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This study evaluates the prevalence and clinical patterns of skin changes in pregnant women and their association with gravida and trimester.

June 17, 2026Open Access

Dermatoses in Pregnancy: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study From Eastern India

Key Points

This study evaluates the prevalence and clinical patterns of skin changes in pregnant women and their association with gravida and trimester.
Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at Burdwan Medical College and Hospital.
Included 138 pregnant women attending outpatient clinics from August 2023 to July 2025.
Data collected through history taking, clinical examinations, and laboratory diagnosis for infections.
Physiological skin changes were observed in 136 (98.5%) women, with 129 (93.4%) showing pigmentary changes.
Specific dermatoses were noted in 34 (24.6%) women, most commonly prurigo of pregnancy (n = 17, 12.31%).
Fungal infections were prevalent in 20 (14.4%) of 30 women with infectious diseases.

Abstract

Introduction Numerous skin changes occur in pregnancy, the majority of which are physiological in nature and linked to the hormonal, metabolic, vascular, or immunologic changes. However, some pruritic eruptions cause anxiety during pregnancy and may affect the maternal and fetal outcome. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence, clinical patterns, and association with gravida and trimester of dermatoses among pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic for routine obstetric care. Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy in collaboration with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Burdwan Medical College and Hospital, Burdwan, India. A total of 138 pregnant women attending the Outpatient Department of both these specialties, from August 2023 to July 2025, were included. Patients were evaluated by detailed history taking and clinical examination at the time of presentation. Suspected cases of bacterial, fungal, or viral infection were confirmed by laboratory diagnosis. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 24 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results Among the 138 pregnant women, physiological skin changes were observed in 136 (98.5 %), with pigmentary changes being more frequent (129, 93.4 %). Specific dermatoses of pregnancy were observed in 34 (24.6 %), with prurigo of pregnancy being the most common (n = 17, 12.31%). Out of 30 (21.7%) women affected by infectious diseases, fungal infection was the most common (n = 20, 14.4%). The primigravida had significantly higher pigmentary changes (p = 0.0265) and striae gravidarum (p = 0.012). Specific dermatoses of pregnancy were significantly higher in the third trimester (p < 0.001). Conclusion Physiological skin changes, which are more common than specific dermatoses during pregnancy, require only reassurance. However, careful observation and examination are necessary as some dermatological conditions are affected by pregnancy.

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