Atopic Eczema and Itch in Pregnancy: Therapeutic Considerations

With an estimated prevalence of 3 % in adults, atopic eczema is probably the most common cause for itch in pregnancy. Differential diagnoses of an itchy skin condition in a pregnant patient have to be considered carefully, because specific treatment is important to minimize risks for the mother and the child. Treatment is challenging, because safety data are limited for many drugs currently used to treat inflammatory dermatoses, such as topical steroids, calcineurin inhibitors, antihistamines, and systemic steroids in pregnancy. On the other hand, undertreatment of severely affected patients may lead to complications, such as superinfection.