Is the skin on your abdomen breaking out in itchy bumps? Although it might be uncomfortable (and unsightly), these bumps aren't dangerous to you or your baby. You're likely suffering from what's known as PUPPP (pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy) or PEP (polymorphic eruption of pregnancy).
What is PUPPP?
PUPPP is an itchy, bumpy rash — annoying but benign — that usually develops on the abdomen in stretch marks and sometimes appears on the thighs, buttocks or breasts.[1]
It's most common in first-time mothers and those carrying multiples. Sometimes itching can become very severe and spread to the rest of the body, but never on the face. (Thank goodness for small miracles.)
What does PUPPP look like?
PUPPP often resembles bumpy skin lesions, or skin-colored, pink or dark bumps.
PUPPP may look pink or red in fair skin, but it may be skin-toned or darker in women with more richly pigmented skin.
What causes a skin rash during pregnancy?
No one's really sure. Unlike most other symptoms of pregnancy, PUPPP doesn't appear to result from increased hormone levels.
One theory suggests that fetal cells invade the mother's skin during pregnancy, causing an itchy belly to develop. Another theory says PUPPP is genetic and can be traced through the father's side.
At any rate, PUPPP usually appears in the third trimester and disappears after childbirth.
What can I do about PUPPP during pregnancy?
There are a few home remedies for PUPPP, and what's right for you is whatever makes you feel better. Try:
- Taking an oatmeal bath or baking soda bath
- Applying cold compresses
- Using aloe vera gel after you shower
- Wearing soft cotton clothes (and gloves if you're a scratcher)
If the itching becomes unbearable, consult your practitioner or dermatologist about medications or anti-itching creams. Some topical steroids are considered safe during pregnancy but must be used in small quantities under strict medical supervision.
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The good news: The condition generally disappears after delivery and doesn't necessarily recur in subsequent pregnancies.[2]
What treatments for a skin rash are off-limits during pregnancy?
Oral steroids are generally considered a no-no during pregnancy. If you're close to your delivery date, your practitioner may consider inducing labor if the itching is so intense that you need to be treated with those kinds of drugs.
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