Impetigo Herpetiformis is a rare condition that has been reported in less than 100 pregnant women. The skin infection is similar to a type of psoriasis called pustular psoriasis, although women with impetigo herpetiformis mostly have history of psoriasis. Doctors disagree about whether impetigo herpetiformis is a infection caused by pregnancy or a form of pustular psoriasis triggered by pregnancy.
Here you can some pictures of impetigo herpetiformis.
Impetigo herpetiformis starts in the last trimester of pregnancy. The rash resolves after delivery but can recur in subsequent pregnancies. The rash begins as pus-filled bumps or pustules on the edges of a red area of skin on groin and inner thighs, the pustules join and spread to the trunk and extremities, often sparing the face, hands, and feet. However, the rash can spread to the mucous membranes in the mouth and the nail beds. Even pus is present, these lesions are not infected with bacteria, although they can become infected in the course of the infection.
Impetigo herpetiformis is often accompanied by symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, nausea, and fatigue. Some women have low levels of calcium and phosphate in the blood. Women with a parathyroid disorder called hypoparathyroidism may be susceptible to this condition during pregnancy as calcium and albumin levels in the blood fall.
Impetigo herpetiformis is diagnosed by observing the symptoms and characteristic rash. A skin biopsy is performed to rule out other pregnancy-related diseases.
Impetigo herpetiformis is treated with the oral steroid, prednisone. The beginning dose is fairly high and then tapered slowly once symptoms are under control. Antibiotics are used if the rash becomes secondarily infected. Blood levels of calcium, phosphate, and albumin are monitored throughout the infection.
Impetigo herpetiformis does appear to put the baby at higher risk of stillbirth and placental insufficiency. Women should be closely monitored.
Impetigo Herpetiformis is also known as Psoriasis Pustulosa Hypocalcaemica or Impetigo Herpetiformis Hebra-Kaposi
