PUPP -Desperate for Solutions

Hi, I had the rash around my fifth/sixth month of my pregnancy. It was AWFUL! I just remember being up all night itching like crazy. I used Aveeno shower body wash, lotion, and Palmer's oil. My doctor finally told me to get some spray benadryl and that worked okay. Basically you just have to wait it out-- it does finally go away!!

I had this when I was 33 weeks with my twins. It sounds like PUPPS but it could be another serious liver malfunction that closely mimics PUPPS. I would definitely see your dr. ASAP about it. If it IS PUPPS... the only thing that gave me any relief was oral steroids... I know it sounds harsh, but they don't cross the placenta. I tried every cream out there to relieve the itching... sometimes a bath in cider vinegar water helped, but the itching always came back. I was in tears most days. The steroids helped and I was still a bit itchy, but at least I could sleep. The only REAL cure is delivery.

Anyway... please see your Dr. to find out what it really is first!

I certainly feel your pain!! I got Pupps 5 weeks before I had my baby. Miserable. Tried everything from oatmeal baths, benadryl, and even oral steroids. I hope that you get some relief and that it goes away for you. It is very rare from what I'm told but not dangerous. I hope you have better luck than I did!

A.,
This could also be a few other things. Might want to have a doctor check it out. Shingles sounds similar. Don't want to put the baby at risk.
Good luck,
S.

As others suggested, you most definitely need to check with your OB/Gyn. Rashes can be indicative of bigger problems, so please don't wait on this. Even if it is "just a rash" your doctor will likely be able to prescribe something to relieve your agony.

I had a horrible rash during my 2nd pregnancy, too. It covered my arms, legs, and back. It wasn't PUPPS, but it was absolutely miserable. I itched so badly that I would cry out of frustration, and I couldn't sleep. When I did fall asleep I would unconsciously scratch until I bled. I had bumps and scabs and scars all over me. My skin didn't even feel like skin. I had no idea a simple little rash could be so debilitating.

Like one of the other moms said, I tried oatmeal baths and every cream on the market. Nothing worked. My OB/Gyn finally sent me to a dermatologist who prescribed Prednisone (an oral steroid). I was extremely hesitant to take it, but my OB/Gyn said my stress and lack of sleep were doing more harm than the drug would. Anyway, the Prednisone brought almost immediate relief, and my daughter (now 4) had no negative side effects from it.

My heart goes out to you, and I hope you find some relief.

Hi A., I know what you are going thru!!! I had PUPP with my 1st pregnancy. Unfortunately the only cure is giving birth. But oatmeal baths, oatmeal lotions, and other anti-itch creams. Aveeno has a great oatmeal line. Look for the bath mix in packets (it is a powder) you could use the real, edible stuff if you can't afford this stuff. also check with the pharmacy for their tips, and your doc. And try not to go crazy because it will end when your beautiful child is born!!! Good luck, and try not to scratch too much...

I am a midwife and I highly recommend using dandelion root tincture. You put a dropperful under your tongue twice a day. It detoxifies your liver. The impurities that the liver is supposed to pull out of the blood show up in the skin. If your liver can't keep up, you will often see it in the skin. Dandelion root is safe in pregnancy.

Let me also suggest using Wheat Grass Juice to support the liver. You can buy powder. I like Pure Planet Green Kamut powder. It is easily mixed into juice or water and is like a dose of green leafy veggies.

Don't self-diagnose online -- contact your doctor! Especially since you are pregnant, you want ot be sure to get a treatment that is safe for you AND your baby :-)

I've never heard of this either and strongly agree with what A. M wrote. Contact your OB/GYN or other physician immediately. Make an appointment to have the rash looked at by a professional. It may be nothing to be concerned about at all but you don't want to be guessing about it either. Please let me know what you find out.
M. M.

I had this too! It's the absolute weirdest. Yes, it's due to your body temporarily freaking out and thinking your hormones are an allergen. It only took a day or two for my body to shake off the "stupids" and get back to normal...at least until the next weird thing.

Ashely

You need to check with your Doctor, I developed itching and a rash like thing while I was pregnant and it was caused by my liver and was potentially harmful to the baby. My daughter was born perfectly healthy but you really need to talk to your doctors to be sure what it is.

L.

I had this after delivery.....it is so rare that my doctor broke out the text book!!! My best advice is go to the doctor.....they can give you a steroid cream or a shot. My doctor told me that it will get worse before it gets better but the good news is it will go away sooner than later with medicine! I would imagine soaking in oatmeal baths would help too. Unfortunately for me it was after delievery so no bath for me. Good luck.

The WORST thing you can do is figure out what is wrong by looking online! Please see your doctor.

Hi A.! I'm so glad I'm not the only one that has had this problem. I had it when expecting my 1st and 2nd and my doctor never gave me any indication that it was PUPP. After changing doctors with my 3rd, I had a name but still never came accross another mother with the condition. You need to talk to your doctor to be sure that's what it is but from what I've read it's very common and goes away only with birth. I will tell you that it helped me if I didn't have clothing touching it and if I avoided getting soap and shampoos on it in the shower that dried it out. Good luck!