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Skin changes during pregnancy. Is that an important issue for pregnant women?
Affiliations- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
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Abstract
Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of self-reported skin complaints during pregnancy, applied treatment and the impact on well-being of pregnant women.
Material and methods: We asked 1935 women that were maximum 4 years after labor to fill in our questionnaire. The questionnaire included questions concerning the course of pregnancy, observed skin lesions, applied treatment and influence on the quality of life.
Results: Skin changes during pregnancy were reported by 1447 patients (74.78%). The prevalence of self-reported skin complaints were as follows: stretch marks (77.4%), acne (21.6%) and recurrent herpes labialis (11.6%). In 43.67% (n = 632) of women who reported dermatological problems during pregnancy the disease caused significant deterioration in their well-being. Only 168 patients (11.61%) received dermatological treatment from their obstetricians. Dermatological consultation required 217 patients (14.99%). For 133 of treated women (25.68%) the recommended treatment was expensive. However, in the majority of patients (379; 73.15%) who received treatment the skin changes resolved after therapy. Skin symptoms resolved significantly faster in the treated group (3.5 ± 4.3 week vs 5.8 ± 6.2 week; p < 0.001).
Conclusions: Self-reported skin complaints seem to be a relevant problem during pregnancy. Proper skin care as well as appropriate treatment applied by obstetricians and/or dermatologists may help women to recover.
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of self-reported skin complaints during pregnancy, applied treatment and the impact on well-being of pregnant women.
Material and methods: We asked 1935 women that were maximum 4 years after labor to fill in our questionnaire. The questionnaire included questions concerning the course of pregnancy, observed skin lesions, applied treatment and influence on the quality of life.
Results: Skin changes during pregnancy were reported by 1447 patients (74.78%). The prevalence of self-reported skin complaints were as follows: stretch marks (77.4%), acne (21.6%) and recurrent herpes labialis (11.6%). In 43.67% (n = 632) of women who reported dermatological problems during pregnancy the disease caused significant deterioration in their well-being. Only 168 patients (11.61%) received dermatological treatment from their obstetricians. Dermatological consultation required 217 patients (14.99%). For 133 of treated women (25.68%) the recommended treatment was expensive. However, in the majority of patients (379; 73.15%) who received treatment the skin changes resolved after therapy. Skin symptoms resolved significantly faster in the treated group (3.5 ± 4.3 week vs 5.8 ± 6.2 week; p < 0.001).
Conclusions: Self-reported skin complaints seem to be a relevant problem during pregnancy. Proper skin care as well as appropriate treatment applied by obstetricians and/or dermatologists may help women to recover.
Keywords
acne, herpes labialis, pregnancy dermatoses, stretch marks
About this articleTitle
Skin changes during pregnancy. Is that an important issue for pregnant women?
Journal
Issue
Article type
Research paper
Pages
450-453
Published online
2018-08-31
Page views
2770
Article views/downloads
2133
DOI
Pubmed
Bibliographic record
Ginekol Pol 2018;89(8):450-453.
Keywords
acne
herpes labialis
pregnancy dermatoses
stretch marks
Authors
Piotr Ciechanowicz
Mariusz Sikora
Karol Taradaj
Agnieszka Ruta
Adriana Rakowska
Bożena Kociszewska-Najman
Mirosław Wielgoś
Lidia Rudnicka
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