Pemphigoid Gestationis
This page covers the following:
What is pemphigoid gestationis?
This pemphigoid is, as the name suggests, associate with pregnancy. According to UK figures, it affects one pregnant woman in 500 to one million people in the population. It usually starts with a very itchy rash that develops into blisters and usually appears during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, although it can start earlier in pregnancy. It can also commence during the 5 weeks following the birth of the baby.
The blisters usually start around the tummy button but then spreads around the body. It is rare for it to affect the mucous membranes or the head, hands and feet. Pemphigoid Gestationis can also vary in intensity during the pregnancy, possibly reducing before giving birth, but many women experience a flare at the point of delivery.
It can last for several weeks to months after childbirth. In very rare cases, the condition may continue long term. It can also recur in following pregnancies.
Will it affect my baby?
You may give birth prematurely of a baby with a lower-than-average birth weight. In some extremely rare cases, your baby can also be affected, but the baby’s blisters will usually resolve as your own autoantibodies are cleared from the baby’s system.
How will I be treated?
If you are suspected of having pemphigoid gestationis, you will be referred urgently to a dermatologist and a multidisciplinary team will manage your care.
In milder cases you may only need emollients, topical steroids, and antihistamines at a dose regarded to be safe in pregnancy and while breast feeding.
In moderate to severe cases, you may need corticosteroids. These do not appear to have an adverse effect on the pregnancy
Where can i get more information?
The Primary Care Dermatology Society has information, and the British Association of Dermatologists produce a Patient Information Leaflet. The IPPF also have an article about the condition.
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