Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP) is a rash that usually occurs during the last month of pregnancy. The cause of PUPPP is unknown. Your risk may be higher if you quickly gained a large amount of weight or are pregnant with twins. Your risk is also higher during a first pregnancy. PUPPP usually goes away within 14 days after you give birth. PUPPP does not cause health problems for you or your baby.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- You have a fever.
- Your itching does not improve or gets worse, even after you use your medicine.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
- Medicines may be given. You may be given a steroid ointment to apply to your rash to decrease redness, itching, and swelling. You may also need to take an antihistamine to decrease itching. If your rash does not get better with ointment, you may need to take steroid pills.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Manage PUPPP:
- Apply a cool compress to your rash. This will help soothe your skin.
- Take an oatmeal bath. Add oatmeal to your bath water to help decrease skin irritation.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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