Herpes gestationis: two case reports.

Herpes gestationis (pemphigus gravidarum, pemphigoid gestationis) is a rare specific dermatosis of pregnancy with the onset in second trimester and worsening in third trimester of gestation. The onset of herpes gestationis has also been described in second trimester, and in early postpartal period. Other dermatoses of pregnancy include prurigo gestationis (besnier), pruritus gravidarum, impetigo herpetiformis, and polymorphic eruptions of pregnancy. On differential diagnosis, bullosus pemphigoid, papules and plaques of pregnancy, dermatitis herpetiformis, drug eruptions, erythema multiforme, and pemphigus vulgaris should be considered. Two patients with verified herpes gestationis are presented. In one patient, the illness developed after delivery, and in the other one four months before conception. The diagnosis of herpes gestationis was made on the basis of clinical features, direct immunofluorescence, and histopathologic findings.