Study of Cutaneous manifestation of pregnancy in a Tertiary Care Hospital, South India

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy is a period of profound immunologic, endocrine, metabolic and vascular changes, which makes them venerable for physiological and pathological changes in skin and its appendages. Dermatoses unique to pregnancy are important to recognize for the clinician as they carry considerable morbidity for pregnant mothers and in some instances constitute a risk to the fetus. Objectives: To determine the frequency and pattern of dermatoses in pregnancy. Methods: A total of 600 pregnant women attending out- patient department of dermatology and obstetrics at tertiary care hospital having symptoms related to skin, nail and its appendages between June 2014 and July 2015 were studied. Detailed history, clinical examination and relevant investigations were performed. The data was analyzed by using SPSS software version 16. Results: Age of patients ranged from 18 years to 44 years. Primigravida group accounted for about 396 (66%). Commonest physiological changes noted was Striae distensae 288 (48%) followed by Linea nigra 270 (45%), Gingival hyperemia/ gingivitis was seen 20 (3.33%), Pigmentary changes 198 (33%), Melasma 192 (32%). Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy (PEP) 31 (5.6%) was the commonest specific dermatosis followed by Atopic eruption of pregnancy (AEP) 12(2%) Pemphigoid Gestations (PG) 1 (0.16%) and Intrahepatic Cholestasis Pregnancy (ICP) 1 (0.16%) Fungal infection 40 (6.6%) was the commonest infection, followed by bacterial infections 12(2%). 4 patients showed skin scraping positive for Scabies mite. Conclusion: Physiological dematoses are common in Primigravida compared to multigravida. Specific dermatoses of pregnancy are also not uncommon, can be a source of significant distress to the patients which warrants specific care in turn influences the maternal and fetal outcome. The awareness, recognition of these skin conditions, familiarity with their treatment, antepartum surveillance, early diagnosis and prompt treatment is essential for improv