|
What is this pregnancy related skin rash? What are its symptoms? How long does this rash last, and what is the best method of treatment?
Pruritic Uticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy, also known as PUPPP, is a benign, severely itchy and painful skin rash, that occurs in one out of 240 pregnancies and leaves the expectant mother in despair for relief.
PUPPP, as some women describe the rash, in a comparison to a feeling of poison oak and chicken pox, generally begins around the abdomen or thighs and can spread over the entire body except for the face, neck and hands. It has the appearance of bumpy, itchy papules that eventually spread to take on the appearance of reddened, scalded skin with welts. It generally feels worse at night and often causes sleep loss due to the intense itch.
The average onset of PUPPP generally occurs around 35 weeks of gestation, however, it has been reported from women as early as 20 weeks. In some cases it may appear in first pregnancies, but has occurred in women with previous pregnancies. PUPPP usually disappears shortly after delivery, but it can remain during the postpartum period.
There are many theories as to the cause of PUPPP, however, it still remains a mystery. One study conducted in France by Dr. Selim Aracting and his colleagues have reported studies linking PUPPP with cells from the developing male fetus. Their studies suggest that fetal cells can invade the mother's skin during pregnancy and in some way cause this dermatosis to develop. However, not all expectant mothers who develop PUPPP have male babies.
Trying to find relief can be an ongoing battle when an expectant mother is living with PUPPP. The sun, heat, warm water, and clothing can aggravate the rash. It is generally best to wear loose clothing and to try to keep the body as cool as possible. Treatment may consist of topical and/or oral corticosteroids. If you choose a homeopathic approach, some women have reported relief with the use of aloe, oatmeal bath soaks, ice packs, and the use of vaious lotions and soaps. According to American Pregnancy "dandelion root has been reported to be beneficial to women with PUPPP, it is rich in Vitamin A, calcium, and iron. Dandelion Root has been known to help relieve mild edema and help provide nourishment to the liver." Caution should be warranted, "Dandelion has been rated as having insufficient reliable information available on the herb," warns the National Medicines Database.
It is always best to remember to seek and follow the advice of your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment. Some skin rashes in pregnancy can be linked to a more serious and life threatening condition known as Intrahepatic Cholestasis, which has similar symptoms to that of PUPPP.
The copyright of the article PUPPPs - Pregnancy Skin Rash in Pregnancy & Childbirth is owned by Kellie D. Tunbridge. Permission to republish PUPPPs - Pregnancy Skin Rash in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Comments
Apr 30, 2008 1:21 PM
Angela England :
Fortunately my midwife had some education in homeopathic remedies and I
only suffered with PUPPS for two days. :-) Despite the OB's assurance that
I would suffer until after birthing my son. *laughing* For me the rememdy
that worked best to relieve the PUPPS was the homeopathic Aphis remedy but
it would be best for pregnant moms to consult someone with knowledge of
homeopathic remedies obviously. :-) Just wanted to encourage mothers there
are some natural options that CAN bring relief!
Aug 21, 2008 11:55 AM
Guest :
so what exactly is this homeopathic "Aphis" remedy? I am
desperate. I am only 12 weeks and just diagnosed with PUPPPS. it's ALL over
my body except my face (thank god!) and so itchy I am now scratching to the
point that it bleeds. It's aweful! I have a corticosteroid lotion from the
dr. but it does nothing. it might give relieve for like an hour but I'm
only supposed to use it 2xday. Do you think Aveeno oatmeal lotion will
help? 6 more months of this will drive me insane!!!
Aug 21, 2008 1:43 PM
Guest :
Dandelion Root herb taken internally DOES help substantially!
I've had
it twice(both babies are boys)and I wouldn't wish it on anybody! Get off
all scented, chemical ingredient personal care products, they aggravate it.
Grandpa's Pine Tar Soap also was a wonderful relief. (After trying many
$$$$$ worth of topical treatments) Keeping cool is very important -as is
cutting your fingernails realllly short to reduce the damage you can do to
yourself.
Beware of steroids...no matter how much pain you're in, the
side effects to your baby aren't worth it. My prayers are for anyone with
it!! Best wishes, this too will pass.
Nov 25, 2008 12:35 PM
Guest :
I also suffered from the PUPPPS rash at about 31 weeks. I was not very
happy to find out that the only way to get rid of the rash was delivery. I
consulted with my midwife and she suggested Dandelion Root capsules along
with milk thistle (artichoke & Dandelion are also in the milk thistle)
the rash left in less then two weeks I noticed a significant imporovement
in about 3-4 days. I was sooooo thrilled, she is now sharing the news with
the whole practice, it is worth a shot for thos who have the rash I
understand, and I was willing to try anything!!!! This seemed a much better
option then steriods which are what they sometimes prescribe for the rash,
as always talk with your care provider before taking anything. Good Luck
hope it works for you too.
4 Comments
|
