Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Dermatology
Itchy rashes in pregnancy: an approach to diagnosis and management
Recent articles on:
Pregnancy
Pregnancy
Abstract
Itch is a common symptom in pregnancy, affecting at least 17% of gravid women. Although many cases are due to common skin conditions coincidental to the pregnancy, the specific pregnancy-related dermatoses should always be considered.
Key Points
- Atopic eruptions, including dermatitis, folliculitis and prurigo, are the most common itchy rashes in pregnancy.
- Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy is most common in primigravidas, women pregnant with twins, and women who gain excessive weight during pregnancy.
- Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy starts on the abdomen, in or near stretch marks.
- Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is strongly associated with an adverse fetal outcome.
- The hallmark of pemphigoid gestationis is a band of the complement component C3 along the dermoepidermal junction.
- Pemphigoid gestationis, intrahepatic cholestasis and generalised pustular psoriasis of pregnancy can all recur with subsequent pregnancies and with use of the oral contraceptive pill.
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