ABSTRACT
Pemphigoid gestationis is originally referred to as herpes gestationis, but as the immunofluores-cent findings were similar to those of bullous pemphigoid the name is changed. Pemphigoid gestationis is dependent on paternally derived antigens which are present in the fetus, and occasionally in a hydatidiform mole or choriocarcinoma. The bullous lesions are subepidermal. Preceding blister formation there is edema of the dermal papillae and infiltration with eosinophils, forming a papillary microabscess. The antibodies in Pemphigoid gestationis have been shown to be pathogenic in an animal model, as they react with the basement membrane of the amnion placenta and are found in fetal skin and cord blood; they also bind C3 complement, and this binding is easier to demonstrate than the antibodies themselves. Pemphigoid gestationis usually clears postpartum, although flares may occur in this period. Pemphigoid gestationis will usually occur in subsequent pregnancies. In some instances the eruption occurs more early in the subsequent pregnancies and it may also be more severe.
