Dermatoses Of Pregnancy
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Introduction
Dermatoses of pregnancy are pruritic disorders that occur during pregnancy or the immediate postpartum period. Patients with new-onset pruritus in pregnancy require immediate evaluation because some of the disorders can cause obstetric complications and increase the risk for fetal morbidity and mortality.
Notably, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is sometimes classified as a dermatosis of pregnancy; however, because of the absence of a rash and no specific management, it is discussed in another article.
Atopic eruption of pregnancy
Although not completely understood, the pathogenesis of atopic eruption of pregnancy is likely similar to that of atopic dermatitis (eczema) outside of pregnancy, involving immune dysfunction (eg, a T-helper 2 [Th2]-skewed response) and genetically mediated epidermal barrier dysfunction (loss-of-function of filaggrin). Loss-of-function mutations result in decreased natural moisturizing factors, impaired keratin filament aggregation, and decreased tight junction expression.
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