New Guidance on Managing Skin Diseases during Pregnancy Presented at EADV 2025
Paris/Virtual - September 17,2025 – Updated approaches to treating skin diseases during pregnancy were highlighted today at the European academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress 2025. Experts emphasized the increasing therapeutic options available, alongside the critical need for individualized treatment plans balancing maternal health and fetal safety.
Presentations covered a spectrum of conditions, from benign but distressing dermatoses like Polymorphic Eruption of Pregnancy (PuPPP) to potentially life-threatening Gestational Pemphigoid (GPPP). Dr. Rainer Muellegger discussed PuPPP, noting its stressful nature for patients. Dr. Birgit Stephan addressed pustular eruptions in pregnancy.
A key focus was the use of biologic medications. Dr. Junko Murase stressed the importance of timing regarding biologic cessation, stating, “The time to remove biologics before the third trimester can reduce the exposure of the newborn, but in women with a serious illness in which the health of the mother is at risk, a sequel can be justified.” She also highlighted that infants exposed to biologics in utero should avoid live vaccines, such as BCG, for the first six months of life. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) was identified as a safe option for treatment.
dr. Sara Pruneddu, focusing on pruritus during pregnancy, underscored the necessity of a structured assessment – considering timing, distribution, accompanying findings, and laboratory tests – for accurate differential diagnosis. Distinguishing between puppp and Pemphigoid gestationis, identifying pregnancy striae, and recognizing exacerbations of existing conditions like eczema were emphasized. Accomplished eczema treatment with cyclosporin and the importance of differentiating pruritic eruptions from infections like varicella were illustrated through case discussions. Dr.Pruneddu also pointed to iron deficiency as a frequently overlooked contributor to pruritus,frequently enough resolving with supplementation.
Effective management of pruritus, Dr. Pruneddu noted, frequently requires collaboration between dermatologists, obstetricians, and hepatologists.
The session concluded with a consensus that pregnancy is not a contraindication to effective therapy, but demands a tailored, evidence-based approach. Multidisciplinary cooperation – including dermatology, obstetrics, rheumatology, and neonatology – is essential.
Sources:
- Muellegger R. Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy. Session “Pregnancy and skin disease” (Session ID D1T05.2A), EADV Congress 2025, Paris/Virtual, 17 Sept 2025, 16:00-16:20 CEST.
- Stephan B. Pustular eruptions in pregnancy. Session “Pregnancy and skin disease” (Session ID D1T05.2B), EADV Congress 2025, Paris/Virtual, 17 Sept 2025, 16:20-16:40 CEST.
- Murase J.Biologics in pregnancy. Session “Pregnancy and skin disease” (Session ID D1T05.2C), EADV Congress 2025, Paris/virtual, 17 Sept 2025, 16:40-17:00 CEST.
- Pruneddu S. Management of pruritus in pregnancy. Session “Pregnancy and skin disease” (Session ID D1T05.2D), EADV Congress 2025, Paris/Virtual, 17 Sept 2025, 17:00-17:20 CEST.
