Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy
Description
Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy is a benign relatively common skin disorder that occurs during pregnancy. It was previously known as pruritic and urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy. It usually occurs in the third trimester of the first pregnancy but it can also occur less often immediately after giving birth. It’s the most common skin disease in pregnancy that affects 0.5% of single pregnancies and up to 16% of twin pregnancies.
Symptoms
- Itchy rash on the abdomen
- If stretch marks are present, the rash starts in them
- The itching may then be followed by a rash with wheals, small raised lumps in the skin, and large red/darkened inflamed areas of skin
- Itching and rash may spread on the trunk, lower abdomen, under the breast, legs, and arms
- Small blisters may be present
Visit a Dermatologist if you have any of these symptoms to be diagnosed and treated properly
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View MoreCauses
The cause of this condition is unknown. It is thought that it develops as a result of hormonal changes during pregnancy and the stretching of the skin on the belly. It’s more common with multiple pregnancies (twins/triplets). It may be related to the increased weight of the pregnant woman during pregnancy and increased birth weight.
Diagnostics
Laboratory tests are usually normal, so diagnosis depends on symptoms and the presence of the typical rash that can be identified by the Dermatologist.
Treatment
In most cases, this condition resolves spontaneously after giving birth. Treatment can be used to control the symptoms and it may include :
- General measures :
- Cool baths
- Using emollients
- Wearing light cotton clothes
- Medications :
- Topical creams (ex : Betamethasone, Mometasone furoate, Clobetasone, Hydrocortisone, Alclometasone).
- Oral tablets (ex : Diphenhydramine, Doxylamine succinate, Chlorpheniramine).
