Impetigo herpetiformis--a rare dermatosis of pregnancy associated with prenatal complications.

BACKGROUND

We describe a patient who developed an acute generalised pustular eruption associated with pyrexia at 33 weeks of gestation.

METHODS

Her condition was complicated by preterm labour, requiring an emergency caesarean section delivery. A diagnosis of impetigo herpetiformis was made on clinicopathological grounds.

METHODS

Initial treatment with topical and systemic corticosteroids failed and oral methotrexate was added.

RESULTS

She responded well to this therapy and required only 2 doses of weekly methotrexate.

CONCLUSIONS

Impetigo herpetiformis is a rare dermatosis of pregnancy that requires early recognition and treatment to prevent maternal and fetal morbidity. Combination therapy using oral corticosteroids and short-term methotrexate is effective.