A comprehensive review on the pregnancy dermatoses.

摘要

Pregnancy results in cutaneous changes in more than 90% of women. This is the result of the altered endocrine, metabolic and immunological state in the female. Many cutaneous changes are common and benign; these are referred to as the physiological changes of pregnancy. They may be of cosmetic concern to the patient and seldom require intervention. These changes are so well recognized that they act as contributory evidence of pregnancy. Many pre-existing dermatological conditions tend to change in pregnancy; some are aggravated while others may be relieved. Knowledge of these conditions is important to forewarn the patient and to prepare for upcoming complications. There are a group of dermatoses specific to pregnancy and there has been much confusion in the literature about their classification and nomenclature. Atopic Eruption of Pregnancy is the most common pregnancy specific dermatoses followed by Polymorphic Eruption of Pregnancy. These are benign conditions with no risk to the mother or baby. Pemphigoid Gestationis and Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy carry fetal risk and require antepartal surveillance. This article discusses the current knowledge of the various cutaneous changes of pregnancy with emphasis on their clinical features, diagnosis, management and prognosis.