“CLINICAL PATTERNS AND PREVALENCE OF PREGNANCY-RELATED DERMATOLOGICAL ISSUES”

Abstract

Hormonal adaptations, immunologic and vascular changes cause numerous physiological and pathological changes in the skin during pregnancy. The dermatological changes in pregnancy may interfere with the maternal well-being, psychosocial well-being and in some instances, maternal fetal outcomes. Although they are common, information about the trends and the rate of such conditions is scarce in Pakistan.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to find out the clinical patterns and the number of pregnant women with skin problems in relation to their pregnancy who visited the dermatology department of Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was done at Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar from February, 2025 to July, 2025. In total, 150 pregnant women at any stage of the pregnancy were the ones to take part in the research. Women taking part in the study were subjected to structured interviews and thorough dermatological examination. Both physiological and pathological skin diseases were recorded, and the data were analysed to find out the prevalence and patterns according to age groups and trimesters. The criteria for inclusion were all pregnant women attending the outpatient departments who gave their consent, while those having pre-existing chronic dermatological conditions, systemic comorbidities that affect the skin, or medication-induced dermatoses were the ones to be excluded.

Results: Physiological dermatoses were found in 65.3% of cases, with the most common alterations being hyperpigmentation, linea nigra, striae gravidarum, and melasma. Dermatological conditions of the skin caused by underlying diseases were seen in 34.7% of cases and were mainly due to atopic eruption of pregnancy, PUPPP, prurigo, and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. The second trimester had a peak of 59% of the participants with skin problems. The age distribution showed a higher proportion of 26–30-year-old women with skin problems.

Conclusion: Dermatological manifestations during pregnancy are very common, with physiological changes being the most common. Pathological dermatoses, although they are less common, need to be diagnosed and treated promptly. Antenatal care should include regular dermatological evaluations and counselling for the patients in order to enhance maternal comfort, knowledge, and outcomes.