A Clinical Study of Cutaneous Changes in Pregnancy

The study of 600 pregnant women in Northern Kerala, India, found that 99% experienced physiological skin changes during pregnancy, with hyperpigmentation being the most common (87.6%), followed by striae gravidarum (72.8%). Infections, particularly vulvovaginal candidiasis, affected 21% of participants. Specific dermatoses of pregnancy were less common, occurring in 2% of cases, with pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy being the most frequent. Hair changes were reported by 6.16% of women, with some experiencing hair loss. The study underscored the need for thorough dermatological examinations in pregnant women to manage these conditions effectively.