Skin Problems in Pregnancy
December 2004
in “
Medicine
”
hormonal shifts metabolic shifts immunological shifts increased pigmentation hair growth acne atopic eczema psoriasis topical antibiotics UVB therapy pemphigoid gestationis systemic corticosteroids polymorphic eruption of pregnancy prurigo of pregnancy pruritic folliculitis of pregnancy hormones skin pigmentation hair eczema UVB light therapy corticosteroids
TLDR Pregnancy can cause skin changes and may affect pre-existing skin conditions, with some treatments not safe for use during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, women may experience a variety of skin changes due to hormonal, metabolic, and immunological shifts. These changes can be physiological, such as increased pigmentation and hair growth, or may involve the exacerbation of pre-existing conditions like acne, atopic eczema, and psoriasis. Certain medications for these conditions are contraindicated during pregnancy, but alternatives like topical antibiotics and UVB therapy can be used. Pregnancy-specific dermatoses include pemphigoid gestationis, a rare autoimmune condition that may lead to premature or low birth weight babies and typically requires systemic corticosteroids for severe cases. Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy is more common and usually resolves postpartum without recurrence. Prurigo of pregnancy and pruritic folliculitis of pregnancy are other conditions that can occur, often requiring only symptomatic treatment. It is crucial to recognize and differentiate these conditions, as some may impact fetal outcomes and necessitate systemic treatment.
