Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy, called PUPPP in short, is a very itchy rash that happens later in pregnancy. Although it is not a dangerous condition, it may cause awful itching and make you uncomfortable. 

PUPPP rash during pregnancy

😩What is PUPPP?

PUPPP stands for pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy. It's also called polymorphic eruption of pregnancy (PEP) or other names too. It is a very itchy rash appearing on your belly and then spreading to other extremities over time.😩

😩What PUPPP looks like?

PUPPP first appears as small and pimple-like spots🔴 on the abdomen and around the stretch marks. Then they gradually resemble and develop into hive-like rash. You can also see blisters around them. 

After a few days, the rash spread from the stomach to the thighs, buttocks, back, arms💪 and legs.🦵 Usually it doesn't show up areas above your breasts. The rash tends to be extremely itchy and disappear after you give birth.🤰

😩Causes of PUPPP

The exact causes of PUPPP are unknown.🤔 Rapid stretching of the skin to accommodate the growth of the uterus👶 may cause some damage to connective tissues and skin inflammation. 

PUPPP probably can be considered as an allergic reaction to male DNA♂️ of the fetal cell circulating in maternal blood. Your immune system recognizes these DNA as foreign and attacks them, causing inflammation.👦 

Treatments for PUPPP rash

Treatments can only relieve the intense itching but not cure it. You can try a bath with oatmeal or baking soda.🛀 Putting some aloe vera gel can also soothe your skin. Wearing soft, cotton clothing may help too.👚 

Don't scratch the rash or it may get worse and spread further.🙅‍♀️ If you have a severe case, you should consult with your doctors for special ointment or antihistamine to make your skin less inflamed.👩‍⚕️🏥