Overview
Pemphigoid gestationis (PG), also known as herpes gestationis, is a rare autoimmune skin disease that occurs during pregnancy or shortly after giving birth. Despite the word 'herpes' in its older name, this condition has nothing to do with the herpes virus — the name was used historically because of the blister-like appearance of the rash. In PG, the immune system mistakenly attacks proteins in the skin, causing intense itching, redness, and blisters, most often starting around the belly button and spreading to other parts of the body. The condition is driven by antibodies (mainly IgG antibodies targeting a protein called BP180 or collagen XVII) that cross the placenta and can briefly affect the newborn as well. Most babies born to mothers with PG are healthy, though some may have a mild, temporary rash at birth that clears on its own. Treatment focuses on controlling symptoms and protecting both mother and baby. Mild cases may be managed with topical steroid creams, while more severe cases often require oral corticosteroids like prednisone. The condition usually improves after delivery but can flare up with future pregnancies or when taking estrogen-containing contraceptives. With proper medical care, the outlook for both mother and baby is generally very good.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Intense itching, often severe and difficult to relieveRed, hive-like bumps or patches on the skinFluid-filled blisters (bullae) on the skinRash that typically starts around the belly buttonRash spreading to the trunk, arms, legs, palms, and solesSkin that looks inflamed or swollen around blistersBurning or stinging sensation on the skinTemporary mild rash in the newborn at birthSkin symptoms that worsen around the time of deliveryFlare-up of symptoms after delivery before eventual improvement
Clinical phenotype terms (6)— hover any for plain English
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Pemphigoid gestationis.
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Specialists
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Pemphigoid gestationis.
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Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Is my rash definitely pemphigoid gestationis, and what tests confirm this?,What treatment is safest for me and my baby during pregnancy?,How likely is this condition to come back in future pregnancies?,Should I avoid estrogen-containing birth control after delivery, and what are my alternatives?,What signs should I watch for that mean my condition is getting worse and I need urgent care?,Could my baby be affected, and what should I watch for after birth?,How long is it likely to take for my skin to return to normal after delivery?
Common questions about Pemphigoid gestationis
What is Pemphigoid gestationis?
Pemphigoid gestationis (PG), also known as herpes gestationis, is a rare autoimmune skin disease that occurs during pregnancy or shortly after giving birth. Despite the word 'herpes' in its older name, this condition has nothing to do with the herpes virus — the name was used historically because of the blister-like appearance of the rash. In PG, the immune system mistakenly attacks proteins in the skin, causing intense itching, redness, and blisters, most often starting around the belly button and spreading to other parts of the body. The condition is driven by antibodies (mainly IgG antibod
How is Pemphigoid gestationis inherited?
Pemphigoid gestationis follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Pemphigoid gestationis typically begin?
Typical onset of Pemphigoid gestationis is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.