- PUPPP affects first pregnancies in the 3rd trimester, ~1% of women
- AEP affects women with a prior history of topical excema
- Starts out in the abdomen, i.e. close to where stretch marks would be
- Doesn't involve the belly button
- Spreads to thighs, butt, breasts, arms, necks, limb joints
- Harmless to mom and babe - just ridiculously annoying!
- Most severe itching lasts < 1 week (please....)
- Resolves 1 to 2 weeks after delivery (sob!)
- Cause unknown. Likely due to inflammation from damaged tissue from the expanding abdomen. One study suggests that male fetal DNA acts as a skin irritant (aiya, my baby boy!)
- Treat with steroids - creams/ointments/oral
- Antihistamines are not as effective but help with sleep
- Avoid things that normally make you itch (e.g. no seafood)
- Avoid hot showers and baths, rinse off well, towel off lightly
- Apply mild soap, unscented moisturiser - preferably oatmeal based
- Wear loose cotton clothing
- Avoid going out when it's hot (er, that's like everyday in Singapore)
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Week 25: Rash :(
Uck. So that itchy belly has transformed into a nasty body rash.... I seem to have an onset of PUPPP or AEP. May need stronger anti-itch lotions soon!
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I hope your rash cleared up! I got TERRIBLE itching around week 36. It wasn't officially diagnosed as PUPPP but I was prescribed PUPPP cream as well as an oral antihistimine to deal with the itching. It was so bad that I literally did not sleep for 2-3 days in a row. I was soooo upset about it...but fortunately, by week 38, it had mostly gone away.
ReplyDeleteActually this one cleared up after 2 weeks. But I've now got a new round from W34 that's still "itching" on. Thank goodness the weather has been cool and rainy lately though I hear you, sleep is tough!
ReplyDeleteHi, short and clear article there.
ReplyDeleteYou've mentioned oatmeal based soap. I've also heard pine tar soap and epsom salt bath can relieve itch in PUPPP.