Pruritus in Pregnancy and Its Management.

Pruritus in pregnancy can be a source of significant discomfort in the pregnant patient. Some cases are associated with pregnancy-specific dermatoses, although some patients experience a flare of a preexisting dermatosis. Severe pruritus may be a manifestation of a pregnancy-specific dermatosis associated with increased fetal risks and complications. Early accurate diagnosis and appropriate management are important. Examination often reveals important clinical findings, aiding accurate diagnosis. Pemphigoid gestationis often presents with periumbilical involvement, whereas polymorphic eruption of pregnancy spares the umbilicus and presents in the striae distensae. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is associated with intense pruritus of the palms.