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Dermatoses of pregnancy
1U.S. Army Health Clinic, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
American Family Physician
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Pregnancy causes significant skin changes due to hormonal shifts, affecting skin, hair, and nails. Various dermatoses and unique skin tumors can also occur during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Dermatology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy induce widespread physiological skin alterations.
- These changes encompass pigmentation, vascularity, hair, nail, and sweat gland modifications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the dermatologic changes and conditions associated with pregnancy.
- To provide an overview of both common and rare pregnancy-related skin phenomena.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of hormonal influences on skin during gestation.
- Compilation of data on pregnancy-specific dermatoses and skin tumors.
Main Results:
- Common changes include hyperpigmentation (melasma), striae gravidarum, and vascular lesions (spider angiomas, palmar erythema, varicosities).
- Hair, nail, and sweat gland functions can also be altered.
- Specific dermatoses like herpes gestationis and impetigo herpetiformis, along with unique skin tumors, are associated with pregnancy.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy-induced hormonal shifts significantly impact skin physiology and can trigger various dermatologic conditions.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for appropriate management and diagnosis during pregnancy.