Background: Impetigo herpetiformis (IH) is a rare skin disorder that occurs during pregnancy. It was previously associated with high maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity, but now has a better prognosis.
Case report: We report a case of a pregnant woman with IH who presented with generalized erythematous pustular eruptions in the 32nd week of gestation. The IH progressed rapidly, and gestational hypertension was observed in the 36th week. The lesions did not subside, despite treatment with corticosteroids and phototherapy. She delivered a healthy male baby via cesarean section in the 37th week. One month after her delivery, her skin returned to normal, except for residual pigmentation, with complete recovery 3 months postpartum.
Conclusion: An experienced medical team comprising obstetricians, dermatologists, perinatologists and neonatologists is critical to aggressively treat this life-threatening specific dermatosis of pregnancy and to prevent ensuing complications, such as fluid and electrolyte imbalance, secondary infection and placental insufficiency.
Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.