Pemphigoid Gestationis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Pemphigoid Gestationis?
A dermatologist, a doctor who treats skin conditions, usually diagnoses and treats pemphigoid gestationis. An obstetrician, a doctor who cares for pregnant women, helps watch the pregnancy. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is pemphigoid gestationis?
Pemphigoid gestationis is a rare skin disorder that happens with pregnancy. It is an autoimmune disorder, which means the immune system attacks the body by mistake. It usually starts in the second or third trimester. That is the middle or last part of pregnancy. It can start at any time in pregnancy. It can also begin right after pregnancy.
It was once called herpes gestationis, but it is not linked to the herpes virus.
Symptoms
The first sign is usually a very itchy rash. Common signs include:
- Red bumps that often begin around the belly and trunk, then spread to other parts of the body within days to weeks.
- Large blisters filled with fluid on the affected skin.
- Large raised patches, called plaques, in people who do not get blisters.
- Itching that does not let up and often gets in the way of daily activities.
Symptoms may improve or go away on their own toward the end of pregnancy. Most women have a flare, or a sudden worsening, around the time of delivery. In most cases, symptoms go away again days after giving birth.
Causes and who gets it
The immune system makes antibodies that mistakenly attack the skin. Experts do not fully understand what sets this off.
The condition may come back. This can happen when periods start again, with birth control pills (oral contraceptives), or in later pregnancies.
Some babies of women with this condition grow less than expected before birth or are born early. A few babies are born with a similar rash, which typically goes away without treatment within a few weeks.
How doctors diagnose it
The diagnosis is preferably made by a dermatologist. General practitioners and obstetricians should think of it too. It becomes clear when the rash turns into tense blisters, which are firm and tight.
Doctors confirm it with a lab test called immunofluorescence. It is done on a small skin sample called a biopsy. A blood test for an antibody called BP180 can show how active the disease is.
Treatment
Treatment aims to relieve itching and prevent blisters from forming. Mild cases can be treated with steroid medicine put on the skin (topical corticosteroids). For severe cases, the main treatment is steroid medicine taken by mouth (oral corticosteroids). Antihistamines taken by mouth may also be used.
The lowest effective dose of medicine should be used to lower the risk to the mother and the baby. The condition has been linked to early birth and slower growth of the baby. So a dermatologist and an obstetrician are advised to watch the pregnancy together.
The skin problem usually goes away on its own within weeks to months after delivery. It has been reported to last for years in some cases.
When to see a doctor
If you are pregnant and get a very itchy rash or blisters, ask to see a dermatologist. The diagnosis is preferably made by a dermatologist. Tell your obstetrician about the rash, because the condition has been linked with early birth and slower growth of the baby.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, bleeding that will not stop, or severe belly pain.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either type of doctor can review your symptoms. They can help you reach a dermatologist and an obstetrician, and follow up after delivery.
Common questions
Is pemphigoid gestationis caused by the herpes virus?
No, it is not linked to the herpes virus. It was once called herpes gestationis because of how the blisters look.
Does pemphigoid gestationis go away after the baby is born?
Usually, yes. It usually goes away on its own within weeks to months after delivery. In some cases it has been reported to last for years.
Can pemphigoid gestationis come back?
Yes, it can come back. It may return when periods start again, with the use of oral contraceptives, or in later pregnancies.
Can pemphigoid gestationis affect the baby?
Sometimes it can. Some babies grow less than expected before birth or are born early. A few are born with a similar rash that typically goes away without treatment within a few weeks.
Sources
- Autoimmune Association - Pemphigoid Gestationis (Herpes Gestationis)
- National Library of Medicine (PubMed Central) - Gestational pemphigoid
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
