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Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.

AMBULATORY CARE:

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.

Common signs and symptoms include the following:

You may have small, red bumps, and hives that itch. The itching may make it hard for you to sleep. It may first appear on your abdomen and then spread to your thighs, buttocks, and breasts.

Contact your healthcare provider if:

Treatment:

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.

Manage PUPPP:

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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