Skin eruptions specific to pregnancy: an overview

Abstract

Key content Pregnancy results in various physiological skin changes. As a consequence, some common dermatoses can present more frequently in pregnant women. In addition, there are a number of skin eruptions unique to pregnancy. The aetiology of physiological skin changes in pregnancy is uncertain but is thought to be due to hormonal and physical changes of pregnancy. The four dermatoses of pregnancy are: atopic eruption of pregnancy, pemphigoid gestationis, polymorphic eruption of pregnancy and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Learning objectives To understand the physiological skin changes in pregnancy. To identify the skin conditions that require appropriate referral. To be able to take a history, to diagnose the skin eruptions unique to pregnancy, undertake appropriate investigations and first-line management, and understand the criteria for referral to a dermatologist. Keywords: atopic eruption of pregnancy / intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy / pemphigoid gestastionis / polymorphic eruption of pregnancy / skin eruptions