Which postpartum skin change is permanent after pregnancy?

Which postpartum skin change is permanent after pregnancy?

• A. Pruritus.
• B. Chloasma.
• C. Vascular spiders.
• D. Striae gravidarum.

Answer: (D)

After pregnancy, many changes from high hormone levels fade as hormones normalize, but structural changes from rapid skin stretching tend to persist. Striae gravidarum form when the skin stretches quickly and the dermal collagen fibers tear, creating scarring in the dermis. That scarring tends to remain long-term, with the marks fading in color but not fully disappearing. In contrast, pruritus, chloasma, and vascular spider changes typically resolve or fade after delivery as hormonal influence decreases.

After pregnancy, many changes from high hormone levels fade as hormones normalize, but structural changes from rapid skin stretching tend to persist. Striae gravidarum form when the skin stretches quickly and the dermal collagen fibers tear, creating scarring in the dermis. That scarring tends to remain long-term, with the marks fading in color but not fully disappearing. In contrast, pruritus, chloasma, and vascular spider changes typically resolve or fade after delivery as hormonal influence decreases.