Pemphigoid gestationis is a pregnancy related autoimmune skin disorder. The rash usually appears  during the 2nd or 3rd trimester and disappears within a few weeks or months after pregnancy. The rash usually appears around the navel. It is known to be caused by the woman’s immune system mistakenly attacking her own skin but the reason why this happens is not well understood.

What symptoms should i look out for ?

The rash can begin as a flat or raised red spot that usually form on the abdomen around the navel. Blisters then develop and the rash spreads. The blisters can be small or large, irregular shaped and fluid filled. It’s an extremely itchy rash. It can spread to the rest of the body including the trunk, arms, legs and palms and soles. The face and mouth are usually not affected.

Tha rash usually appears in the second or third  trimester. However it may appear earlier or right after delivery. It will typically worsen  after childbirth and then disappear within a few weeks or months.

The baby is usually unaffected but occasionally the baby is born with a similar  rash. This rash disappears without treatment within a few weeks.

How is Pemphigoid gestationis treated ?

If you’ve been diagnosed with this condition, the treatment option is the use of corticosteroids. Applying  corticosteroid cream  such as Triamcinolone  directly  to the affected area usually helps. For a widespread rash , a corticosteroid  such as prednisone  is given by mouth. Antihistamines that do not cause drowsiness, taken by mouth, can also be used to relieve the itching.