A CLINICAL OBSERVATIONAL STUDY OF SKIN CHANGES SEEN IN PREGNANCY.

Abstract

Pregnancy is a state of signicant metabolic, endocrinological, immunological and vascular changes which lead to varied cutaneous changes. The cutaneous manifestations could be physiological changes, pregnancy specic dermatoses and skin conditions that are affected by pregnancy. The aim of this study was to nd the incidence of pregnancy dermatoses and characterize the various cutaneous manifestations seen in pregnant women. Methods: It was a cross-sectional descriptive study done over 2-year period from September 2016 to September 2018. All pregnant women presenting to the dermatology outpatient with complaints of skin disorders were recruited for the study. Informed consent was taken and the detailed examination ndings recorded. A total of 200 pregnant women were included i Results: n the study. Mean age was 25.5 years. Majority of participants were primigravida 130(65%). Most common presenting complaint (126 cases, 63%) was itching. Majority of participants (113) presented in the third trimester. Physiological skin changes pertaining to pregnancy was noted in 91(45.5%) participants, 156(78%) had pregnancy non-specic dermatoses and 39(19.5%) had pregnancy specic dermatoses. Hyperpigmentation and striae gravidarum were seen in 24% pregnant women. Among the pregnancy-nonspecic dermatoses infections was the most common condition (76 cases, 38%). Fungal infections constituted the majority, followed by viral and bacterial infections. STI were seen in 5 patients. Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy was the most common pregnancy specic dermatoses seen in 38 (19%) women. Thirty-three of these patients were primi in their 3rd trimester, 5 were in 2nd trimester. Atopic eruption of pregnancy was seen only in 1(0.5%) participant. Hyperpigmentation and stria Conclusion: e gravidarum are the most common physiological changes seen in pregnancy. Pregnancy predisposes to a wide variety of infections of which fungal infections are most common, followed by viral. Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy is the most common pregnancy specic dermatoses.