Itch in Pregnancy Management

Curr Probl Dermatol. 2016:50:164-72. doi: 10.1159/000446087. Epub 2016 Aug 23.

Abstract

Pruritus is common in pregnancy. It deserves an elaborated work-up of the patient. It is frequently a symptom of a dermatosis that coincides by chance with pregnancy or a preexisting dermatosis that can flare during pregnancy. In some cases, it is due to the group of pregnancy-specific dermatoses. Work-up requires a prudent consideration of the diagnostic tests as well as the choice of treatment because of the potential effects on the fetus. This chapter will focus on the specific dermatoses of pregnancy and the local and systemic treatment of pruritus in general during pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use*
  • Cholagogues and Choleretics / therapeutic use
  • Cholestasis, Intrahepatic / complications
  • Cholestasis, Intrahepatic / diagnosis
  • Cholestasis, Intrahepatic / therapy
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / complications
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / diagnosis
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / therapy
  • Female
  • Histamine Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Pemphigoid Gestationis / diagnosis
  • Pemphigoid Gestationis / immunology
  • Pemphigoid Gestationis / therapy
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy Complications / therapy*
  • Pruritus / complications
  • Pruritus / diagnosis
  • Pruritus / etiology
  • Pruritus / therapy*
  • Ultraviolet Therapy*
  • Ursodeoxycholic Acid / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Cholagogues and Choleretics
  • Histamine Antagonists
  • Ursodeoxycholic Acid

Supplementary concepts

  • Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy
  • Pruritic urticarial papules plaques of pregnancy