Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

What is a distinguishing symptom of pemphigoid gestationis compared to other pregnancy-related rashes?

1. Presence of pink rings on limbs

2. Formation of blisters

3. Itchiness of the lesions

4. Dryness of the skin

The correct answer is: Formation of blisters

Pemphigoid gestationis is characterized specifically by the formation of blisters, which distinguishes it from other pregnancy-related rashes. This condition is an autoimmune blistering disorder that typically presents during the second or third trimester, with the initial lesions often appearing as urticarial plaques that then develop into tense blisters. The blisters can occur in various locations on the body, but they are particularly common on the abdomen and areas under tension, such as the limbs. Other symptoms such as itchiness can be associated with rash conditions during pregnancy, including conditions like pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy, but the blister formation is unique to pemphigoid gestationis. The presence of pink rings or the general dryness of the skin may occur in other dermatological conditions but do not define this specific disorder. Therefore, the distinguishing feature of pemphigoid gestationis is indeed the formation of blisters.