PUPPPs - Pregnancy Rash

PUPPPs is a lesser known symptom of pregnancy. Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy (PUPPP) often will make its appearance in the latter half of the third trimester. It is more common during first pregnancies and for woman carrying multiple babies. It is an itchy rash starting at the belly on stretch marks then spreading to ankles, arms and inner thighs. This could be mistaken for a symptom of a more serious condition of liver failure Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP) which needs to be ruled out by being examined at by your attending physician immediately. ICP symptoms also include, pain, depression, dark urine and pale stools and itching begins and is more severe on palms of hands and soles of feet.

Once it is cleared by your doc that the rash is harmless to you and your baby then you can take steps to make yourself more comfortable. Exfoliating the areas affected will bring a temporary relief. Other information I have come across suggest not taking a hot shower as it can dry your skin out. But as a woman who experienced this rash first hand I will suggest to a woman suffering to do whatever you have to do to keep yourself sane. I was caught around the house a few times using a hair brush to scratch my protruding belly. A warm bath in Aveeno body wash will be relaxing to an already uncomfortable mommy in waiting. Scrubbing skin with a loofa sponge will also help relieve some of the itchy side effects if you still have the need to be lady-like.

Once you are dry and exfoliated, lotion up and vow not to scratch. Creams that contain cortisone will help relieve some of the itching, if this does not do the trick you, ask your doctor for a safe steroid cream and use only when necessary. Ask your doctor if Benadryl is safe for you to take, the side effects will help you relax and sleep off the itchy sensations. Go ahead and try different creams and lotions such as tea tree oil, diaper rash ointment, lanolin and others you find in your cabinet. They just may do the trick for you, if not, jump in the soothing tub again.

While I had PUPPPs the worst part lasted about 10 days during that time I was also undergoing acupuncture treatments. I was getting therapy to turn my babies to a vertex position, which by the way, did not work but may have helped relieve some of the side effects of the rash.

I have also come across information stating that it is the worse possible rash ever, which I think is a little dramatic. First of all, PUPPPs will go away after the birth of your baby. Second, since PUPPPs only occurs in the last few weeks of pregnancy so congratulations, you are still pregnant and did not deliver too early. Also, I have had itchy uncomfortable rashes that were not a symptom of pregnancy and did not result in a beautiful baby, so what's a little discomfort if your baby gets here safe and healthy? So like I said, do whatcha gotta do to get comfortable for the next few weeks. Try soothing baths, lotions, acupuncture, hair brush, oh and forget backrubs, husbands are great for scratching when your hands get tired!