Severe nonendemic pemphigus foliaceus presenting in the postpartum period.

Abstract

The new onset of pemphigus in the postpartum period is exceedingly rare with only 1 case previously reported in the literature. We describe a 31-year-old woman who developed extensive denudation of her skin shortly after delivering her second child. Histologic examination, immunofluorescence testing, and immunoprecipitation with desmoglein 1 confirmed the diagnosis of pemphigus foliaceus. The patient responded to treatment with prednisone, cyclophosphamide, and plasmapheresis. The effect of the postpartum period on the onset and exacerbation of immune-mediated bullous diseases is discussed.