PUPPP & Other Pregnancy Related Skin Conditions

As if morning sickness and Braxton Hicks contractions weren't enough, one percent of pregnant women will also develop a skin rash called pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP). If you're affected, you might notice itchy red bumps near stretch marks on your abdomen and, often times, these bumps join to create larger patches that spread to your buttocks, arms, and thighs. Although PUPPP is the most common pregnancy skin condition, others include pemphigoid gestationis and intrahepatic cholestasis which both have similar symptoms to PUPPP.

What is Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy (PUPPP)?

During your third trimester you may notice an eruption of itchy red bumps or a hive-like rash on your belly. PUPPP will migrate to the surrounding areas in the form of small red wheals until they merge to create larger wheals. The cause of this condition is unknown; however, 70 percent of women with PUPPP give birth to boys. A new hypothesis suggests male fetal DNA might be the cause of this skin irritant. While PUPPP might cause some discomfort, this condition is harmless to you and your baby. PUPPP lasts an average of six weeks, with the most severe itching lasting approximately one week. The rash usually disappears roughly one week after birth and does not reappear in subsequent pregnancies.

Treatment for this skin condition requires the use of topical steroid creams which help contain the rash and alleviate incessant itching. A homeopathic approach to relieve itching involves the use of aloe gel and oatmeal baths. Severe cases may also require oral steroids or antihistamines, but once PUPPP is under control, your doctor may recommend a lower strength steroid ointment such as cortisone cream.

Pemphigoid Gestationis

Pemphigoid gestationis is an autoimmune blistering disease, meaning your immune system is reacting to your own tissue. This skin condition will initially develop itchy patches that look like hives before developing into large, blistering lesions. The affected areas will include the trunk, back, buttocks, and arms. Approximately 75 to 80 percent of women will feel the condition flare up immediately before delivery, but this skin condition is not harmful to you or your child. Pemphigoid Gestationis will usually resolve several days after birth, but in certain cases, it may remain active for months or even years. The onslaught of pemphigoid gestationis usually recurs earlier in future pregnancies.

Treatment aims to relieve itching, prevent blister formation, and secondary infections. Oral antihistamines and topical ointments are used to help remedy the side effects. Blisters may heal without scarring if they do not become infected.

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