Impetigo herpetiformis and hypoparathyroidism

A 64-year-old woman had recurrent bouts of impetigo herpetiformis triggered by episodes of hypocalcemia secondary to postsurgical hypoparathyroidism. Correction of the hypocalcemia resulted in rapid clearing of her skin disease. Impetigo herpetiformis should be considered a variant of generalized pustular psoriasis. Although best known for its association with pregnancy, this disease should also be considered an important cutaneous manifestation of the postthyroidectomy syndrome.