Dermatoses in Pregnancy: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study From Eastern India.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Public Health

Background:

• Pregnancy induces numerous physiological skin changes due to hormonal, metabolic, vascular, and immunologic shifts.
• While most skin changes are benign, some pruritic eruptions can cause maternal and fetal anxiety and affect outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the prevalence, clinical patterns, and associations of dermatoses with gravida and trimester in pregnant women.
• To differentiate between physiological skin changes and specific dermatoses of pregnancy.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 138 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics.
• Data collection included detailed history, clinical examination, and laboratory confirmation for suspected infections.
• Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 24.

Main Results:

• Physiological skin changes were observed in 98.5% of women, with pigmentary changes (93.4%) and striae gravidarum being most frequent.
• Specific dermatoses of pregnancy affected 24.6% of women, with prurigo of pregnancy (12.31%) being most common.
• Primigravidas showed higher rates of pigmentary changes and striae gravidarum, while specific dermatoses were significantly higher in the third trimester (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Physiological skin changes are common during pregnancy and typically require only reassurance.
• Specific dermatoses of pregnancy, though less common, necessitate careful monitoring and management.
• Pregnancy-specific dermatoses are significantly associated with the third trimester, highlighting the need for vigilant dermatological assessment throughout gestation.