Introduction Demographics Causes Clinical features Diagnosis Treatment Outcome
Prurigo of pregnancy is a benign non-specific pruritic (itchy) papular rash that arises during pregnancy.
Prurigo of pregnancy has been described using a number of names including prurigo gestationis, early onset prurigo of pregnancy, papular dermatitis of pregnancy, and pruritic folliculitis of pregnancy. It is likely it will be further characterised and divided up into subsets in the future.
The cause of prurigo of pregnancy is at present unknown. The association or lack of association with atopic dermatitis is debated.
It typically presents as papular dermatitis (prurigo). It may resemble nodular prurigo.
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Prurigo of pregnancy is a clinical diagnosis. Other diagnoses not related to pregnancy should also be considered, as there are no specific diagnostic tests.
The histopathology of prurigo of pregnancy shows non-specific dermatitis. Direct immunofluorescence is negative.
Blood tests for liver function should be done to exclude an alternative diagnosis of cholestasis of pregnancy.
There is no specific treatment for prurigo of pregnancy. Symptom relief may be achieved with:
Prurigo of pregnancy resolves after delivery of the baby. However, resolution can take as long as several weeks to months post-partum.
Recurrence with each pregnancy is variable. Prurigo of pregnancy is not associated with any maternal or foetal risks.
Specific Dermatoses of Pregnancy: Advances and Controversies: Prurigo of Pregnancy – Medscape Dermatology CME Prurigo of Pregnancy Clinician's Photo Guide to Recognizing and Treating Skin Diseases in Women: Part 2. Pregnancy-Related Dermatoses — Medscape Multispecialty
