P.U.P.P.P…. w-w-what?!
Here’s a tongue twister -
Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy.
Otherwise known as P.U.P.P.P. and more recently shortened to P.E.P (polymorphic eruption of pregnancy), this is the most common rash in pregnant women. And I happen to be one of those preggies to have gotten it.
PUPPP appears around the third trimester as itching around the stretch marks of the abdomen but strangely spares the belly button. It spreads like wildfire to the arms, legs, buttocks and thighs and becomes pimple-like in appearance. The more I scratch, the itchier the pimples became, to a point of ‘madness’. Well, maybe not madness but you get the point.
It’s cause is unknown and doesn’t seem to be related to previous pregnancy nor will it necessarily show up in future pregnancies.
The cure? HA! Delivery of the baby. Maybe now I’ll have some relief.
Tags: Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy, PUPPP, polymorphic eruption of pregnancy, pregnancy, itchiness, dermatology
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POSTED IN: Diseases and Medical Conditions, Pregnancy and Parent Care
7 opinions for P.U.P.P.P…. w-w-what?!
Alexis
Feb 18, 2008 at 6:01 am
That’s What this irritating hives have been. So I have to endure all of this until June 27th?? You’ve got to be kidding me! I can’t sleep because of these things. Sigh… My Kid had better be a rocket scientist or something. All of this stuff I go through just to give my husband a family. It’s worth it though. LOL :)
Grace
Feb 19, 2008 at 2:56 am
Alexis, I so feel for you! I had them too and it began on the 35th week of pregnancy. Tell your doctor about that so she can recommend some creams to relieve the itch. AND, from one preggy to another - do not scratch! Especially around the belly area because scratching will create stretch marks or make them worse.
Julie
Feb 26, 2008 at 10:49 pm
I’ve been batteling PUPPP for the past month. Ladies hang in there because it will get better. My son was due on February 4 but came 3 days late.While in the hospital the small itchy rash that had started the week before began to get worse.Within three days of being home it had spread all over my body. Most cases of PUPPP will improve after delivery- the key word is MOST. My case actually worsened after my son was born. I went to a dermotologist who informed me that cases that don’t imporve after delivery are most likely due to some retained placenta or tissue. I had a D&C last week and it has finally stopped itching but the hives are still there- just healing slowly. DO NOT SCRATCH! It will only make it worse. The dermotologist did give my Xyzal, Clobex and Hydroxyzine which helps- but you can’t nurse and take them. Best of luck to all- I spent many nights looking for anwers on the net- and there’s just not a lot out there!
Alexa
Apr 12, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Hi Ladies!
I too am suffering from this HORRIBLE unforgiving rash. Like Julie, PUPPP started for me late in the third trimester as a small rash under my bellybutton and blew out of control (covering my entire body below the neck) after I delivered. It took about 2 weeks to clear up post-partum.
I am currently in my 38th week of my second pregnancy and to my complete dismay my belly started to itch again and the red bumps have re-appeared. Needless to say I am having a very difficult time accepting it and trying my best to focus on the positive. Having gone through this already, I know what worked for me last time and what didn’t. This time I am trying my best to prevent it from getting as bad. I have read up on dandelion root tea and flax oil. I have started taking both…3 tea’s a day and a tablespoon of flax. As well, I read a post from another woman who stated that V8 juice worked for her?? I have since starting drinking 2-3 glasses of that day. Due to desparation of hopefully never getting this again, I will try ANYTHING. I do have to admit that since I have started using this remedies the itch is not as intense. Here’s praying that it doesn’t go wild again after I deliver.
I can completely empathize with any woman who suffers the wrath of the PUPPP. Although it isn’t harmful to the baby, it certainly was harmful to my emotional well being after becoming a first time mom. Good luck to all those woman who suffer from the PUPPP.
eri
May 19, 2008 at 4:08 am
Oh my…i started having them last thursday. I’m on my 37th week and it itches like hell. It keeps me from having a sound sleep at night. My legs are unrecognizable with all the rash covering it. My tummy looks just as bad and it has spread to my arms! It has kept me awake at night, uncomfortable throughout the day and has gotten me a bit depressed over my appearance since I have to go to work while I have it which means long sleeves, socks and pants even in the summer.My husband has been talking to the baby in my tummy and said “you’d better be nice to mommy because she’s gone through a lot for you!” I’m sure though it will be all worth it when the baby comes out (soon I hope!). =)
magie
Jul 26, 2008 at 1:25 am
where can i get dandelion root tea and flax oil…
Cathy C
Aug 3, 2008 at 8:05 am
Please check out rainier soap works PUPPP relief soap. This soap improved PUPPP in a week. I haven’t tried it but I’m desperate to try anything that will cure this terrible rash!
Go to:
http://www.rainiersoapworks.com/puppp_relief.htm
I hope this helps a lot of women out there sufferring like I am right now (a first time mom).
Good Luck!
Cathy
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