Skin disorders in pregnancy include intractable itch - called pruritus gravidarum - (pruritus means itch, and gravidarum means the patients pregnant) which can affect the whole body and be very distressing. It is sometimes associated with disordered liver function, called cholestasis of pregnancy, but often the blood tests are normal. The use of antihistamines may help, but as with all other medications should be avoided during pregnancy if possible. Emollient creams and bath oils may ease the itch somewhat. Stretch marks, called striae, are due to the stretching of the abdominal skin as the uterus enlarges. They may be left as silvery white lines when the pregnancy is over, but the chance of this can be minimised by ensuring that the abdominal skin is well moisturised throughout the pregnancy. There are changes in pigmentation of the skin affecting the face, producing brown spots called cloasma, and a dark line down the middle of the abdomen call a Linea Negra. These fade over a period of time after delivery. Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy is a condition where there are itchy raised spots called papules which develop along the lines of the stretch marks, while with prurigo of pregnancy similar itchy spots affect the limbs as well as the abdomen. The cause of these conditions is unknown, and the treatment is aimed at relieving the symptoms: the delivery of the baby usually affects a cure.