Document Type : Review Articles
Authors
1
Assistant Professor of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University
2
Family Medicine Resident, M.B.B.Ch. Faculty of Medicine –Zagazig University,
3
Head of the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine-Zagazig University
Abstract
Background: Pregnancy is a physiological state often accompanied by various cutaneous, physiological and pathological changes. While many skin changes during pregnancy are benign and self-limiting, such as hyperpigmentation, striae gravidarum, and vascular alterations, others may be symptomatic and distressing, like pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP), atopic eruption of pregnancy (AEP), and pemphigoid gestations. These dermatologic manifestations can significantly impact a pregnant woman’s physical comfort, body image, emotional well-being, and overall health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This review explores the multifaceted burden of pregnancy-associated skin changes from a quality-of-life perspective. Based on recent clinical studies, patient-reported outcome measures, and dermatologic literature, we examine how symptoms such as pruritus, disfigurement, and visibility of skin lesions can affect mental health, sleep quality, social interactions, and self-esteem. Psychological distress, especially anxiety and depression, has been closely linked with moderate to severe skin symptoms in pregnancy, potentially leading to poorer prenatal care engagement and adverse maternal outcomes.
Conclusion: Skin changes during pregnancy are more than just cosmetic problems; they are deeply affecting women’s physical, emotional, and social health. Taking a thorough, empathetic, and practical approach when assessing and managing skin conditions during pregnancy can really make a difference in improving the overall well-being and daily comfort of expectant mothers. Healthcare workers need to become extremely aware of how dermatoses may affect a woman's quality of life, since if they are recognized early and handled with tact, physical and emotional results may be favorable
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