Subcorneal pustular dermatosis: Comprehensive review and report of a case presenting during pregnancy

Int J Womens Dermatol. 2020 Feb 20;6(3):131-136. doi: 10.1016/j.ijwd.2020.02.003. eCollection 2020 Jun.

Abstract

Subcorneal pustular dermatosis (SPD), also known as Sneddon-Wilkinson disease, is a rare, relapsing, sterile pustular eruption of unknown etiology that develops most commonly in middle-aged or mature women. This article reviews the presentation, associations, and management of the condition and highlights advances in pathophysiology. Onset of SPD during pregnancy has not been reported. Herein, we report a case of SPD that developed during pregnancy. The patient was treated with dapsone without complications for her or the fetus. An association between T helper (Th) 17 and Th2 environments in the development of SPD has been advocated. Pregnancy is characterized by a predominance of Th2 responses and increased interleukin-17 levels and thus may favor the development of the condition.

Keywords: Dapsone; Gestation; Neutrophilic dermatosis; Pregnancy; Sneddon-Wilkinson disease; Subcorneal pustular dermatosis.

Publication types

  • Review