Living with Herpes gestationis
An autoimmune skin condition in pregnancy that causes very itchy red bumps and blisters.
Understanding Herpes gestationis
It usually starts suddenly in the second or third trimester, but can start at any time in pregnancy. Very itchy red bumps or blisters form on the belly and trunk and may spread. The itch often interferes with daily life. Symptoms may ease at the end of pregnancy, but flares may happen during or just after delivery.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Very itchy skin
- Red bumps on the belly and trunk
- Blisters
- Spread to other parts of the body
- Flare-ups around delivery
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include skin, hair, and nail specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
International Pemphigus & Pemphigoid Foundation and Global Autoimmune Institute may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Skin, hair, and nail specialists (dermatologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: International Pemphigus & Pemphigoid Foundation, Global Autoimmune Institute
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with International Pemphigus & Pemphigoid Foundation and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says the immune system makes autoantibodies that mistakenly attack the woman's own skin. The trigger for this is poorly understood.
Also known as: dermatitis herpetiformis of pregnancy; gestational pemphigoid; pemphigoid gestationis
Patient organizations
- International Pemphigus & Pemphigoid FoundationHerpes gestationis · United States
- Global Autoimmune InstituteHerpes gestationis · United States
- Children's Skin Disease FoundationSkin diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Herpes gestationis.
Explore research for Herpes gestationis
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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