Pregnancy brings a lot of things with itself. Some are joyous while some are problematic. You will experience many changes and complications during this phase. One of them is puppps rash.
Unlike all other problems which can be blamed upon hormones, this can’t be. It is an uncontrollable reaction which is experienced by almost every woman.
Thus, It is very important for every expectant mother to know in detail about this problem. It will help you to prepare yourself both mentally and physically.
Let us start with a basic question.
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What Is Pupps Rash?
PUPPS is a short form of pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy. It is found to be most common for first-time mothers and those carrying and occurs in every 1 out of 150 cases.
It is an itchy rash that appears in the stretch marks of your stomach during pregnancy. It is harmless to both you and your baby.
Although, it can cause some pain and uncontrollable itching. It develops in the abdomen area, thighs, buttocks or arms. It occurs in last three months of pregnancy and fades away after the delivery.
It is very important to identify these rashes at the right time. This will help you deal with the problem cautiously.
How Can You Identify Pupps Rash?
The presence of PUPPS rash can be felt very easily. At first, they are bumpy and itchy papules. Later on, they become red, scaled skin with swelling. It will make you very uncomfortable especially during hot season.
The condition does not affect the skin. Although it soon spreads to your other body parts like breasts, arms, thighs, and buttocks. Highly severe rashes may also reach up to your neck and legs.
This rash is mostly associated with itching. It is at its peak in the first weak but gradually decreases later on. However, it will go away completely only after your delivery.
Signs And Symptoms Of Pupps
The signs and symptoms of Pupps, here is a list :
- Stretching of skin
- Redness
- Causes itching
- Color of the rash starts changing
- Initially appears on abdomen and then spreads to other parts of the body
- Small blisters
- Damaged tissue causes inflammation and bleeding
- No rash present on belly button
What Are The Causes Of This Skin Rash?
There is no particular cause for PUPPS rash. It is not even supposed to be a result of increased hormone levels. Although, according to the similarities found in some cases, some concluding causes can be discussed.
1. Toxification Of A Body Organ
Somebody parts like liver get over toxic during pregnancy. This toxic overwhelming is then seen as a skin rash and discolorations.
Your kidney helps in detoxifying the blood in your body. Sometimes the high amount of toxins in the blood can also result in PUPPS rash. This is why some herbalists use blood purifying techniques to treat PUPPS rash.
2. Abdominal Stretching
Carrying extra weight or large babies can cause stress on the connective tissue. It starts forming stretch marks on your skin. This further results in inflammation and PUPPS rash on those marks.
3. Migration Of Fetal Cells
There is an old saying that you will carry your baby in your arms for a short while, but in your heart forever. Science is finding this statement more than just a sentiment.
During pregnancy, fetal cells can migrate to different parts of your body, including your heart and skin. This offers protective benefits from certain diseases.
Although, your skin may find these cells as foreign invaders, triggering a systemic response and causing a PUPPS rash.
This cell migration is more likely to occur if you’re having a boy. In 60-70% of women with PUPPS, who were carrying boys, male DNA was detected in their PUPPS rash.
4. Genetic Trace
It is also observed that PUPPS rash can be a genetic disorder also. It can be traced through the father’s side. four
5. Other Causes
Other causes of PUPPS rash can be first-time pregnancy, carrying a boy or multiples and hypertension.
Is There Any Prevention?
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent it. In fact, there is not even a way to predict it. All you can do is try to manage it as much as you can. The itch may range from mild to severe, but it goes away after a week of delivering the baby.
There might be some potential risk because of this disorder like the bacterial infection. It is caused by excessive scratching.
To prevent the severity, I will suggest some healthy measures :
a. Strengthen
Take internal collagen and gelatin supplement. It will strengthen your skin and connective tissue around the abdomen.
b. Cleanse
Doing liver cleansing before becoming pregnant will reduce the toxic load on your body. You can also use some mild blood purifying herbs during your third trimester. Dandelion tea is one such herbal tea which can help you keep you liver clean.
c. Protect
Using immune-modulating herbs like Astragalus and Ashwagandha during the third trimester can protect your immune system. It can protect you from the negative reaction of migrating fetal cells. These will also help you to keep a balanced immune system.
d. Soothe
Massaging your scratchy body part with body butter will help you get relieved from the tight and itchy skin. It will diminish the appearance of stretch marks and will help strengthen your skin. Herbs like Gotu kola can help infuse body butter. It will prevent the stretch marks and damage of connective tissue.
Some people might have allergic reactions to this herb. I will advise you to do a patch test first.
Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Pupps Rash?
1. Veggie Juice
Drinking vegetable juice is an effective way to detoxify your body. However, There is no clinical evidence that it will cure PUPPs rash.
Although, some women have confessed that this method helped them. Trying this method will not do any harm. It will also cure iron deficiency of your body
Do not drink a large amount of beet juice.
2. Oatmeal Or Baking Soda Bath
Taking a bath with oatmeal or baking soda can help you a lot. It will not completely cure PUPPS rash but will provide you some soothing effect.
Applying Grandpa’s pine tar soap over your stretch marks can also help you to get rid of the pain. Use it to wash 4 times a day. It will give you a soothing effect and proper moisturization.
3. Aloe Vera Gel
Use aloe vera gel while you shower. It can give you some relief from the inflammation. It will act as a cold compressor which will keep your body parts cool.
4. Anti-Histamines
Take non-sedating anti-histamines like Benedryl. It can help you get some relief. Do not take the high amount of tablets in this form. It can make your baby drowsy and sleepy.
5. Topical Steroids
Apply topical corticosteroids like Aveeno active naturals 1% and Hydrocortisone anti-itch cream. It can prevent itching when applied a thin layer twice a day over the red patches.
6. Collagen Supplements
Gelatin contains collagen molecules. These molecules are too large to penetrate the skin when applied topically. Apply it to the affected area. It will help you in strengthening and repairing damaged connective tissue of your body.
Tip: Add a few scoops of grass-fed collagen to your smoothie or juice, and it will be more efficient.
7. Dandelion Root And Nettle
Drinking Dandelion root tea or nettle leaf tea can help you in resolving PUPPS rash. You can also take a Dandelion root capsule.
Both the herbs are liver and blood purifiers. Dandelion root will support your liver. While nettles act as natural anti-histamines and anti-inflammatory agent. It is believed to be the most effective and popular remedy.
8. Anti-Inflammatory Herbs
You can use herbs like Chamomile, calendula and Chinese skullcap to treat skin inflammation. The ideal way to apply them is to mix the herbal extract with aloe vera gel, lotion or witch hazel. After making the mixture, you can apply it topically over the affected area.
Do not apply the herbs directly. It can cause more inflammation and irritation.
9. Adaptogens
Adaptogens can be of great help during this time of pregnancy. It will calm your body’s response towards the migrating fetal cells.
Although, there is not enough research done on these when used in pregnancy.
Hence, I will advise you to be cautious and just use maca, which is deemed safe by most herbalists.
10. Wearing Soft Clothes
Wearing baggy soft cotton clothes can help you prevent further irritation. Cotton will help you keep your skin cool. No further irritation by your clothes can give you some relief.
11. Relaxing Your Nervous System
PUPPS rash can start getting on your nerves with the constant itching and unsightly rash. The itching can keep you up all night and can cause restlessness.
Thus, you can use some mild herbs like lavender and chamomile get some relax. It will promote sleep in your body and will keep you relaxed.
Can Pupps Rash Occur Again After Pregnancy?
Sometimes in rare cases, these rashes can re-occur after pregnancy. You can always visit your doctor and get consulted. It is not an issue to worry about. Your doctor will prescribe you some steroids which can give you some relief.
Although, the option of using any of the above remedies is always open.
Applying Sigmacort cream or antibiotics like lignocaine can help. You can also use cottonseed oil for a while bathing, parrafin cream for dry skin and aqueous cream with 1% menthol for soothing the itch.
In case, if you feel the rash is severe, it is suggested that you consult your doctor first.
The only good news about this problem is that it has no long-term effects. It usually gets cured right after your baby is delivered.
Soon after you welcome your baby, you will be free from the itch to enjoy the new little life you and your partner created. So, do not get worried and be patient.
