Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy, or PUPPP. In the UK, it is often referred to as PUPPS or PEP (polymorphic eruption of pregnancy). Small, itchy red spots on the skin, notably in stretch marks on pregnant women’s bellies, are how the rash often presents itself. The navel is typically surrounded with a PUPPP rash. These itchy, hive-like rashes frequently turn into sizable areas that can spread to the chest and extremities.
Conventional medicine frequently prioritizes controlling symptoms over addressing the root of the issue when it comes to therapy. Skin irritation may frequently be treated with oral or topically administered steroids. Antihistamines like diphenhydramine or cetirizine are sometimes used to treat itching. However, using steroids while pregnant might be harmful. Even incidences of low birth weight have been linked to topical steroid usage.
What causes a PUPPP rash?
Why PUPPP develops is still a mystery to the medical community.
Stretch marks, also known as striae, are where the rash often develops first. This is because the baby is developing the quickest during the third trimester of pregnancy.
Immune response to fetal cells
Another hypothesis is that PUPPP is brought on by an immunological reaction to fetal cells. A few fetal cells disperse throughout the mother’s body. These cells could provoke an immunological reaction that results in the rash.
Given that fetal cells continue to circulate in the mother for a brief period of time after delivery, this idea would help to explain why PUPPP might occasionally remain after birth.
To clearly relate fetal cell circulation to PUPPP, more investigation is required.
Stretching of the skin
The connective tissues can get injured when the skin is strained or pressured, which can lead to inflammation and a rash that is red and puffy.
The extreme stretching of the skin that occurs during pregnancy, especially in the latter few months, may be related to PUPPP.
Natural Remedies
Cold Compress
Applying an ice pack to your skin is a fantastic additional method of skin irritation relief. This approach is really beneficial, particularly when specific bodily areas are also inflamed. The chilly temperature provides comfort from the discomfort. Apply an ice pack to the irritated skin region for a few minutes to provide this straightforward treatment. Utilize this cure as necessary.Juniper Berry Lotion
Juniper berries may be hard to come by, but they make a great anti-itch treatment since they have anti-inflammatory characteristics. These berries can be a potent anti-itch treatment when paired with cloves, which contain eugenol.
Making a DIY salve with the following items is possible:
- 2 teaspoons ground cloves
- 4 ounces of any carrier oil (e.g., sweet almond oil or olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon juniper berries
- 1 tablespoon beeswax
On a low burner, warm the carrier oil of your choice. Beeswax should be melted in a separate pan. Beeswax that has melted should be combined well with carrier oil. Combine the ingredients before adding the juniper berries and ground cloves. Allow the mixture to cool. In a glass jar, store the mixture. To relieve the discomfort, apply this salve to the afflicted skin regions.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice may heal irritated skin. Lemon juice’s antibacterial characteristics allow it to get rid of any microorganisms that may be on the skin. Lemon juice should be diluted with water for this cure. Apply the mixture to the skin’s afflicted regions using a cotton swab.Gram Flour Paste
The use of gram flour paste might lessen skin irritation. Mix 2-3 tablespoons of gram flour with water to form a smooth mixture for gram flour paste. Apply this paste to the skin’s afflicted regions, let it dry, and then rinse with water. This natural cure can be used once or twice daily. Gram flour gives skin a silky, youthful appearance. Since it helps hydrate the skin, it is particularly beneficial for dry and irritated skin.Baking Soda
Baking soda can be used to reduce PUPPP-related pain, redness, and irritation. It will soothe dry skin and aid in easing pain. Additionally, it aids in restoring the skin’s pH equilibrium. Apply a thin layer of baking soda to the abdomen and irritated areas to utilize it. Before cleaning the impacted regions with cold water, let these areas dry. Use this natural cure every day to feel better.Aloe Vera Gel
Scoop the gel out of an aloe vera leaf by cutting it in half. To get relief from itching, apply and gently massage this gel to the region twice daily. Due to its efficacy, aloe vera is a widely used natural treatment for several skin diseases.
Because aloe vera has anti-inflammatory characteristics, it can effectively calm inflamed and itchy skin during pregnancy. It functions as a hydrator. Your skin will feel supple, nourished, and soft if you routinely use aloe vera gel.
Relaxing Your Nervous System
Some pregnant women report feeling restless and not getting enough sleep because of the PUPPP’s persistent itching and ugly rash, especially at night. Gentle nervines, including lavender and chamomile, can be taken sparingly to aid with nervous system relaxation and sleep promotion. Prepare a soothing tea concoction and sip it.Collagen Supplement
When it comes to treating skin problems, gelatine is a superfood. When applied topically, the collagen in gelatine is too big to truly permeate the skin. Supplements made from grass-fed collagen are the most effective. These collagen supplements help strengthen and heal the harmed connective tissues that result in PUPPP rashes. You may supplement your smoothie or drink with a couple scoops of grass-fed collagen protein.Coconut Oil
A number of skin conditions can be treated using coconut oil. It assists in easing itching and discomfort brought on by PUPPP. Additionally, coconut oil can aid in moisturizing the skin to make it appear beautiful. Coconut oil can nourish dry and irritated skin cells since it can permeate the skin. Essential fatty acids are also delivered to the skin. Additionally, the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of coconut oil. Use only extra virgin or virgin oils, nevertheless, as processed oils may include chemicals and preservatives that aggravate the skin even more.Pine Tar Soap
PUPPP might itch and irritate you a lot. If frequent soaps and certain skin care products are used, the itching may get worse. Pine tar soap can be used to bathe in such circumstances. This soap’s herbal properties help to reduce the rashes’ burning sensation. The skin is additionally moisturized with this soap. When bathing, use this soap and warm water. After 2 to 5 days of therapy, results can be seen.
MIMI (Multi ion mask insert)
- Can be worn with any facemask and provides additional heavy-duty protection.
- Adult & Youth Sizes Available
Drinking Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil can aid in easing PUPPP-related discomforts. You may combine this oil with milk. Add two teaspoons of flaxseed oil to one cup of milk for optimal effects. It has been shown that flaxseed oil ingestion is quite beneficial for skin rashes. This oil calms and soothes the burning and irritation brought on by PUPPP.Using Adaptogens
Generally speaking, adaptogens are beneficial when it comes to boosting the immune system. They support a stronger immune system as well. The adaptogens can reduce the mother’s body’s reaction to the fetal cells. Smoothies can be made with an adaptogen, like the maca root, for ingestion. Consuming adaptogens produces benefits gradually, but the rashes can still be efficiently treated.Oatmeal Bath
Oatmeal is another calming substance. Bathing in an oatmeal solution can help to soothe itchiness and irritation brought on by PUPPP. Additionally, an oatmeal bath helps hydrate and calm the skin. Herbs like calendula and chamomile can be added to an oatmeal bath as it is being prepared. Early relief is possible if an oatmeal bath is routinely taken because this therapy may help relax the skin and alleviate irritation and inflammation.Anti-Inflammatory Herbs
The herbs chamomile, Chinese skullcap, and calendula are particularly good at reducing skin irritation and itching. For a smoother application, aloe vera can also be used in these herbal preparations. The afflicted parts of the abdomen can be treated with an infusion of these herbs.Cleansing Herbs
There are many different herbs for cleaning available on the market. Rashes on the skin may result from certain changes in the blood or skin. The herbs dandelion root and nettle work the best in purging the blood. These plants are typically suggested to expectant mothers by herbalists. These herbs’ inherent anti-inflammatory and antiallergenic characteristics benefit pregnant women’s health.Drinking Vegetable Juices
The eating of veggies is the finest natural therapy for detoxifying the body. In the event of a PUPPP rash, same course of therapy is also suggested. Although there isn’t any concrete proof that drinking vegetable juice may totally treat PUPPP, doing so can help you avoid a number of other health issues. However, due to beetroot’s potent detoxifying properties, pregnant women should not consume significant amounts of beetroot juice.Risk factors and prevention
Finding risk factors for PUPPP might be challenging because the disease’s fundamental etiology is yet unknown.
Some traits are common among PUPPP sufferers, chief among them being first-time mothers.
PUPPP is typically not recurrent in women who have it during their first pregnancy, or if it is, it is usually considerably milder.
Other potential PUPPP risk factors include:
- carrying a male fetus
- being white
- carrying twins or more than one baby
- excessive, rapid weight gain
Bottom Line
Your child can be born with a less severe case of the PUPPP rash. However, the rash itself shouldn’t pose any risks to you or your unborn child.
Even if a PUPPP rash could have appeared during this pregnancy, there is a low likelihood that it will do so during a subsequent pregnancy. But if you get pregnant again, there’s a remote possibility that you could get a less severe PUPPP rash.
