Doctors disagree about whether it is a distinct disease that’s caused by pregnancy or a form of pustular psoriasis that’s triggered by pregnancy. Despite the name “herpetiformis,” the rash is not caused by a herpes virus. It is named “herpetiformis " based on the appearance of the pustules, which can look like those that are caused by herpes viruses (such as chickenpox.) Impetigo herpetiformis is unrelated to a similarly named condition called dermatitis herpetiformis, a rash that has been coined the “celiac rash.”
What It Looks Like
The rash begins as pus-filled bumps, or pustules, on the edges of a red area of skin on the inner thighs and groin. The pustules join and spread to the trunk and extremities, usually sparing the face, hands, and feet. However, the rash can spread to the mucous membranes of the mouth and the nail beds. Pus is present, but these lesions are not infected with bacteria, though they can become infected throughout the course of the disease.
Who Is at Risk
Women who have a parathyroid disorder called hypoparathyroidism may be susceptible to this condition during pregnancy as calcium and albumin levels in the blood fall. It’s also currently thought that women who have certain gene mutations may be at a greater risk of developing the rash. It’s not known why the rash occurs during pregnancy but not at other times. However, there are many skin changes that normally occur during pregnancy.
Symptoms
Impetigo herpetiformis is frequently accompanied by significant symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue. Some women experience low levels of calcium and phosphate in the blood.
Diagnosis
Impetigo herpetiformis is usually diagnosed by its symptoms and its characteristic rash. A skin biopsy is typically performed to rule out other pregnancy-related conditions. Some studies have linked the condition to genetic mutations, so it is possible that some physicians may order genetic testing.
What Else Could It Be?
There are many types of rashes that can be seen in pregnancy. A fairly common rash called pruritic urticarial papules and plaques in pregnancy (also known as PUPPP, PUPPS, or PEP) occurs in one out of every 160 pregnant women. Similar to impetigo herpetiformis, this rash most often occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy, but in contrast, it tends to be very itchy.
Treatment
Impetigo herpetiformis is treated with the oral steroid prednisone. The beginning dose is usually fairly high and then it’s tapered very slowly once symptoms are under control. Sometimes steroids are not well tolerated. If this is the case, then other medications may be used. Antibiotics are used only if the rash becomes secondarily infected. Blood levels of calcium, phosphate, and albumin are monitored throughout the course of the disease.
What Effect Can the Condition Have on Baby
According to research, impetigo herpetiformis is associated with the risk of stillbirth and placental insufficiency. Early recognition is important to reduce both maternal and fetal morbidity. So if you suspect that you may have impetigo herpetiformis, call your doctor right away.
