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

INTRODUCTION

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

CLINICAL PICTURE

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

TREATMENT

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

OUTCOME

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

CONCLUSION

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.