Atopic Eruption of Pregnancy

This case describes a 37 year old primigravid woman who presented at 30 weeks’ gestation with a 4 month history of pruritic pustules on her torso, arms, and legs. Initial treatment for polymorphic eruption of pregnancy (glucocorticoids) failed. Biopsy revealed subepidermal pustules and perifollicular neutrophilic infiltration, leading to a diagnosis of atopic eruption of pregnancy (AEP) the most common pregnancy-related dermatosis, encompassing eczema, prurigo, and pruritic folliculitis. Despite lacking a history of atopy, the patient’s severe pruritus resolved with cyclosporine and higher-dose glucocorticoids. AEP poses no fetal risk.

This case describes a 37 year old primigravid woman who presented at 30 weeks’ gestation with a 4 month history of pruritic pustules on her torso, arms, and legs. Initial treatment for polymorphic eruption of pregnancy (glucocorticoids) failed. Biopsy revealed subepidermal pustules and perifollicular neutrophilic infiltration, leading to a diagnosis of atopic eruption of pregnancy (AEP) the most common pregnancy-related dermatosis, encompassing eczema, prurigo, and pruritic folliculitis. Despite lacking a history of atopy, the patient’s severe pruritus resolved with cyclosporine and higher-dose glucocorticoids. AEP poses no fetal risk.