with systemic therapies used sparingly due to safety concerns during pregnancy. The study highlighted an overprotective approach to prescribing systemic antifungals and antivirals, with infliximab being the only biologic agent used and cyclosporine prescribed for resistant cases. The research provides valuable information on the dermatological treatment preferences for pregnant women in Turkey, though the lack of patient numbers for some conditions may limit the strength of the conclusions.