Impetigo Herpetiformis

Impetigo Herpetiformis

Describe impetigo herpetiformis.

Impetigo herpetiformis is an extremely rare disease, observed usually in pregnant women, and is characterized by the appearance of numerous isolated and closely-crowded pin-head-sized superficial pustules, which show a decided disposition to the formation of circular groups or patches. The central portion of these groups dries to crusts, while new pustules appear at the peripheral portion. They tend to coalesce, and in this manner a greater part of the whole surface may, in the course of weeks or months, become involved. Profound constitutional disturbance, usually of a septic character, precedes and accompanies the disease; in almost every instance a fatal termination sooner or later results.

It is possibly a grave type of dermatitis herpetiformis.