PUPPP -> PuPP-P -> PUPPY

If you are in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy and you feel very itchy all over the body and you see some rash, you may have PUPPP. PUPPP stands for Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy. What a long name! Luckily we can write or read as PUPPP. (Pruritus = itchy)

Though the name is long and sounds scary, PUPPP is completely a benign (not-serious) skin problem. It occurs in the third trimester (after 28 weeks) of pregnancy. It usually starts at the abdomen where there are striae (stretch marks) and spread to other areas. It seldom involves face, palms and soles.

The skin may have raised spots (papules) or patches (urticaria) of red rash. No one knows why it happens. However, what we know for sure is that it won’t affect the mother and the baby. It will resolve by itself 1-2 weeks after delivery.

    

 PUPPP: Dots and Patches of rash

The big problem is…. It’s very itchy and you can’t sleep well! For this, doctors will give you rather strong steroid cream to relieve the itchiness and redness. Use it sparingly when the itchiness is less serious. Anti-histamine and moisturizers may also be given though not as effective. Soaking in warm water may help some.

Nevertheless, not all itchy rashes in pregnancy are PUPPP. It can be allergy, eczema, infection etc.