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Skin Disorders (Home) > Skin Disease During Pregnancy Developing a problem with skin disease is not something that most people would think about as being a potential side effect of pregnancy. It is no secret that childbirth takes its toll on the body with common symptoms being fatigue, stretch marks and aching joints and muscles. Yet even so, skin diseases that develop during pregnancy can be very serious for the mother and the fetus. Here is a quick break down of a couple of possible skin diseases. Intrahepatic Cholestasis Symptoms Most often, women will think this is just simple itching. The itching is most commonly experienced in the extremities (hands and feet). The rash is actually spread through continual scratching. There is also a small chance that jaundice will develop. Although it is very rare, intrahepatic cholestasis is still prevalent. It is most common in the last trimester and also when the woman is pregnant with twins. Cause Intrahepatic cholestasis is caused by a pooling of bile salts in the liver. This causes an increase of bile traveling throughout the body. It is as yet unclear as to what exactly causes this to happen, but genetics and estrogen levels appear to be factors. Effect on fetus Due to lack of ability to regulate bile, the fetal liver is affected by the excess bile. Possible risks include premature labor. Women with intrahepatic cholestasis need to be closely monitored. Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plagues of Pregnancy (PUPPP) (Polymorphic Eruption of Pregnancy) This is the most common form of skin disease amongst pregnant women. As with most skin diseases, it affects women in the third trimester. Symptoms This rash usually begins in the area around stretch marks. It does not affect the area near the belly button, however. It begins as small dots that grow and combine to form much larger dots. The rash spreads quickly into the surrounding areas. Although harmless, the itching is severe and will cause much discomfort. Cause The true cause is unknown but there is speculation as to whether male DNA (if the fetus is male) can cause this irritation Effect on fetus Despite great discomfort on the part of the mother, there is no medical evidence for any effect on the fetus in the case of PUPPP Impetigo Herpetiformis This is a very rare condition. It also appears that genetic history has nothing to do with contracting it. There is much debate as to whether impetigo herpetiformis is its own disease or if it is pustular psoriasis triggered by pregnancy. Symptoms Like intrahepatic cholestasis and PUPPP, impetigo herpetiformis begins in the last trimester. The rash takes the form of puss filled bumps surrounding an inflamed red area. The rash will continue to spread and can even affect places such as the inside of the mouth. It is also likely that a fever, vomiting and chills will accompany the outbreak of the rash. Cause It is not known what exactly triggers these outbreaks. As was mentioned above, there is still much debate in this area. Effect on fetus Impetigo herpetiformis does place the unborn fetus at very high risk of being still born. It is highly recommended that a team of highly skilled professionals (most importantly a dermatologist) monitor the mother when she first begins exhibiting signs of irritation. Contracting a skin disease during pregnancy is a very serious problem that women have to face. Although it is not prevalent in the minds of mother, nevertheless the possibility is there. Skin diseases can have a profound effect on both the mother and the fetus. The key to successfully treating any skin disease is early diagnosis and constant monitoring.
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