PUPPP is the abbreviation for a skin condition called "Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy". Loosely translated to - rashes which spreads like wildfire to your entire body and will somehow merge together forming a large patch of angry raised red blob which makes your skin even itchier and there is nothing you can do about it. Unless if you induce labor.
And neither am I being a drama queen about it.
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| That's not Goggle image. That's my actual skin with PUPPP. |
For those who has been faithfully following my blog, you will know that ever since my Sydney trip, I had suddenly developed this mysterious itch and rash condition that wont seem to heal. So, to satisfy my curiosity (and worrying), I finally took half-day off today and went to see a skin specialist, Dr Koh in Damansara Uptown (he is highly recommended by the way), and one look at my condition he diagnosed that I have PUPPP. All in less than 10 minutes. :(
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| It all started from my abdomen area. |
So what the hell is PUPPP?
(I have on my own done a lot of research on this)
- It affects 1 in every 150 pregnancies (guess I am the "lucky" one)- Usually occurs in the last trimester.
- Usually develops in the first pregnancy.
- Prone to those who are carrying multiples.
- Poses no risk to the mummy and baby.
- 70% of women who has PUPPP give birth to boys.
What causes PUPPP?
The cause is really unknown but some theory suggest that the male fetal DNA acts as a skin irritant and invades the mother's skin during pregnancy, causing PUPPP (that explains why mummies who suffer from PUPPP generally carry baby boys). Well, Dr Koh explained that it could be a case whereby my body takes the baby as a "foreign object" (don't worry, mummy still love you baby bear) and hence, it is the body's adverse reaction towards the "object".
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| T_T Need I say more? |
What you should know about PUPPP?
- It will miraculously go away once you deliver your baby.
- There is nothing you can do about it until after delivery.
- There is no cure for PUPPP.
- There won't be scars (unless if you over-scratched).
- The rash will spread, but usually below your breast area up to your thighs. Basically area surrounding the baby. And thank God, it won't attack your face.
What are the symptoms of PUPPP?
- Usually develops at your abdomen area then only starts spreading.
- Itches like mad.
- Can be "prickly" like heat rash.
- The rashes will "merge" and forms a large reddish patch.
- The area where the rash is present feels like sandpaper when you touch.
How PUPPP started to invade my life suddenly?
It all started from my abdomen area (which had since healed), which spread to my thighs area (healed as well), and then started spreading to my entire back - from my bra-line all the way to my buttocks. Now my groin already is infected with this stupid PUPPP as well.
What can you do to relieve the itch?
In extreme cases, some mummies will induce labor. Or the doctor will prescribe oral steroids (which can be harmful to your baby, so it's best to consult your gynecologist).
For me, what I do is:
- Take anti-histamine (Piriton prescribed by Dr Delilah).
- Use Efficort (contains very mild steroids prescribed by Dr Koh).
- Moisturize constantly using Bio-Oil and Pureen Stretch Mark cream.
- Use Dettol Menthol powder as it gives a cooling effect.
- Bath in cold water as frequently as I can.
- Use Aqua Dermis to bath (soap that is not "too hard" on the skin).
- Stay dry.
- Try not to go to hot and humid places, it will aggravate the itch.
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| Anti-histamin and Efficort cream |
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| Bio-Oil and Pureen Stretch Mark Cream |
Calamine lotion doesn't work for me. And I can't use Sebamed as well because it burns my skin. I have read online though that supplements such as Dandelion Roots and Flaxseed Oil seems to help with the itch and to control the rashes. I am tempted to try but I dare not simply because I am pregnant.
Although I feel very sakit hati why I suddenly develop this stupid PUPPP, I still try to keep positive by reminding myself that :
- I am only 2 months away to delivery.
- It is only temporal.
- Some mummies PUPPP is far worse than mine.
- It doesn't attack my pretty face.
- Still no stretch marks :)- No scarring.
And most importantly, seeing that my baby boy is healthy and safe makes it all worth it. So yeah, am gonna stop here because the itch is getting into me again and I need to get to my precious powder asap !!
The things a mother would go through for her child .. it's amazing.
Ah Boy, next time you better not be naughty, see what mummy have to go through for you? T_T
Suffering from Severe Itch :(
Mummy Geri
