Puppp rash or pruritic urticarial papules and plaques often spread across the chest and legs. They may cause itchiness, hives and appear as swollen red patches. If you are an expectant mother, do not get alarmed by this. They usually resolve in a few days after delivery. Keep reading this article to know more about this condition in detail, natural remedies to manage and combat it effectively, and other treatment options available. A PUPPP rash often starts in the abdomen but can also spread to the legs and chest. It results in the formation of red, hive-like bumps along the creases of your stretch marks. This rash can become larger and swollen. In individuals with a lighter skin tone, such rashes are often found surrounded by a thin, white halo. In most cases, a PUPPP rash resolves within 15 days of childbirth. Let’s now find out what factors trigger the formation of these rashes.
Causes And Risk Factors For PUPPP Rash
The exact cause of a PUPPP rash has not yet been found. However, the stretching of the skin during pregnancy is believed to trigger this rash. This rash often surfaces during the third trimester of pregnancy, when the baby begins growing faster, and appears within the stretch marks. Factors that can increase a woman’s risk of developing a PUPPP rash are:
Ethnicity – Caucasians may be at a higher risk. Pregnancy A first pregnancy is more likely to trigger a PUPPP rash. Multiple pregnancies Weight gain during pregnancy Maternal hypertension
The following are some of the most common symptoms associated with a PUPPP rash.
What Are The Symptoms Of A PUPPP Rash?
A PUPPP rash usually occurs in the stretch marks along your belly button before it starts spreading further. It is usually:
Small Pink Pimple-like Itchy
A PUPPP rash has a strong resemblance to hives. Eventually, there is a chance of this rash forming large, red, and plaque-like areas around your belly. Blisters may also form on PUPPP rashes at times. These rashes may then spread to the thighs, buttocks, legs, and arms. However, they are observed not to spread higher than the breasts. If you think you may have developed a severe PUPPP rash during pregnancy, it is best to consult a doctor to rule out other infections.
How Is A PUPPP Rash Diagnosed?
A doctor will diagnose a PUPPP rash by examining your skin and symptoms. Most often, a physical examination of the skin is sufficient to diagnose a PUPPP rash. However, your doctor may order some tests to rule out other infections. They include:
Complete blood count Serum human choriogonadotropin (HCG) Liver function test Serum cortisol
A PUPPP rash usually eases and resolves by itself once you deliver your baby. However, the rash may persist for a few extra weeks in some women. Here are some natural remedies that can assist in managing the symptoms of a PUPPP rash.
Natural Remedies To Treat A PUPPP Rash
How To Treat A PUPPP Rash Naturally
1. Oatmeal Bath
You Will Need
1-2 cups of oatmeal Water
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You can do this 1-2 times daily. Why This Works Oatmeal possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can help in relieving itchiness and inflammation associated with a PUPPP rash (1).
2. Cold Compress
You Will Need An ice pack or cold compress What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You may do this 1-2 times daily. Why This Works The numbing action of cold compresses can help relieve itchy skin (2). Hence, it may also soothe a PUPPP rash.
3. Chamomile
You Will Need
1 teaspoon of chamomile tea 1 cup of hot water Cotton balls
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You may do this 1-2 times daily for best results. Why This Works Chamomile tea possesses significant anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial in managing the itchiness and swelling associated with a PUPPP rash (3).
4. Peppermint
You Will Need
2-3 drops of peppermint oil ½ tablespoon of coconut oil
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You can do this once daily until you notice an improvement in your symptoms. Why This Works Peppermint oil is effective in relieving the symptoms of itching. It may, hence, also help in alleviating the inflammatory symptoms of a PUPPP rash (4).
5. Clove Oil
You Will Need
2-3 drops of clove oil ½ tablespoon of coconut oil
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You may do this 1-2 times daily for best results. Why This Works Clove oil can help relieve itchiness (5). Hence, its topical application may help in reducing the symptoms of a PUPPP rash.
6. Dandelion Root
You Will Need
1-2 teaspoons of dandelion root tea 1 cup of water Cotton balls
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You can do this 1-2 times daily. Why This Works Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root exhibits anti-inflammatory activities (6). These activities can help in reducing the inflammation around the affected area. All these remedies can help in soothing a PUPPP rash and alleviating its symptoms. You should also follow the tips listed below to prevent the recurrence or worsening of the PUPPP rash.
Prevention Tips
Do not scratch the rashes. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Avoid using moisturizers that contain retinol, salicylic acid, or vitamin A as these compounds can aggravate the rash. Wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothing. Moisturize your skin, including the affected area, daily. Avoid warm baths. Avoid using soap-based cleansers. Avoid excessive sun exposure.
Does aloe vera help PUPPP? The cooling properties of aloe vera may help soothe the skin and heal PUPP rash. Is calamine lotion good for PUPPP? Yes, using over-the-counter calamine lotion may help stop the itching caused by PUPPP. However, consult a doctor if you do not see any change. Can PUPPP cause early labor? No, PUPPP does not cause early labor. It is also not a sign of labor. The rashes will disappear after delivery. Is PUPPP worse at night? Yes, PUPPP rash can be extremely itchy at night and disturb your sleep. Consult your doctor for anti-itch creams. Does PUPPP rash leave scars? No, PUPPP rash usually does not leave scars. However, scratching the area may result in scars. Is PUPPP an autoimmune disease? No, PUPPP is not an autoimmune disease. It is a common dermatological condition present in pregnant people. Does prednisone help PUPPP? Yes, oral consumption of prednisone may help treat PUPPP rashes. However, consult a doctor for the appropriate dosage.
