To the Editor.—
Herpes gestationis is an intensely pruritic, subepidermal, bullous dermatosis of pregnancy. The eruption involves the abdomen, with frequent extension to the chest, back, and extremities. The onset of herpes gestationis is usually in the fifth or sixth month of pregnancy. Herpes gestationis is reported to contribute to an increased incidence of fetal mortality.1 The cause of the condition is unknown, although immunologic factors seem to play a prominent role.2,3Reports in the literature describe the role of pyridoxine hydrochloride in the possible cause and treatment of herpes gestationis many years ago.4,5 A major textbook continues to quote these references.6 The use of pyridoxine in the treatment of a patient with herpes gestationis is discussed herein.
Report of a Case.—
A 26-year-old woman was seen in the Dermatology Clinic of the Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, with an intensely pruritic and extensive vesiculopapular and