Abstract

Introduction:  Pregnancy dermatoses include skin changes due to physiological phenomenon, pregnancy specific disease conditions and preexisting skin conditions. The pregnancy dermatoses can be due to alterations in hormonal, metabolic, vascular or immunologic mechanisms during pregnancy.  Assessment of dermatological conditions during pregnancy gains much importance because some have implications on the maternal and fetal outcomes. We describe the pattern of skin changes among antenatal mothers attending Government Vellore Medical College for pregnancy care from March 2017 to June 2017.

Materials and Methods:  We conducted a cross sectional study at the antenatal clinic in Government Vellore Medical College. between March 2017 and June 2017 among 403 mothers . We analysed the data using Epi Info Software.

Results:  Primi mothers and second gravida together was 85%. The mothers with age less than 20 years and above 30 were 11% and 16% respectively. The common physiologic changes such as Linea Nigra, secondary Areola and Melasma were seen in more than 70%. Pregnancy Specific Dermatoses was seen in 10%. Preexisting conditions were seen including nail changes in 6.4%.

Discussion:  Pigmentary changes were the most common in our study, Linea Nigra being the most common. Similar findings have been observed in many studies. Pregnancy specific dermatoses were seen in 10 %. Prurigo was more observed in 1st and 2nd trimester with P value 0.04. Eczema was seen more commonly in Multigravida whereas Ambros-Rudolph et al reported high numbers in Primi. The incidence of Intrahepatic Cholestasis in different studies was found to be very low.  We had a higher reporting of Polymorphic Eruption against the general incidence of 1%.  There were statistically significant differences in the occurrences of associated dermatological conditions but the pre existing conditions might be due to factors of pregnancy physiology.

Conclusion:  Some of the dermatoses have implications on pregnancy outcomes and some have cosmetic implications. A detailed examination along with proper elicitation of history and confirmation of diagnosis will guide towards clinching the diagnosis early for appropriate treatment. A coordinated effort both by the Dermatologist and the Obstetrician can alleviate the suffering and complications. Mothers need to be reassured and counseled for treatment compliance.