Specific dermatoses of pregnancy: Advances and controversies

Abstract

Specific dermatoses of pregnancy include herpes (pemphigoid) gestationis, polymorphic eruption of pregnancy (also known as pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy), prurigo of pregnancy and pruritic folliculitis of pregnancy. This article focuses on what is currently known about the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, etiopathogenesis and management of these disorders. Moreover, it discusses the intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and 'atopic eruption of pregnancy', which were recently reclassified as specific dermatoses of pregnancy, as well as debates related to the prevalence and diagnostic criteria of the latter. Finally, it addresses the suggested overlap between 'atopic eruption of pregnancy' and specific dermatoses of pregnancy, such as prurigo and pruritic folliculitis. © 2010 Expert Reviews Ltd.