No PUPPPs with second pregnancy

My first pregnancy, I had PUPPPs. It's this godawful disease that has no lasting impact on mother or baby and normally ends with birth, and so therefore no dollars get spent on figuring out why the heck pregnant women get it, why the heck only pregnant women get it, and what can be done to prevent it or relieve it. It just makes pregnant women (and only pregnant women) miserable for weeks or months at a time, completely unable to enjoy their pregnancies. Again - no lasting impact. No dollars. No one really seems to know what causes it. Ugh.

For anyone who stumbles on this entry looking for help with PUPPPs, check out this page for a very comprehensive list of remedies. For me, the only thing that helped was cold - ice packs, cold baths, etc. And once the cold was removed, the itching came back. Others have found help with dandelion and flaxseed and in the more severe/early cases, steroids.

Here's a pic of what my hand looked like at my firstborn's birth:

You just can't stop itching and so you create open sores all over most of your body. Like I said, godawful.

Anyway, here I am at 39 weeks 6 days... and no PUPPPS this time! I was reminded of this happy fact today when a mom who had PUPPPs with her first and is 29w along with her second emailed me asking if I got it. I feel like I dodged a big bullet and I need to celebrate. I think I'll celebrate by having a baby today!

Comments

[Elizabeth]

GOOD LUCK!!!!

[Meghan]

I'm glad to hear that you were able to get through this pregnancy without PUPPPS... I am in my second pregnancy and was just diagnosed with PUPPPS yesterday. :( I didn't have it with my first one and I'm only 20 weeks right now! I'm so miserable, but I've been to a dermatologist and we are trying to figure out a remedy that will help me get through it. Good luck with your new baby!

[Georgie]

I had PUPPPS with my first pregnancy and gave birth to my son in August 2006. I managed to cope with cold flannels from the fridge for a while but had to go to the docs who prescribed me antihistamines in the end, as it was so itchy I could not sleep at night. It spread everywhere too - I had itchy red bumps everywhere except on my face, neck and back. I thought it was a heat rash to begin with when it started as a few small itchy bumps on my tummy. Good luck to anyone suffering with PUPPPS.. it does make you miserable but keep focused on your baby. My rash stopped itching a couple of days after I gave birth and disappeared a couple of weeks later.

[Kim]

I'm at 18 weeks and have been dealing with PUPPPS now for 5 long weeks. Did you work while you had it?? I can't stop itching to work! And I have over 20 weeks to go!

[Christine]

I am in week 36 of my first pregnancy and was diagnosed with PUPPPs. The rash started in the strech marks on my belly during my 34th week. Within a week the rash had exploded onto my arms/hands, legs, up my belly and onto my sides and back. I can't believe how fast and aggressive this rash appeared. My OB performed a blood test to ensure my bile acid levels were not elevated. When the test came back normal she referred me to a dermatologist. (At this point the itching was so bad I was making myself bleed and I had started wearing socks on my hands to try and prevent myself from clawing my skin.) The dermatologist indicated I had a VERY bad case of PUPPPs and in order to provide any relief I was put on antihistamines and an oral steroid. The rash is MUCH better, I still find myself scratching, but I no longer claw uncontrollably at my skin. My dermatologist inidcated the rash should clear up after delivery.

I found out today that I have PUPPPS. I also found out (almost 3 years later) that I had postpartum PUPPPS about 2 weeks after giving birth to my firstborn. The benedryl that I had to take for the itching kept me from breastfeeding after 3 months because my supply had dwindled. This time I have been on Zyrtec the entire pregnancy and it is suppressing the symptoms at this point. I am 36 weeks, 2 days and have had a rash for at least 2-3 weeks (it is just now spreading, but thankfully not itching (except my belly)). I just pray that it goes away with the birth of my next son.

[Yen]

I also have PUPPPs during my 1st pregnancy (diagnosed at 32 weeks). I'm now 36 weeks and my rash is almost completely gone with very little itching. For some reason my OB did not prescribe oral steroids or steroid creams. I just took Phenergan (an antihistamine) and applied Calamine lotion every day. My rash continued to spread so I did lots of research on the internet and tried Dandelion Root tablets (3 tablets 3 times a day) and Flax seed (2 tablets twice a day). I did discuss it with my OB before purchasing the herbs. For 3 days it didn't do anything but by the 4th day my rash started to disappear and the itching was tolerable. For those who haven't tried this... I recommend you do (talk to your OB before doing so) and don't give up if you don't see results immediately. I'd say it took me a week to see positive results. Good luck to all you ladies with PUPPPs. Just think of the package you get at the end. By the way I'm still on the Dandelion roots (3 tablets twice a day) and 1 x antihistamine tablet before going to bed. I'd hate to see the PUPPPs returning.

[Lindsey]

I had PUPPPs during my pregnancy. I had got hpspitalized because of pre-eclampsia and to much protein in my urine. I was 35 weeks then and then I started itching on my stomach and legs. I told the doctor and she gave me some Benedryl that didnt help me at all. Well about 4 days went by and the icthing and scrathing just got worse. I was going to the doctor every 2 days because of blood pressure problems. She ended up giving me a shot of cortizone. That didnt help. I got prescribed everything under the sun. I did all the creams, oatmeal baths, I did everything nothing helped. I couldnt even take a shower because I had scratched myself so much I was bleeding. If you touched my legs they bled. My doctor said I had the worst case she had ever seen. I begged her to induce me I was literally on my hands and knees. I couldnt take anymore of it. So she induced me at 36 weeks. My son ended up being a preemie and didnt know how to suck or eat. No one told me that the PUPPPS would last after I gave birth I still scratched for about 2 months. I dont think the doctor would have induced me if my blood pressure wasnt out of whack and me swelling so bad. But I do think Puppps still had some to do with it because I was so miserable. They need to find a cure for this stuff. Doctor said I would probably get it again if I got pregnant again. Needless to say my son is my first and last.

[jodi]

O, MY GOSH, THIS IS THE WORST, I WAS TOLD BY MY DOCTOR THAT I HAVE PUPPPS AT ABOUT 37 WEEKS, IM NOW 39 AND THIS IS MY FIRST PREGNANCY, THE ONLY THING THAT HELPS IS COLD COMPRESSES. BUT WHY ME? IT ITCHES SO BAD, IT SPREAD FROM MY BELLY TO MY BUTT, THIGHS, ALL OVER MY ANKLES, THE BACK OF MY ARMS AND SIDES, LITTLE TINY RED BUMPS THAT ITCH LIKE CRAZY.

[Kylie]

I wish I could give you all a big hug, I know exactly how you feel, mine started 24 hours before my son was born (2 weeks early) and lasted for a couple of months. It didn't help in the hospital that nurses kept saying, 'what is that rash'. I am 27 weeks pregnant and nothing, cross fingers yet. If anyone in the hospital says anything this time I am going to make them come and rub lotion on me until I go home.

[Sarah]

I have a mild case of PUPPPS in my SECOND pregnancy. That's right. First pregnancy was the linea negra. This one, no line but tiny itchy pocks. Cortisone isn't cutting it so I'll get dandelion root tomorrow and see if that works.

[Carolyn]

Hello all

I had PUPPPS in my first pregnancy and found no relief from anything I tried, having said that the docs and nurses weren't much good as nobody had heard of it and therefore didn't really know how to treat it.

I'm coming to the end of my second pregnancy and this time around I'm ready for battle! About 4 weeks ago PUPPPS came back - I couldn't believe my bad luck. However first thing I did was print out info on PUPPPS fro m the internet and took it to my GP. She read through it and the various stories of tried and failed potions and creams etc. She prescribed me two things. The first was a hydrocortisone 1% cream ( nothing new I hear you say) but combined this with a tablet called "Chlorphenamine 4MG". I took the tablet at night and then in the morning (warning it can make you drowsy) plus applied the cream to each and every raised bump twice or three times a day like clockwork - it took time but guess what...it worked within 4 days it started to subside and within 2 weeks my stretch marks and rash disappeared. Its possible that my second case of PUPPPS was not going to be as bad as my first (I was suicidal first time round) but it definately sorted it out for me. Even if this helps one other person out there its worth replying here and passing on the information. Good luck all.

C

[Amy]

I was diagnosed with PUPPPs with my first child at about 36 1/2 weeks. It started out as small red bumps, but quickly spread across my belly, breasts, back and down my thighs. My doctor prescribed oral steroids, but it only got worse. The only relief I found was cold showers and oatmeal paste. I would mix oatmeal bath with a little bit of cold water and spread the paste over the entire affected area, letting it sit for a while before rinsing with cold water. Of course, it only helped temporarily. In week 38, I was only getting 3 hours of sleep each night, so my OB induced at 39 weeks. Now, here I am pregnant with my 2nd and 38 weeks 5 days along. And it's back. It isn't as severe this time around, but affects an area about the size of a basketball on my stomach, around my stretch marks. I am miserable, but knowing that I got through it with my first and it went away quickly after delivery is a help. Yet, it does itch intensely, something I hoped never to deal with again. My main feeling now is just plain frustration that it's popped up again. I don't plan to try the steroids again, even if recommended by my OB. I do find temporary relief from Benedryl cream and cold compresses. After reading the stories above, I feel fortunate that it popped up so late in both pregnancies. If you are suffering from PUPPPs for the first time, rest assured, there is an end in sight! I appreciate all the other moms who shared their stories online. They have been extremely helpful to me both times around! Congrats on your babies!

[Happy]

I had PUPPPs with my firt pregnancy and am now 14 weeks pregnant and am terrified of getting this again.

I tried almost all the creams including steroid shots without any success. I finally tried a combination of dandilion root, flaxseed oil AND acupuncture. I really do beleieve it was the acupuncture. As every needle entered my body i felt more and more releif. In fact I was fell asleep for about 1.5 hours on the table! That night was the worse night of itching. I don't think i slept more than a total of 3 hours. However, after that night my PUPPP's started to disappear and dry up. I continued to take my dandelion and flaxseeds weeks after delivering my son. (JUST IN CASE).

I do hope this helps someone. Good luck to all mothers out there. It is awful but you quickly forget when your holding your little one in your arms.

[itchymomma]

I have had this insane itching since week 22 with my second pregnancy. I never had this with my son. Of course, everything about this pregnancy is different. In a month I have had three visits to the OB and a Dermatoligist and I got skin taken for lab work last week. At that point I did the cortizone lotion, bendryl at night, the tricolone (sp)prescription steroid cream and all the oatmeal baths and cold showers I could muster. I have changed all soaps and detergents and take 75 degree showers and sleep with wet wash cloths on at night. It is oh so fun in the dead of winter. So two weeks ago they put me on pregnozone tapper along with Claritin by day and bendryl by night. 4 pills for 4 days, 3 pills for 4 days and so on. Day five into the tapper the rash came firing back. Chest, forearms, thighs, shins, ankles, feet and hands. Oh yeah, in my hairline and ears. Miserable would be a good word and the rash really kept me from enjoying the Babymoon two weeks ago. Thanks PUPPS for all you do! So the labs came back today and although nothing is REALLY wrong the results are consitent with PUPPPS.(my husband refers to this as the annoying itch...if he only knew) The Derm wants me off the oral steroids. She wants me to stick with the Claritin and take Bendryl around the clock while using the Tricolone that never really worked anyway. So if I am drowzy, does that mean work is off? For the last four days they upped the pregnozone until the results came back. Within hours of the increased does, the rash and itching was gone. It was like the heavens parted and for four days I have been going crazy getting the stuff done I felt too miserable to do before. And the exhaustion, it was so great to sleep a few hours at a time before the reash returned. It was like a new lease on life and I have been able to sit back and enjoy even sleeping. I was so upset today at the prospect of returning to my former status I lost it. I never lose it. My husband tries that whole "the rash may not come back," thing, but I know better. I fear it so badly. I mean 15 weeks is a helluva long time to suck it up.I barely kept my sanity for the last month. I mean it is a good excuse to fgo without a bra I guess and these stupid stitches come out next week, but...And I really did not want to know the gender this time around as we did not know with our son. But everything I read says the chances are good it will be another boy. So I am bummed about that too as I really wanted to be surprised. Anyone with PUPPPS have a girl from it? Anyone ever end up in a psyche ward from it?

[Heather]

I am 34 weeks along and just got PUPPPs. I am supposed to be having a girl, but at this point I don't care as long as she/he hurries up and gets out so I can stop itching. My belly is the only place I am suffering right now (thankgoodness). If it does get worse I'm going to demand to be induced, although the dr thinks i'm actually farther along that we all think.

[Heather]

I am 34 weeks along and just got PUPPPs. I am supposed to be having a girl, but at this point I don't care as long as she/he hurries up and gets out so I can stop itching. My belly is the only place I am suffering right now (thankgoodness). If it does get worse I'm going to demand to be induced, although the dr thinks i'm actually farther along that we all think.

[Angela]

This is my 2nd pregnancy (both girls) and I have been so lucky to get it twice. In my 1st pregnancy, the PUPPPS were pretty mild, but BOY, this 2nd one is miserable! I'm at 32 weeks and the bumps are all over my stomach, sides, breasts, under my breasts (really bad), under my arms, and in my bikini line. The bumps have all joined together creating this monster red rash. It stings more so than itches, especially with cold bathes. I started with just using Sarta (anti-itch lotion) and Gold Bond powder, and taking cold Aveeno bathes, but after 4 days of that, it was still bad. My doctor prescribed me Prednisone, but I waited a week before I got it filled. I was a little hesitate because it is a steroid, but couldn't take it anymore, so I just started it 2 days ago and have not noticed any difference. Ugh. I now slather Calamine lotion on 2x p/day, top it with Gold Bond powder, take Benadryl and the Prednisone. From the sounds of it, nothing will cure it until birth, sadly. My doctor said he would induce me 2 weeks early, but I REALLY don't want to do that. I think my next step will be to try the dandelion pills or accupucture. What about hypnotism? Anyone tried that? Working full time, having a 2&1/2 year old, being pregnant, sleep deprived and the PUPPPS is way too much for anyone to deal with! I wish us all the best! Good luck.

[ailin]

I feel you, let me tell you its been a week since I have Puppps and it is terrible!!! I do not wish this over nobody..... it is painful and it makes me crazy!!!! to the point that I do not enjoy my pregnancy anymore and I feel that my baby will came out all stress out because of it. Well yesterday I went to the dermatologist and he prescribed Prednisone 5mg. to me.... the same as you I was scared for my baby and I asked him several times the outcomes of the steroids. He told me that he study in deep Puppps in the university where they will do conferences about cures and Etc. and the conclusion was that steroids do not harm the fetus. Even then I was skeptical so I called my childhood doctor (in Argentina) I've know her for over 25 years and she is a very respectful pediatric in my origin country. She assure me that steroids will not harm the baby, but she did not recommended to take them more than a week. She also said that if they have to accelerate my delivery the steroids will also accelerate the baby's longs development. After that I called my OBGYN and he also assure me that prednisone does not affect the baby at all and that this type of steroid does not cross the placenta.... well.... so I gave it a shot! I took yesterday as directed. 4 at 5pm and 4 at 11:30.... and.... AFTER A WEEK I FINALLY GOT SAME REST!!!!!. still itches a little bit but nothing like before.... this morning I tool another 4 and my next 4 I have to take them at dinner time. On Monday I have an appointment with my OBGYN and he will determined if they have to lower the dosage. Let me tell you I tried everything... from benadryl (which will put my baby to sleep... he would not move for hours and I did not like), I tried Aveeno bath treatments, which help for the time been in the bath, I tried Sarna cream which actually helps for around 1 to 2 hours.... but gives me cold chills....
I wish you good luck and nice delivery!
Ailin

[Georgie]

I had PUPPPS with my first pregnancy (a boy) and I remember it being worse to deal with than actually giving birth! Mainly because it lasted for weeks and got progressively worse. My doctor initally prescribed me a menthol aqueous cream which helped at first, but as the rash spread all over my body and got unbearably itchy (so I couldn't even sit down for long without itching/needing a cold flannel from the freezer etc) and I wasn't sleeping too well as a result, my doc prescribed anthihistamines which worked really well. The rash remained for a week or so after I gave birth but the itching stopped within a DAY of taking the minimal dose of antihistamines. My son is a happy, healthy 2 year old now!

[shad]

I have THE ANSWER to PUPPPS, and I would be more than happy to share it with everyone, because I know it can ruin your last trimester of pregnancy, or for some women even earlier than that !

I was 30 weeks pregnant that I got a rash around my naval, and for 3 days it wasn't that much bothering me, but it got worse every day, and my Dr. told me that I've got PUPPPS, and unfortunately it will even get worse than this. As he said, the rash spread all over my big tummy. They gave me Betametazon cream, reactine pills, hydroxyzin 50mg to put me to sleep at nights (which couldn't overcome the rash and itchiness....) they also recommended SARNA P to ease the itch, and Calamine lotion... which theses two last items were a temporarily relife for an hour or so....

within couple of days the rash spread to my breasts and neck, and the itching was so bad that I almost burned my skin from putting ice on the spots at nights... I didn't sleep at nights even for one hour for two weeks... On day 14 of this horrible thing I told myself that I had to find a cure.. I couldn't tolerate living like that for another month and a half, since it was getting worse, and also spreading to my arms as well... My tummy and breasts turned almost purple color, it was so bad to look at .....

After couple of hours searching the net... I came across Dandelion root pills, someone mentioned that her midwife recomened it for her PUPPPS, and it was like a miracle, after 2 days the itch was tolerable, and after 4-5 days the rash statred to heal and gone on the fifth day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! wow could something cure this illness... when Dr.s tell you that it will get worse each day and only resolves by delivery?????????? !!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so against pills and stuff like that, and I wasn't sure if it is safe for my baby... apparently the dandelion root works on the liver and helps with the liver function. The same day I called natural pharmacy and asked if it is safe for pregnancy... and the answer was YES .

I got the dandelion root extract capsules, and had 3 in the morning and 3 at night... at first of course I wasn't optimistic since the doctors told me that there is no cure until the baby arrives !!!!!!!!!

AFTER 1-2 DAYS OF TAKING THESE PILLS :
* no itch during the day, but still itchy at nights....
ON THE 3rd DAY:
*itch was more tolerable at night
ON THE 4th-5th DAY :
* no more itch during the day and night
* full normal sleep on the 5th night
* my skin started to peel off on the tummy and breast, and the color was getting back to normal
ON THE 6th DAY:
:))))))))))))))))))) I AM GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD

( A SIDE NOTE: I was taking salmon omega-3 capsules during my pregnancy... I am saying this because that miracle note that I found on the internet mentioned about the combination of omega-3 and Dandelion capsules, so I continue with my omega-3 as well, and I also drank 2 liter of water during those 5 days of my treatment :)

I am gonna tell my story to my Dr. and also all the nurses at the hospital... because I think they should know that there is cure for this horrible thing... only took me 5 days, wow I still can't not believe it :)
Best of luck to you :)

[Jessica]

I had PUPPP during my first pregnancy, starting at 36 weeks. I tried every remedy I could, including the prescription strength steroid creams, Benedryl, oatmeal baths, cold compresses, and dandelion root. None of this helped me. However, I did finally find a soap online at a website called Ranier Soapworks that worked for me. It was called PUPPP Relief soap and apparently was developed by a soap maker who had PUPPP. It relieved the itch for at least a few hours at a time.

I am now 36 weeks pregnant with my second child and the PUPPP is coming back. So far it's just in my stretch marks, but the itching is intensifying each day. I will be purchasing the soap again.

All you moms out there with PUPPP, keep trying everything. From what I have read in these forums and blogs, nothing works for everyone. Keep trying till you find what works for you. I thought I would let everyone know about the Ranier Soapworks product, I've read a lot of reviews of Grandpa's Tar Soap (or whatever it's called), but had not seen anyone mention this soap.

[Jennifer]

I'm on my second pregnancy and am 25 weeks along and have developed PUPPPS again. First time around it hit me at about 34 weeks. This time i'm lucky enough to have it at 25 weeks. Ugh. It is a bit different this time around. With my son it started on my stretch marks (stomach) and spread to my arms and legs. It was brutal and i was induced at 37 1/2 weeks due to the rash.
This time around, I'm 25 weeks along and so far its contained to my right elbow area, although tonight i'm itching everywhere.
Nothing helped me the first time around (I've even went as far as to put monistat 7 on my skin after reading that helped someone with PUPPPS...yeah, that was fabulous) with no relief. I just went to Whole foods and purchaced the Grandpa's pine tar soap, so i'll let you know how that works out for me! I'm hoping for a miracle in that i can get it to remain contained to my right elbow area. I can deal with just that!
Wish the powers to be would do some more research on how to relieve this. Seems like no one in the medical community cares much, just drives us mommys insane!
Ugh, puppps!

[Journey]

When a thread is this long and the topic dates back to over a year ago it must be severe. I've noticed a rash (red bumps) on my upper back and it itches like crazy mostly at night. I'm also beginning to itch on my legs, arms, thighs (no bumps)and I'm only 14 weeks. I'm miserable b/c of the intense itching while I'm lying in bed resting. I'm hoping it does not spread like others have mentioned or worsens as my pregnancy goes on. I have not informed my obgyn yet but when I do hopefully he won't tell me to deal with it or it will clear up after the baby is born.

[Cyn]

Journey - talk to your OB now, don't wait for the next appointment. There might be some things they can do.