We all know that pregnancy can bring along a lot of side effects also like fatigue, nausea, vomiting and more. But, one rare condition that only a few or say 1 in 160 women get are pregnancy PUPPPs. Though, it is known to be a common condition experienced by pregnant women, not all are aware of it. Here’s and over view of Pruritic Urticarial Papules or PUPPPS, also known as plaques or Pregnancy.
Though as on day scientists and medical experts aren’t really sure of the reason behind the surfacing of such itchy rashes in women during pregnancy but believe that it could be due to excessive stretching of skin in the months nearing to delivery.
Also, there is no cure. The rashes tend to appear in the third semester and disappear within 2 weeks post birthing. The rashes start mostly from the stomach and spread across your thighs, legs, hands and neck area. They look like red swollen patches and are extremely itchy.
Another reason cited by experts around rash is the circulation of immune fetal cells through the body. These cells spark an immune response that in turn leads to the rash surfacing. The theory finds support in the fact that the fetal cells do stay in the body for short time after delivery. But, it’s not proved yet.
The itching could get worse if you tend to scratch it. Better to avoid scratching. In hotter regions the itching and pain is much worse and proper care needs to be taken for relief. Here are a few tips around relief from rashes
- Ice – Cool ice compresses can help relieve the itching. Wrap the ice compress in a cloth and apply few time during the day.
- Oatmeal – Oatmeal baths are known to be effective home remedy for may skin conditions including this one.
- Peppermint – Peppermint comes with menthol and it is known to have cooling effects. Use peppermint oil on the rashes or you might consume the prescribed quantity after consulting your doctor.
- Moisturiser –
- Clove oil – Clove oil is also known to have cooling effects because it contains antimicrobials and antioxidants, phenol eugenol to be specific.
A study in 2017 revealed that around 25 participants who applied petroleum jelly followed by clove oil on rash prone areas show a reduction in symptoms compared to the group that used on petroleum jelly.
Having said that, not every pregnant woman gets these itchy rashes but those who get could use the above tips for relief purpose because these rashes could get itchy to hell and frustrate you to the core. But, be calm, this will pass off and there is not known effects to the fetus due to their occurrence as yet.
*Sourced from Internet
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