Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy: histopathologic study.

The microscopic findings in 31 biopsies of patients with polymorphic eruption of pregnancy are reported with a literature review. Cutaneous changes include edema, dermal lympho-histiocytic infiltrate and epidermal lesions. We have found a correlation between the intensity of the inflammatory response and the presence of epidermal involvement. In our opinion, the histopathological changes may allow an accurate diagnosis with the adequate clinical information. Direct immunofluorescence did not reveal immunoglobulin or complement deposits in the ten cases studied. It may help in the differential diagnosis with nonbullous herpes gestationis.