Jennie Hsiao, MD gives a synopsis of her lecture "Dermatoses of Pregnancy" that she delivered on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at the 4th Annual Elevate-Derm PA/NP Conference in Coachella Valley, CA.
In this video
In this conversation with dermatology PA Lisa Weiss, Dr. Hsiao emphasizes that whenever a pregnant patient presents with a rash, it's "a good time to collaborate" with the OB/GYN or MFM. Keeping open communication ensures the patient feels her dermatologist and OB are on the same team and both comfortable with the medications prescribed and with managing the health of the mom, the health of the baby, and the skin rash together.
She notes there are dermatoses that are specific to pregnancy, and when one appears it's important to ask whether it affects maternal health, whether it could affect the health of the baby, and what the risk is of recurrence in a future pregnancy. That framing helps clinicians counsel new moms — or third- and fourth-time moms — on what to expect. With the goal being the best outcome possible, she adds that management sometimes means treating more aggressively or, in some cases, needing an early delivery.
- Whenever a pregnant patient has a rash, collaborate with the OB/GYN or MFM so everyone feels part of the same team.
- Open communication reassures the patient that both her derm and OB are comfortable with the meds prescribed and with managing mom, baby, and skin together.
- When a pregnancy-specific dermatosis appears, ask: does it affect maternal health, could it affect the baby, and what's the risk it recurs in a future pregnancy?
- Use that risk assessment to counsel patients — whether first-time or fourth-time moms — on what to expect.
- Aiming for the best possible outcome sometimes means treating more aggressively or, in some cases, delivering early.
