What is atopic eruption of pregnancy?

Atopic eruption of pregnancy is classified to include eczema of pregnancy, prurigo gestationis, and folliculitis of pregnancy. According to the retrospective study by Ambros-Rudolph et al, it is the most common dermatoses of pregnancy, with a prevalence of 50.7%. In this study 20% of the patients were known to have preexisting atopic dermatitis, but 80% of the patients reviewed experienced symptoms de novo during pregnancy. It is known to start early in pregnancy, before the third trimester. The skin lesions are erythematous, excoriated papules, plaques, or nodules on the extensor surfaces of the limbs and on the trunk, and may appear crusted and eczematous. The treatment involves topical corticosteroids, and the disease usually resolves in the postpartum period.

Ambros-Rudolph CM, Müllegger RR, Vaughan-Jones SA, et al: The specific dermatoses of pregnancy revisited and reclassified: results of a retrospective two-center study on 505 pregnant patients, J Am Acad Dermatol 54(3):395–404, 2006.