Cutaneous Changes During Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Review

Cureus. 2024 Sep 23;16(9):e69986. doi: 10.7759/cureus.69986. eCollection 2024 Sep.

Abstract

Pregnancy induces various physiological changes in a woman's body that significantly impact the skin involving the face and trunk. This comprehensive review explores the cutaneous changes in these regions, driven by hormonal, mechanical, and immunological factors. Physiological changes such as hyperpigmentation, striae gravidarum, and vascular alterations are discussed in addition to pathological conditions like acrochordon (skin tags), pemphigoid gestationis, impetigo herpetiformis, and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Understanding these changes is essential for healthcare providers to offer appropriate reassurance and management to expectant mothers. This review provides insights into dermatological changes on the face and trunk during pregnancy to contribute to better clinical care and support future research.

Keywords: cutaneous changes; face and trunk; hyperpigmentation; pregnancy; striae gravidarum.

Publication types

  • Review