Publication:

Dermatological changes in pregnancy in central India: a cross sectional study

Background Pregnancy is a period of profound endocrine and metabolic alterations which make the pregnant woman susceptible to changes in the skin and its appendages. These changes in pregnancy can be either physiological, development of pregnancy specific dermatoses or changes in pre-existing skin diseases. The aim of the study to study the dermatological manifestations of pregnancy.

Methods This was a cross sectional study design. All pregnant females with cutaneous manifestations attending outpatient department of Dermato-Venereo-Leprology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology were recruited during December 2015 to October 2017. They were subjected to general, local and systemic examination. Statistical analysis was done with the help percentage, mean and standard deviation.

Results Out of 400 patients, 216 (54%) were primigravidae and 184 (46%) were multigravidae. Majority of the patients (55%) were in the age group of 21-25 years. Physiological changes were present in all patients and specific dermatoses in 8.75% of patients. The commonest mucosal change was Jacquemier-Chadwick Sign (96.5%) followed by gingivitis (2.5%). Most common pigmentary change recorded was linea nigra. Most common specific dermatoses reported was prurigo of pregnancy (8%) followed by pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (0.5%). Prurigo of pregnancy was more frequently recorded in multigravida patients and more frequently in third trimester of pregnancy. The commonest dermatosis not specific to pregnancy observed was dermatophyte infection.

Conclusions Awareness about various cutaneous changes in pregnancy is important for correct diagnosis that will direct the most appropriate laboratory evaluation and careful management in an effort to minimize maternal and fetal morbidity.