Puppp Rash

[dzmattie]

I had this rash with my first baby - I started with it when I was 32 weeks and endured 6 1/2 more weeks of it before the doc took pitty on me and induced me. My rash was awful - I was so miserable and on bed rest on top of it. I had to have two rounds of steriods and took benadryl twice a day. (Baby was fine and is now a brilliant :D 18 month old)

My question is - has anyone else had this? And if so - did you get it with your second pregnancy? Was it as bad? I am terrified of it - I didn't sleep much and was so miserable - thinking of going through that again with a toddler is so scary to me. (I promise - I am not a wimp... :o )

Any advice?

[michael'sbride]

My question is - has anyone else had this? And if so - did you get it with your second pregnancy? Was it as bad? I am terrified of it - I didn't sleep much and was so miserable - thinking of going through that again with a toddler is so scary to me. (I promise - I am not a wimp... )

I never had it with my first pregnancy but I got it with my second. I'll be two weeks PP tomorrow and its just now clearing up. I can't remember exactly when it started, but it was HORRIBLE! I have never been so desperate in all my life. I would itch myself to the point of being sick. The worst part for me was that no matter what I tried, it only worked for about a week before my body developed an immunity to it and I was on the hunt for something new. I tried Benedryl, Benedryl anti itch cream, Aveeno with Menthol lotion, Band Aid Brand Anti Itch Gel, Aveeno lotion, ice packs, cold showers, PUPPPs soap. Nothing worked.

I was totally surprised with getting stretch marks during my 2nd pregnancy, I didn't even get 1 with my first.

I really really hope you don't go through this again. Was your first a boy? I've read that 70% of women who get the PUPPP rash are having boys and it developes because the mother is basically allergic to the male DNA.

I just knew it had to have something to do with men!

[dzmattie]

The exact same thing happened with me - by the end NOTHING worked to get rid of the itching. I have heard similar things about having boys...it was my first. Oh well - I guess as with everything else - you never know. :)

[diedra1027]

I had it starting at 35w. Up until that point, I was doing fine with pregnancy (as far as wanting it to be over), but the itching pushed me right over the edge. Nothing I took worked for me at all. I already had insomnia, but whenever I would lay down the PUPPPs itching would flare up even worse. I could only sleep in one hour incriments...it was truely awful! For me, it actually got worse immediately PP and it took about 6 weeks to clear up completely.

From what I've read, there's no correlation between subsequent pregnancies. There's no guarantee that you'll get it again (and there's no guarantee that you wont!).

[mommycal]

I have it and I swear w/both pregnancies (i'm almost 30 weeks now) I got it early on. It's rare but I know it sucks. So is it ok to take benydryl? If it helped, does it make the rash go away or just the itching. I'm going NUTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[diedra1027]

I have it and I swear w/both pregnancies (i'm almost 30 weeks now) I got it early on. It's rare but I know it sucks. So is it ok to take benydryl? If it helped, does it make the rash go away or just the itching. I'm going NUTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes. Benydryl is on the 'approved' list of medications once you are past the first trimester. It was the only thing that helped me get what little sleep I could!

[dzmattie]

Benadryl will help (kind of) with the itching - it won't make the rash go away. My doc also prescribed an antihistamine but I forget the name. It was also safe for pregnancy. I also took two rounds of steroids (which were also safe - no issues) - but they didn't help much. My rash went away completely as soon as I delivered - it was strange b/c that doesn't happen to many people. I used all the topical things described above and also used Sarna (a cream you can find in the drugstore) - but that isn't safe to use around kids under 2 years old. I thought it was strange that the rash didn't appear on my face, hands or feet. I feel for you if you have it now...I am sorry - I was so so miserable - really cold showers also helped for the time I was in there.

Thank god it went away once I delivered. Good luck....

[dzmattie]

Just bumping this from the last time to see if anyone else has gone through this - I am now 6w pregnant and terrified I am going to get this again....can anyone else relate?

[Phen]

There's many women on the boards who've had PUPPS or some variant (including me). It's pretty unbearable, I know. I practically lived in Aveeno oatmeal baths when I was itching.

I just need to caution that if you develop what you think might be PUPPS, don't self-diagnose: mention it to your doctor as soon as you can so s/he can run tests to make sure that it is PUPPS and not a more dangerous thing.

~ Phen

[hmbay]

I had it with my 2nd but not with my first. I got it around 35 weeks and delivered at 38 weeks. I didn't realized why I was itching so bad at first until the rash finally got it's way past my belly. I didn't get as awful as some people do--I actually remember it being worse the few days post partum. I would scratch myself to the point of almost bleeding. I don't wish it on anyone. :(

[Kopper]

My mom had it when she was pregnant with me but not when she was pregnant with my sister. I am the oldest. My aunt (mom's sister) had it with her first son but none of the other five boys. So there is hope that you won't get it again. I'm hoping to avoid it and so far I don't have it but I still have 6.5 weeks to go.

[Kopper]

I'm hoping to avoid it and so far I don't have it but I still have 6.5 weeks to go.

Ah... looks like I spoke too soon as my doctor diagnosed me with it this morning. Does anyone know if it's hereditary to get this? My mom was asking since she had it with me and now it looks like I have it. My doctor gave me a prescription of Zyrtek and said to use hydrocortisone cream. Did these work for you? It's not terrible yet but I just noticed it this weekend.

[dzmattie]

Oh no! I am sorry that you have it. I don't know if it is hereditary. I know no one in my family had it before me. I know I used the Sarna cream which helped and Aveeno. I am trying to find the web site that a woman made which had every remedy possible. I have also read that cherry juice (straight) from a health food store helps - who knows?? Hang in there...

[Squee]

Bumping for Sarah

[dzmattie]

*bump*

I read in one of the pregnancy threads that someone has this now - sorry don't remember who - so I thought I would bump for her...

[Ericka_Jarett]

I have bumps on the sides and top of my feet and on a few fingers, looks a lot like a heat rash would. Went to the doctor today, but she didn't say PUPP rash (this was family doctor) I see my peri on Tuesday and my OB on Friday, guess will see what each says. I was prescribed a steroid/fungus lotion.

[dzmattie]

I think I remember that PUPPS doesn't appear on feet, hands, or face - weird - so you probably have something else. Hopefully the meds work....good luck!

[LyLMyssChaos]

Bumping this up because I either am dealing with this or an allergic reaction to a new med, either way, I have a killer rash, that just won't stop itching!!

I have hives all over my chest, back, stomach, toosh, back of knees and inside my thighs. I am really hoping that it's an allergic reaction to the new med so it will fade, but goodness it is bleeding and even hurts to wear clothes. I would live in the tub if I could. I think I need to do some research on PUPPS and relief just in case!

[amurphy]

Ugh. I hate to read that other moms-to-be are dealing with this annoying pregnancy symptom.

I was diagnosed with PUPP about three weeks ago. The itching was confined to my belly the first week, moved to my thighs and feet/ankles the second week, but thankfully has calmed down in this last week. Come to think of it, I haven't had any itching sessions in at least four days. I initially relied on hydrocortisone cream and benadryl....didn't get much relief. During week two, I switched to regular (clear) calomine lotion and used benadryl only at night. And cold compresses worked great when my feet got really itchy.

I hope that the severe itching passes for those of you currently suffering. :(

[Southlooper]

I'm just getting over my PUPP rash.

For the first 3 days I was taking benadryl, taking aveeno baths and using hydrocortizone. No relief. I stopped taking the benedryl and using hydrocortizone, and instead treated the rash topically with aveeno baths, washing with aveeno soothing wash, and using aveeno lotion laced with mint oil and also rubbing mint oil directly on the rash. Treating it topically gave me enough relief that I could sleep for long periods of time at night and could function during the day.

My Doc. also prescribed zyrtec. It has an anti-inflamatory property that helped the rash go down.

I still have discomfort during the night, but I'm pretty much over it.

Hope this helps all of you who are suffering. It's not fun.

[amurphy]

I forgot to say that I also used Aveeno products and continue to do so. I've been using Aveeno Skin Relief lotion and body wash.

I'm so glad the worst of this rash seems to be behind me...

[charliezangel]

I'm not PG,, nor have I been, but I found this on another message board while googling what PUPPS RASH is...


Question: For those of you who have suffered from PUPPS rash or are currently suffering from this rash, I have come accross a solution. There is a soap called Grandpa's Pine Tar Soap and it can be purchased at health food stores such as Sun Harvest or Whole Foods. From my understanding local pharmacies can also order this soap for you. I started using this soap on a Sunday (a little over a week after my rash began) and it is now Saturday and the rash is nearly gone with little to no itching. I was truely amazed! The soap only cost $3.25 which sure beats the nearly $5.00 a tube for all of the anti-itch creams that only work temporarily. I hope this helps someone.
Link (http://www.pregnancy-info.net/QA/answers-Cure_for_PUPPS_rash/)

As always, ask your DR before using anything new, but I thought this would be helpful for those of you who are going through this.

[LyLMyssChaos]

Ohh thanks for the tips! I am definitely starting to think that I have PUPP instead of an allergic reaction as originally thought because despite having been off the meds for 24 hours I am breaking out in new patches.

[LyLMyssChaos]

*bumping* this up again, as I am now really thinking that this is not an allergic reaction. I have done the oatmeal baths, the benadryl pills, the benadryl lotion and caladryl lotion and I'm still itching. I am sending DH to find that soap today! I am also open to any other suggestions. I sure hope that my OB puts me on meds for this on Thursday if it doesn't clear up by then because my skin is raw!!

[LyLMyssChaos]

Got confirmation that is indeed PUPPS...and the dermatologist won't perscribe anything for it, just told me to keep taking benadryl and using hydrocortizone like I have been (except use 1/2% instead of 2%!) Ugghh. I am so going to the health food store to find that Grandpa's Pine Tar Soap stuff! They also did a biopsy and blood work to make sure it wasn't something worse.

[dzmattie]

Oh I am so sorry....
Here are some of the remedies that worked for me - but only use one at once - your body will become "immune" to it and each will only work for a week - Sarna (might have to ask at the pharmacy counter and is dangerous around infants so if you have other kids be very careful but not dangerous in pregnancy), Aveeno for itching, Bandaid ich cream, oatmeal baths, benedryl gel, calamine lotion....I took benedryl and prescription antihistamine - both of which managed to give me the little sleep I got but I would wake after a couple hours sweating and miserable again. I remember saying to my husband and mom that they should give this rash to "bad" people as punishment.

I ended up doing two rounds of steroids - they helped each for a week or so but that was it. Amazingly - it cleared up the day after I gave birth - I pretty much ended up being induced at 37.5 weeks due to pre-term labor contractions and the rash being so miserable. I did so much research on the rash when I had it - if you need any more info let me know and I will try to dig it out. I had a reaction this week to an antibiotic and got a rash and started crying and calling my OB thinking it was PUPPS - it wasn't...yet!

[lawgirl4]

dzmattie - thanks for bumping this... my dr isn't sure that my rash is PUPPS, but it seems to be calming down a *little* lately. my dr thinks it's probably an allergic reaction to something due to the fact that it's pretty much confined to my chest.

i did buy the Grandpa's soap and I do think it's helping - lylmisschaos, hope you were able to find it!

[LyLMyssChaos]

dz..
You are right about them using this as punishment!! Forget about hard labor, make them suffer through this...give them this rash and make them sit in a 90 degree room! I will be 27 weeks on Sunday and I've already had this rash for over a week, I don't know how I'll make it to full term, so I'm guessing, I will be induced early as well. I have not found that soap yet, but I am searching for it. I can resume cold baths today as the stitches from the biopsy have been in for 24 hours.

[lawgirl4]

Lylmiss - do you have a Whole Foods near you? I live in a big city, so we have 3 - I called them and they carry the grandpa's soap. I really have a feeling it helped.

[charliezangel]

try this site (http://www.drugstore.com/qxp16649_333181_sespider/grandpas/wonder_pine_tar_soap.htm)

If you buy it online i would stock up so you only have to pay shipping once. I just googled it and I found a couple sites where ou can get it for under $2.

[LyLMyssChaos]

Ohhh thanks!! I am placing an order right now!

[charliezangel]

let me know if it works. My girlfriend is about 4 months along and has been showing symptoms of PUPPs. I told her i'd let her know if it worked for you.

[LyLMyssChaos]

Will do. I am impatiently awaiting the arrival of that oh so glorious soap. I am just praying it works!

[LyLMyssChaos]

Well, the soap arrived last night and so I have taken one shower with it so far. I will be taking another one later today, so I will be sure to update on how it affects the itching.

[LyLMyssChaos]

let me know if it works. My girlfriend is about 4 months along and has been showing symptoms of PUPPs. I told her i'd let her know if it worked for you.

Tell your friend to get that soap...NOW!! LOL
I've only used it 2 or 3 times and I'm already noticing a difference!! It is so nice to have some relief!

[lawgirl4]

It really is a "miracle" soap!! glad it's working for you, lylmisschaos!!

[LyLMyssChaos]

Ugghh...the honeymoon with the soap is over. It doesn't seem to be working anymore! :( I tried Gold Bond Medicated lotion last night, but because of all the open sores from the scratching it burned like crazy (it has menthol in it.) So hopefully I'll build up a tolerance to the burn!

[Southlooper]

LMC - Do you have any Asian Grocery Stores in your area, specfically Chinese groceries? If so see if they have an oil called White Flower. It's basically camphor oil. I used it and it was the only thing that gave me relief. The thought behind it is the PUPP rash is hot while the camphor oil serves as a cooling agent. I put it on straight but you can mix it with lotion. The relief is temporary so you'll have to reapply every 4 hours or so.

If you can't find it, try peppermint oil. My doc also put me on Zyrtec. It help so much.

I feel for you (almost 2 weeks after DD's birth and I am s little itchy!)

Good Luck!

[lawgirl4]

southlooper - howdy neighbor! just wanted to say congrats on your little girl :) hope the itching stops soon - ick! maybe it is something in our water?!?!

[lovin'it]

I had this rash with my first baby - I started with it when I was 32 weeks and endured 6 1/2 more weeks of it before the doc took pitty on me and induced me. My rash was awful - I was so miserable and on bed rest on top of it. I had to have two rounds of steriods and took benadryl twice a day. (Baby was fine and is now a brilliant :D 18 month old)

My question is - has anyone else had this? And if so - did you get it with your second pregnancy? Was it as bad? I am terrified of it - I didn't sleep much and was so miserable - thinking of going through that again with a toddler is so scary to me. (I promise - I am not a wimp... :o )

Any advice?

Oh gosh! I did...I hear you. It's awful. I have just had one pregnancy (twins). My OB put my on steroids to aliviate the itch...it would only take the edge off...I felt like my body was on fire. It was just awful! From what I have researched online....Pupps only happens once. So, if you really had pupps...you are done! ;)

Emma

[LyLMyssChaos]

Just keeping this bumped up as I continue to deal with this blasted rash! I can't tell if I'm just getting used to it, or it if it's getting better, but thankfully I'm not itching anywhere near as much as I was!

[rosa727]

I am dealing with PUPP right now, at 38.5 weeks PG. I have had it for about the past 3 weeks or so. I was having a great pergnancy before this and was in no rush to have the baby, but now I am desperate! My doctor basically does not believe in induction, so I may have a while to go still, although I really hope not. NOTHING works. Bendryl makes me drowsy, so it helps me sleep a bit, but it does nothing to take away the itch. I have scratched until I am bleeding all over my body. It is in my ears now. It is on every inch of my body except for my face. I seriously want to cry. I never thought itching could be SO BAD! I have steroid creams, but none of them have really worked either. Aveeno with menthol probably helps the most, though it is just a little relief.

Anyone dealing with this right now?

[lawgirl4]

rosa, get the grandpa's pine tar soap - it worked wonders for me!

[lovin'it]

*deleted*

[jessmaine]

I feel for you all! I had this for the last 6 weeks of my pregnancy! I thought I was going out of my mind. It was the worst thing I have EVER had. I has extreme MS in the beginning and the itching at the end. NOTHING worked very well. I found theat Band Aid Itch Relif gel Spritz worked the best for me. I also took ALOt of baths. I am now pregnant with my second and I was sooooo worried that it will happen again. I looked soo terrible in the pictures of when Paige was born, I had nasty scabs all over my hands and chest.
I took 2 weeks to clear up post baby. I had steroids as well!
Stay Strong ladies!

[mgrace]

Ugh. I'm sorry you are dealing with PUPP--I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I had it everywhere but my face, palms of my hands and bottom of my feet. I tried calamine lotion, Benadryl, ice, Aveeno shower gel, pine tar soap, hydrocortisone cream, some other anti itch stuff and nothing worked. Nothing. Just know that it won't last forever and that it will start to go away a few days after delivery and usually totally clears up within several weeks. Hang in there.

[Hawaii2SJ]

**bump**

Any other suggestions for relief??:confused: I'm sitting here itching like crazy and can't sleep. I got TONS of welts on my torso, neck and arms. It started out kind of like little mosquito bites....I haven't changed anything like soap, lotion. I really hope this isn't what I've got :o UGGGGHH

[michael'sbride]

I'm 37 weeks and I have my 2nd go round with Puppps. I've been able to manage it better this time because I knew what to expect.

My advice is to fight off the itch by washing down your areas with a cold, wet, washcloth. I've been using Sarna Anti-Itch lotion and its done the trick. I get weak in the evening time and when I'm super tired but in 10 weeks i've only had 3 melt downs.

I shower in luke warm water and use Aveeno anti itch body wash. Not sure how much it helps but i'm not changing anything at this point.

[rosa727]

My feet would get really bad and I would plunge them in a pan filled with ice water. It's shocking at first but then my feet would feel a lot better. I guess you could try it with hands or feet, but I would not want to try taking a tub in ice water!

I also used Aveeno lotion, which helped some. And I had a prescription skin lotion for it.

[CMW02]

UGG. I'm sorry so many of you are dealing with this.
I am ITCHY all over too..but unfortunately, its not PUPPS. Not that I'm complaining...I dont have a rash, but I have all over unexplained itching.

As Phen mentioned, dont self diagnose. I'm currently waiting for blood work to come back to see if its something worse...which is dangerous to baby.
I just want to KNOW already!

This itching is no fun!!!!!

[risa00]

I'm starting to wonder if this is what I have. I started out with itching hands and feet about a week ago. It then moved on to my arms and legs. Now about 2 days ago I have this red rash on my belly that itches (not as bad as my other parts though) and is very hot. Like the rest of my body is cold and I am sitting here with a cold, wet wash rag and fan blowing on me to cool down this rash. Does this sound like PUPPPs? I have an appointment with my OB on Tuesday so I'm going to run this by her.

[Hawaii2SJ]

I'm still wondering what the heck it is I have. Monday I was told it was Hives and to take Benedryl, which worked but knocked me out and made me a zoombie. Then Wednesday my entire body was itching with rash/welts EVERYWHERE including the sole's of my feet and palms of my hands, plus my throat was itchy and lumpy....so on Thursday I was told by another DR it was PUPPS but didn't need blood work since everything else was normal (BP, HR, etc.) :confused: WTF??? Today I'm fine so I'm sticking with the hives DX. I swear sometimes I just don't trust what the DR's say.

From what I've read, I think PUPPS doesnt spread to your hands/feet/face. But don't quote me on that.

[beevo12]

Cetaphil soap really worked well for my PUPPS

[CMW02]

Actually, I've read that PUPPS can be very prevalent especially on the bottoms of your feet and your hands.

I hope you feel better soon Hawaii!

I was given blood tests b/c it was NOT Diagnosed as a rash or pupp..but itching for other reason.
All bloodwork came back normal...so its now just "unexplained".
Luckily, the itching has subsided about 80% of what it was when it began 2 weeks ago. PHEW!!

[QueenofCA]

I swear, the itching and swelling is making me crazy! The welts started on the sides of my abdomen, which is the only place that I have stretch marks, and then spread around to my lower back and to my legs. I'm trying everything to get some relief, but so far, I'm just itchy all the time. Mentally, it is so draining, because there's really nothing I can do except wait to deliver this baby, which is still 10 weeks away. On top of it, it is blazing hot here in Los Angeles.

Did anyone else get PUPPP? If so, did you find anything that helped? I'm taking dandelion root extract and flaxseed oil because I heard those were good, but it's only been a couple of days and I haven't noticed a difference.

TIA!

[strawberry4]

I did not have it, but a friend did and so did her sister. An interesting thing though....her dr told her that 75 percent of women who have pupp have boys. They think this is because of the surge of hormones. Not sure if this is true, but I did notice you are having a boy too!

[QueenofCA]

Yes, I've read that thing about boys too! This thing is just so miserable. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy!

[Sand]

PUPPPS and Postpartum - getting WORSE after pregnancy!!

I developed Puppps rash at 38 weeks. It was just on my belly for the two weeks prior to giving birth to DD (so its not ALL boys, ;) ) and the OB said it should go away since we had her. I thought, "oh yay" - it was insanely itchy!

Oh no. Back it up girlfriend.

I left the hospital after two days with it still only on my belly. Every day since it has spread to a different area of my body and now its covering pretty much every inch but my face, palms, and feet pads. Its ungodly annoying!!! Its on the back of my hands, on my neck and chest as well as the worst parts of my belly, feet, butt, & legs. (My feet are also still swollen so the skin is supertight and itchy and driving me bonkers)

I'm now 7 days post partum. The OB put me on Methylprednisolone steriod pills. I didnt want to take anything as I'm breastfeeding, but its maddening!!!!

Did anyone take oral steriods and still breastfeed??

I talked to my OB and DD's pediatrician and they both said it would be okay to breastfeed, but I'm a wee neurotic and still dont feel comfortable with it. :( (It took me 3 years and 4 losses to get this angel...I dont want to do anything to mess this up.)

[mkredhead]

I am so thankful for the bump on this thread.

I am 40+ weeks pregnant and was just diagnosed on Thursday. I didn't mention anything for the last two weeks, thinking it was my pants rubbing on my belly. I wish I would have said something before!

I am currently using an over-the-counter itch creme but may have to go to Whole Foods or the like and look for the pine tar soap.

Currently, it's only on my lower belly. It is driving me nuts. This morning I woke up itchy on my tummy, chest and legs. I sure hope it doesn't spread.

I can't complain, as my pregnancy has been a piece of cake to this point, but it sure is annoying!! Plus I feel like Homer Simpson - rolling my shirt up so nothing touches it and itching my belly at every opportunity. haha