I am a IBCLC RN in a hospital and am working with a 29 yrs old, 3 week post partum mom (that happens to be my baby sister) who has pemphigoid gestationis (blisters from her scalp to the soles of her feet, also in her mouth and >300 blisters, in various stages, on her hands alone).  "Gestational Pemphigoid or Pemphigoid Gestationis (PG) is a rare dermatosis of pregnancy, being an autoimmune blistering skin disease that occurs during pregnancy, typically in the second or third trimester, and/or immediately following pregnancy. It was originally called herpes gestationis because of the blistering appearance, although it is not associated with the herpes virus."  (http://www.bing.com/reference/semhtml?title=Gestational_pemphigoid&src=abop&fwd=1&qpvt=pemphigoid+gestationis&q=pemphigoid+gestationis).  The dermatologist is telling her to stop breastfeeding, which some research suggests can increase the rash due to the fluctuations of hormones. Jayda (mom) is determined to breastfeed because she is Type I diabetic and wants protection for baby. 
We have learned that "The most accepted way to treat PG is with the use of corticosteroids, i.e. prednisone; and/or topical steroids, i.e. clobetasol and betamethasone. Suppressing the immune system with corticosteroids helps by decreasing the number of antibodies that are attacking the skin. Treating PG can be difficult and can take several months. Some cases of PG persist for many years."(http://www.bing.com/reference/semhtml?title=Gestational_pemphigoid&src=abop&fwd=1&qpvt=pemphigoid+gestationis&q=pemphigoid+gestationis).

Anyone have any experience with this????????  

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