Skin Problems in 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.