​Skin conditions are quite common during pregnancy. What are the different types, and how do they affect you? Dr Mark Koh, Head and Consultant, Dermatology Service, KK Women’s & Children’s Hospital (KKH), a member of the SingHealth group, discusses three types of pregnancy-related skin conditions.​

Atopic eruption of pregnancy


Atopic eruption of pregnancy (AEP) is a term now used to encompass conditions including eczema in pregnancy, prurigo of pregnancy and pruritic folliculitis of pregnancy.


AEP is not associated with any adverse outcomes for the unborn baby.


What does atopic eruption of pregnancy look like?


Patients with atopic eruption of pregnancy have itchy, scaly, reddish (erythematous) rashes, most commonly on the limbs and trunk. In some cases, the intense itch and scratching can lead to the formation of thickened areas of skin.


Who’s most at risk of developing atopic eruption of pregnancy?


Patients commonly have a personal or family history of other allergic conditions, e.g. atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis (hay fever) or asthma. AEP has been estimated to occur in up to 5 per cent of pregnant patients. AEP tends to occur earlier in pregnancy compared to PEP, with many patients presenting in the 1st and 2nd trimesters.




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