Pregnancy Dermatoses for the Inpatient Dermatologist

Inpatient dermatologists are often consulted to evaluate pregnant patients who develop skin eruptions. This review discusses the diagnostic work-up and clinical management of pregnancy-related cutaneous diseases frequently encountered in the hospital setting.

Pregnancy dermatoses may be classified as specific to pregnancy or occurring during pregnancy. Treatment should be tailored to each condition, with emphasis on medication safety for both mother and infant. There has been a rise in case reports involving the use of biologics in pregnant patients in recent years.

Many pregnancy dermatoses are benign and self-limiting. Dermatologists provide expert opinions to identify conditions that pose significant risks to maternal and fetal health; therapeutic interventions benefit from coordination of care with the obstetric team.