PUPPP

MyDoulaStacia · 07-30-2006, 11:53 AM

My client just called and is miserable.
Do any of you have any special tricks?

fearlessbirth · 07-30-2006, 11:59 AM

What does PUPPP mean? lol

PostDoula · 07-30-2006, 12:08 PM

I know some doulas have reported success with SARNA anti-itch lotion (available at drug stores, but might be kept behind the counter). Also, cortisone cream. (may need a prescription from her doctor, but should definitely check in with her/him for approval to use it)
Hope it helps! I can only imagine how maddening it could be!

doulamomma · 07-30-2006, 01:12 PM

I had it and it is maddening! Nothing worked for me, had some prescription stuff too. The only time i found relief was a nice cold shower or bath. I constantly had a cool cloth around to put on my skin.

MothertheMother · 07-30-2006, 01:16 PM

Just did a quick search....

Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP), also known as polymorphic eruption of pregnancy, is the most common rash in pregnant women. It normally occurs in first pregnancies during the third trimester with an average onset of 35 weeks. Thankfully, PUPPP does not usually affect subsequent pregnancies.

Appearance of PUPPP
The rash of PUPPP almost always begins in the stretch marks (striae) of the abdomen. It does not involve the belly button distinguishing it from other common rashes of pregnancy. The rash itself consists of small, red wheals in the stretch marks that grow together to form larger wheals on the abdomen. Sometimes the rash can include small vesicles. Over the next several days, the rash can spread over the thighs, buttocks, breasts, and arms.

The rash is very itchy, or pruritic, hence the name.

This condition is harmless to mother and baby, but can be very annoying. It lasts an average of 6 weeks and resolves spontaneously 1 to 2 weeks after delivery. The most severe itching normally lasts for no more than 1 week.
Cause of PUPPP
The cause of PUPPP is unknown. It is not associated with preeclampsia, autoimmune disorders, hormonal abnormalities, or fetal abnormalities. Some investigators suggest that the rapid abdominal wall distension damages connective tissue and causes an inflammatory response. One study has shown that male fetal DNA can be found in skin biopsies of the rash. Since 70% of women with PUPPP give birth to boys, a new hypothesis is that male fetal DNA acts as a skin irritant.

Diagnosis of PUPPP
The diagnosis of PUPPP is clinical, meaning it is based solely on the appearance of the rash. There are no laboratory tests that detect PUPPP. Skin biopsies are not generally performed unless there is a question about the diagnosis.

Treatment of PUPPP
The treatment of PUPPP is symptomatic. High strength steroid creams or ointments used up to 5 to 6 times a day usually relieve the itching and prevent the spread of the rash. Once the rash is under control, changing to a lower strength steroid used less frequently is advisable. For severe cases, daily oral steroids may be necessary to control itching. Oral antihistamines are generally less effective for itching than steroids, but may be useful at night to help with sleep.

jesscardona · 07-30-2006, 02:38 PM

I had a lot of skin allergies when I was preg. and my doctor said it was okay to take benadryl from time to time... I'm also very allergic of course..

MyDoulaStacia · 07-30-2006, 03:47 PM

I just got back from the hospital. The mom of my client thought it might be ICP (Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy) which effects the liver so we went in for blood testing and a NST.
All is fine and she is to take benadryl as needed.
I will tell her about the SARNA Beth. Thanks!

motherwise · 07-31-2006, 01:39 AM

Stacia, I had it and it is the mosty incredibly miserable thing...ugh. I also had a client who had it, and she CURED hers by taking dandylion capsules. I can't remember the dosage, but I think she just took the amount directed on the back of the bottle. Since then I have recommended this remedy twice with a 100% success! The rash completely disappeared within a week or two. HTH!!! It's phenomenal! Untill then, not much she can do. The Benadryl should help her sleep. I had a little relief if I rubbed a lotion on (I think it was Jergens brand) that had a cooling minty tingle. That honestly worked better than the steroid creams or anything..

Let us know what happens, I'd love to see it work again

Annie · 08-29-2007, 12:40 PM

This thread has been very helpful to me in passing information onto someone experiencing PUPPP. Does anyone else have any other trick of the trade on this or any feedback on items previously suggested?

Thanks!

-Annie

AmandaB · 08-29-2007, 03:23 PM

I had 2 clients diagnosed and the one took Dolichos Putriens (i think that is how it is spelled) and it worked like a charm. She would need to see a natruopath adn most remedies are pretty cheap, this one was 5$!!

SarahMcKay · 08-30-2007, 11:34 AM

Dandelion root, flaxseed oil, and accupuncture. Sarna lotion is great, but has to be reapplied a lot. I had a client this summer with the worst case I have ever seen, and this combo was a life saver for her.

butterfly05 · 08-30-2007, 12:39 PM

I had this with my last pregnancy. It was awful! The thing that helped the best, when the itch was at its worst, was an icepack wrapped in a thin towel. This is what I used in the middle of the night when I would wake up scratching.
PS I just got so happy when I read this...

Quote:

Thankfully, PUPPP does not usually affect subsequent pregnancies.

Annie · 09-01-2007, 11:19 AM

Thanks for all the advies ladies, I have passed it along.

-Annie

jessa_bee · 09-01-2007, 12:01 PM

FYI I had a birth client who developed PUPPP after she had her baby. It took several weeks to clear up.

DoulaYvonne · 09-05-2007, 05:27 PM

I had it with my 2nd pregnancy. My mw recommended dandelion root tincture. I used it for less than a week before the symptoms were completely gone.