Mackie developed serious rashes and painful blisters shortly after giving birth to her son, James.
The welts in her skin were so excruciating that she could not hold
her own baby and was forced to cover her arms with damp towels to
protect them while she feeds him.
arises when antibodies that normally protect the placenta become
confused and attack the skin, causing blisters to form.
“At first, when I was told I was allergic to my own baby I thought it
was some sort of joke,” said Mackie. “But when it sank in I was totally
devastated.
It felt like my world had caved in. It was such a heartbreaking time.
I had to watch while my husband gave our son his first bath. And in
those first few weeks when James cried I had to watch as my husband
picked him up to comfort him instead of me.”
Fortunately, a month after doctors treated her allergy using strong
steroids, Mackie finally was able to hold her baby without feeling any
pain.
“I have been told there is a 95 percent chance I will get this in my
next pregnancy and this time the doctors say it could affect the baby. I
am not sure I could put myself through it all again,” said Mackie. “But
I have learned that a cuddle from your own child is the most precious
thing in the world. Now I can cradle my little lad, it’s heaven. I never
want to let him go.”
Pemphigoid gestationis often appears in pregnancy during the second
or third trimester and/or immediately after birth. It is usually treated
with a course of corticosteroids like prednisone.
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