Polymorphic eruption during the postpartum period

Abstract

Introduction. In pregnancy, dermatoses affect less than 20% of pregnant women and represent a heterogeneous group of skin conditions, with a varied form of presentation and evolution. Objective. To present a case of polymorphous eruption of pregnancy, with appearance in the puerperium, describing as a review of the literature the knowledge that we have until now of this pathology. Case Report. We present the case of a 38-year-old patient, in the puerperium of her first pregnancy, who debuted with a clinical picture of skin rash and pruritus that began in the abdominal area and spread to the lower limbs. The lesions consisted of erythematous papules that came together to form plaques. She was diagnosed with a polymorphous eruption of pregnancy and was formulated with antihistamines, achieving the resolution of the pathology. Discussion. The polymorphic eruption of pregnancy is a benign inflammatory skin disorder. It begins with the appearance of pruritic papules that converge to form erythematous plaques, which begin on the abdomen respecting the umbilical area and generally start from the stretch marks spreading to the extremities. The treatment consists of the use of emollients and antihistamines for the control of the lesions and pruritus. Conclusions. Although it is a benign and self-limited pathology, it is to arrive at the correct diagnosis and initiate medical management, because symptoms such as pruritus can generate scratching injuries that tend to become infected and compromise the health status of the patients.