A case of impetigo herpetiformis in pregnancy is reported together with a review of the literature.

The patient was a 25-year-old primigravida with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). At 35 weeks' gestation, the patient developed a severely pruritic pustular rash with fever and leukocytosis. The skin of the affected areas was biopsied and showed intraepidermal pustules with a neutrophilic infiltrate.

Treatment commenced with intravenous fluids, oral prednisone, and steroid creams. Labor was induced. and a normal delivery of a healthy infant was effected, following which the patient's condition improved rapidly.

The clinical and laboratory features were typical of impetigo herpetiformis as described in the literature. Impetigo herpetiformis is a rare, potentially serious skin disorder occurring particularly during pregnancy, and must be diagnosed early to allow prompt, aggressive treatment.