Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026

Modeling Ascending Vaginal Infection, Preterm Birth, and Neonatal Morbidity in Mice
Published on: October 10, 2025
Impetigo Herpetiformis during pregnancy: a case report and literature review
Qian-Qian Gao1, Ming-Rong Xi, Qiang Yao
1West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, PR China.
Background:
Impetigo herpetiformis (IH) is a rare pustular dermatosis that typically occurs in pregnant women with unknown etiology.
Case Report:
We report an 18-year-old primigravida who presented with IH at nearly 30 weeks' gestation and was the first patient reported in mainland China. The patient's condition deteriorated rapidly in spite of treatment with corticosteroids and antibiotics, so we decided to terminate the pregnancy by induction of labor. After vaginal delivery she developed fever and her skin lesions did not disappear naturally. Fortunately her symptoms were resolved with the treatment of antibiotics and acitretin, and at day 60 postpartum her skin lesions had completely disappeared.
Conclusion:
Although IH is associated with high mortality and morbidity in both fetus and mother, a better prognosis could be achieved with an immediate diagnosis and proper treatment. The etiology of IH needs to be further explored and the process of diagnosis and therapy should be standardized.
Related Concept Videos
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Acne Infection
Transcytosis of IgG
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...
Cytomegalovirus Disease
Development of the Oral Microbiota
