A clinical and epidemiological study of cutaneous manifestations during pregnancy: A cross-sectional observational study.

Reshma  Biswal; Biswaranjan  Prusty; Smaranika  Satapathy; Jayashree Mohanty; Kallolinee  Samal; Abdul Sahid  Khan

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2359

Authors

Reshma Biswal Assistant professor, Department of Dermatology, IMS &SUM hospital , campus ll, phulnakhara, Odisha
Biswaranjan Prusty Assosciate Professor, Department of General Medicine, DDMCH, Keonjhar, Odisha
Smaranika Satapathy Assistant professor, Department of SKIN AND VD, IMS & SUM HOSPITAL II PHULNAKHARA, Odisha
Jayashree Mohanty Professor, Department of Dermatology, SCB medical college, cuttack, Odisha
Kallolinee Samal Assistant Professor, Dermatology Department, IMS & SUM Hospital, Campus II, Phulnakhara, Odisha
Abdul Sahid Khan Assistant Professor, Dermatology Department, IMS & SUM Hospital, Campus II, Phulnakhara, Odisha

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2359

Keywords:

Pregnancy, Skin, manifestations, Physiological, dermatological, changes, Pregnancy-related, dermatoses, Atopic, eruption, of, pregnancy, Cross-sectional, study

Abstract

Background:

Pregnancy induces extensive endocrine, immunological, metabolic, and vascular changes that frequently manifest in the skin. These manifestations range from physiological changes to pregnancy-specific dermatoses with potential maternal and fetal implications.

Objectives:

To assess the clinical and epidemiological profile of cutaneous manifestations during pregnancy and classify them into physiological changes, dermatoses modified by pregnancy, and pregnancy-specific dermatoses.

Methods:

This cross-sectional observational study was conducted over 18 months at SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, involving 400 pregnant women selected through consecutive sampling. Detailed clinical history and dermatological examination were performed. Laboratory investigations and skin biopsy were conducted when indicated. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results:

Cutaneous manifestations were observed in all participants, with physiological skin changes being the most common, affecting 280 (70.0%) women. Pigmentary changes were present in 208 (52.0%) cases, and striae gravidarum in 156 (39.0%). Dermatoses modified by pregnancy were observed in 80 (20.0%) women, with atopic dermatitis being the most frequent (8.0%). Pregnancy-specific dermatoses were seen in 40 (10.0%) women, most commonly atopic eruption of pregnancy (6.0%). Cutaneous manifestations were more prevalent in the third trimester (42.5%).

Conclusion:

Cutaneous manifestations are highly prevalent during pregnancy, predominantly physiological and benign in nature. However, pregnancy-specific dermatoses require early identification to prevent maternal and fetal complications.

Recommendation:

Routine dermatological evaluation should be incorporated into antenatal care to facilitate early diagnosis and appropriate management of pregnancy-related dermatoses, improving maternal comfort and pregnancy outcomes.

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