Pruritus in Pregnancy and Its Management

Dermatol Clin. 2018 Jul;36(3):259-265. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2018.02.012. Epub 2018 Apr 26.

Abstract

Pruritus in pregnancy can be a source of significant discomfort in the pregnant patient. Some cases are associated with pregnancy-specific dermatoses, although some patients experience a flare of a preexisting dermatosis. Severe pruritus may be a manifestation of a pregnancy-specific dermatosis associated with increased fetal risks and complications. Early accurate diagnosis and appropriate management are important. Examination often reveals important clinical findings, aiding accurate diagnosis. Pemphigoid gestationis often presents with periumbilical involvement, whereas polymorphic eruption of pregnancy spares the umbilicus and presents in the striae distensae. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is associated with intense pruritus of the palms.

Keywords: Atopic eruption of pregnancy; Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy; Pemphigoid gestationis; Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy; Pruritus.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cholestasis, Intrahepatic / diagnosis
  • Cholestasis, Intrahepatic / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pemphigoid Gestationis / diagnosis
  • Pemphigoid Gestationis / drug therapy*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy Complications / drug therapy*
  • Pruritus / diagnosis
  • Pruritus / drug therapy*
  • Pruritus / etiology

Supplementary concepts

  • Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy
  • Pruritic urticarial papules plaques of pregnancy