PUPPPs - Pregnancy Skin Rash
Pruritic Uticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy
What is this pregnancy related skin rash? What are it's 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 subsequent 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 dermotoses 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 www.americanpregnancy.com, "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 always 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.
