UPDATE!!!: I've been officially diagnosed with PUPPP's

I'm not sure of you remember my post last week about itchiness ... well what started on my stomach has moved to everywhere. I am beyond itchy I cannot even begin to explain how it feels. I saw a dermotologist today who confirmed it is PUPPP's and gave me a topical steriod cream. I hope I get relief ~ I have 12-1/2 weeks to go and I heard it sometimes doesn't go away until 1-2 weeks after the baby is born


UPDATE:
After biopsies and 4 trips to the dermotologist and many many frantic phone calls to the OBGYN I am finally getting some relief.
They finally put me on Prednisone (30 mg/day for 7 days) and Tylenol with Codeine to sleep. I react badly to the Prednisone (stinging itch from the inside of my body in addition to the surface itch), but it seems to be clearing the rash so I am determined to stick with it until my last dose (Thursday).
In addition to that, I took the advice from a fellow PUPPP's survivor's webpage (http://www.tcinternet.net/users/kritzerburke/naomi/PUPPP.htm) and bought Grandpa's Pine Tar Soap, Jason's Organic Witch Vera Gel, and Alba Botanica Very Emollient Body Lotion ... these three items have been a LIFESAVER for me. The soap is soothing, the lotion ha made my skin smooth again and the Witch Vera gel is absolutely amazing in soothing the itchies.

For anyone who gets this rash, I feel terrible. It is the worst itch you can experience ever. I thought I was going insane for a while from the itch, pain and lack of sleep. Thank goodness after 2-1/2 weeks it is starting to get a little better. I just hope it doesn't return in the next 10-1/2 weeks.

Thanks again for all your wishes!

Message edited 7/11/2007 8:57:54 AM.

Re: I've been officially diagnosed with PUPPP's

oh honey feel better.. what does that stand for? How do you get it? Feel better try not to think of the itches.. i know it is hard.

Re: I've been officially diagnosed with PUPPP's

Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy

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, such as clobetasol (Temovate) or betamethasone (Diplrolene), 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 such as atarax, benadryl, and zyrtec, are generally less effective for itching than steroids, but may be useful at night to help with sleep.

Message edited 6/29/2007 10:31:11 AM.

Re: I've been officially diagnosed with PUPPP's

I think PrincessMariss had it--you should FM her! Maybe she has some advice for you!

I hope you feel better soon!!

Re: I've been officially diagnosed with PUPPP's

oh my feel better! Hang in there maybe the ointment will help!

Re: I've been officially diagnosed with PUPPP's

Oh, so sorry you have to deal with this! Feel better!

Re: I've been officially diagnosed with PUPPP's

Ugh! You poor thing. Hopefully, that cream will help you tremendously!

But on a brighter note, it says 70% chance of the baby being a Boy!

Feel better

Re: I've been officially diagnosed with PUPPP's

I'm sorry you have to deal with another specialist. Hope the cream helps. Feel better!

Re: I've been officially diagnosed with PUPPP's

I know how u feel i had it to.

It is the worst.

It didn't go away till a few days after birth.

Defty get the cream. If u still have it around 38 weeks if u want they can induce u.


Hope u get some relif

Re: I've been officially diagnosed with PUPPP's

That stinks, and in the summer too

Re: I've been officially diagnosed with PUPPP's

I really hope you feel better, that's unbearable

Re: I've been officially diagnosed with PUPPP's

Message edited 6/29/2007 12:44:35 PM.

Re: I've been officially diagnosed with PUPPP's

Feel better soon.

Re: I've been officially diagnosed with PUPPP's

I had it too, not fun at all. Mine got better before the birth though (or I just got used to it!) Over the counter SARNA lotion was my savior.

Message edited 6/29/2007 1:11:22 PM.

Re: I've been officially diagnosed with PUPPP's

Re: I've been officially diagnosed with PUPPP's

oh No....Im so sorry ...That sounds just awful . You sound liek you handling it ok though.

I hope it brings you relief too. Itching is just so awful.

Hang in there!

Re: I've been officially diagnosed with PUPPP's

Ahh, Lisa - I'm sorry, that stinks Make "G" rub the lotion on your belly every night, and then bring you ice cream

Message edited 6/29/2007 2:56:18 PM.

Re: I've been officially diagnosed with PUPPP's

you poor thing! My SIL had this when she was pregnant with my twin neices-hang in there

Re: I've been officially diagnosed with PUPPP's

Sorry you have this but hopefully the cream works and you get some relief!

Re: I've been officially diagnosed with PUPPP's

Re: I've been officially diagnosed with PUPPP's

I had Pupps with my first son 2 1/2 years ago when I was 34 weeks and now here I am 27 weeks pregnant with a girl and have just been diagnosed again. I am taking zyrtec at night and a steroid cream applied 2 times a day and it seems to be working better than last time. Just hold on and FM me if you have any questions.

Re: I've been officially diagnosed with PUPPP's

I am sorry to hear this. I was diagnosed with Cholestasis (which also has itching as one of the wonderful symptoms) at the very end of my pregnancy & I itched like crazy for almost 2 months straight with no diagnosis. It totally sucked!!!!!! I found taking showers was the only thing that relieved it. Not sure if it is in your case, but it helped me - thought I'd pass that along. Good luck!

Re: I've been officially diagnosed with PUPPP's

Oh, no!! You poor thing, Lisa!! I hope you get some relief.

Re: I've been officially diagnosed with PUPPP's

i am SO sorry, it sounds horrible hope you get some relief from the cream...

Re: I've been officially diagnosed with PUPPP's

Mine went away at 38 weeks...all of a sudden