Pregnancy is an important phase during which women experience different changes in their bodies. During late pregnancy, you may notice Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques
(PUPPP), a condition on the abdomen that causes itchy rashes. PUPPP rash is a harmless rash that does not affect your baby. It is usually seen in the stretch marks of the women who get pregnant for the first time. PUPPP rash lasts for a few weeks or subsides after you give birth. It might be painful when you experience this type of rashes during pregnancy. Continue reading to learn about the causes, symptoms, treatment and risk factors of PUPPP rash in pregnant women.
PUPPP rash, also called pruritic urticarial papules and plaques, is a condition that affects pregnant women in their late pregnancy. Stretching of skin on the abdomen may result in rashes during pregnancy. This condition is more common when you are pregnant with twins or triplets. These type of rashes goes off on their own during pregnancy or after delivery. Not every pregnant woman suffers from PUPPP rash. It occurs in 1 in 150 pregnancies.
The PUPPP rash starts with itching on the abdomen that may lead to blisters, hives and lumps. It can result in inflammation in your belly area. Other symptoms of PUPPP are
● Yellow discharge
● Development of crusts
● Severe itching that interferes with your daily activities.
The plaques may spread to the arms, legs, thighs, and buttocks. The itching may worsen at night and affect sleep.
The exact cause of PUPPP is not yet identified, and it is usually related to stretch marks due to pregnancy. The rashes may be due to the damage of tissues as the skin stretches during pregnancy, resulting in an allergic reaction. You are likely to suffer from PUPPP rash when you are pregnant with multiple babies as you gain weight quickly and the skin expands. During pregnancy, your immune system may get lower, resulting in body rash. Higher levels of progesterone hormone during pregnancy are also a cause of PUPPP rash.
Pregnant women who gain more weight during pregnancy are likely to notice symptoms of PUPP rashes. Women carrying twins or triplets have higher chances of PUPPP rashes. If it is your first pregnancy, you may be affected by PUPPP rash. If you are carrying a male baby, then there is more chance of getting PUPPP rash. High blood pressure during pregnancy also increases the chance of PUPPP rash.
Your doctor examines your skin when you notice symptoms of rashes. PUPP rash is usually diagnosed based on the location of the rashes. No tests can be performed to confirm PUPP rash. To rule out other infections, your doctor may insist on a complete blood count test, liver function test and cortisol test.
PUPPP itchy rash in pregnancy is benign and does not harm the mother or baby. So, there are no risks involved in the PUPPP rash. It may result in intense itching, which makes you feel uncomfortable. At times, it can disrupt your sleep during the night.
There is no complete cure for PUPPP, as it can be completely cured only after delivery. It usually lasts for 4-6 weeks and subsides once you deliver your baby. It is also not possible to prevent PUPPP rashes during pregnancy. The symptoms of PUPPP rash during pregnancy can be managed in multiple ways. You can pick any of the following PUPPP treatment methods based on your doctor’s recommendation.
Home Remedies: You can treat PUPP rash during pregnancy at home. Apply a damp cloth to the affected area. Repeat the cold compress as needed. Apply a moisturiser after this. A cool compress can ease the swelling and itching due to PUPPP rash. An itch-relieving moisturiser can help ease itching. Oatmeal baths can help reduce itching due to PUPPP rash. Wear loose cotton clothes.
Over-the-Counter Medications: If home remedies does not work , your can go for medications. There are a lot of medicines available over-the-counter to ease the symptoms of PUPPP rash. Antihistamines including Benadryl and Cetirizine are completely safe during pregnancy to treat the symptoms of PUPPP rashes. It is always safe to consult your doctor before you start with these medications.
Prescription Medications: It is important that you need medical help when PUPPP rashes interfere with your daily life. When you experience intense itching, your doctor may prescribe oral steroids to ease pain and avoid discomfort. This medication also decreases inflammation. Topical steroids are also recommended when you experience severe rashes and itching. Corticosteroids help in easing itching within two days.
Personal Care: It is a good idea to follow a personal care routine to ease the symptoms of PUPPP rash during pregnancy. A cool and soothing bath can ease itching and reduce the intensity of rashes. You can also wash your body with an oatmeal cleanser. Adding colloidal oatmeal to the bath and soaking it for ten minutes eases itching. Avoid scratching the affected area, as it can worsen the symptoms.
PUPPP rash is a condition in which pregnant women may suffer an itchy rash later in pregnancy. It is usually seen on the stretch marks on the abdomen. Although the condition is not harmful, severe itching can make you uncomfortable and affect your sleep. Rashes and itching usually go away within a few weeks after you deliver your baby. Proper diagnosis of the condition and timely treatment can help manage the symptoms of PUPPP rash during pregnancy.
No, PUPPP rash does not occur in every pregnancy. It is likely to affect women who are pregnant with multiple babies. It appears 1 in 160 pregnancies. Also, the chances of PUPPP in recurrent pregnancy are very less.
PUPPP rash usually lasts 4 to 6 weeks. At times, it subsides a few weeks after delivery.
PUPPP rash is diagnosed through a physical examination of the symptoms. The diagnosis is also based on the location of the rash.
PUPPP rashes are harmless and it does not harm the baby during pregnancy. The rashes go away in a few weeks or a week after childbirth.
