Table of contents:
- What is PUPPP?
- The cause of PUPPP
- Stretch the skin on the stomach
- Immune response to fetal cells
- Tips for dealing with PUPPS in pregnant women
For pregnant women who feel that their stomach is itchy and causes a red rash, it may mean you have PUPPP or PUPPS. PUPPS stands for Puritic Uritical Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy and is normal in pregnant women.
Check out the reviews below to find out more.
What is PUPPP?
PUPPP (Puritic Uritical Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy) is a skin problem that is very common in pregnant women. Usually, a red, itchy rash appears on the abdomen before labor occurs.
However, in some cases this rash also appears on the thighs or arms. This problem tends to occur in women who are giving birth for the first time and have a lot of folds of fat on their belly.
As reported by the DermNet NZ page, PUPPS is experienced by 1 in 160 pregnancies. Here are some people who are more at risk of developing this itchy rash:
- It's your first time getting pregnant.
- It is more common in white women.
- The risk is greater in pregnant women who are overweight.
- It is common in mothers carrying male fetuses.
- Containing twins or more.
Although it sounds like it can interfere with your appearance, you don't need to worry because generally the rash and itching will disappear around 2-3 weeks after giving birth.
The cause of PUPPP
Actually, the main cause of PUPPP is not yet known with certainty. However, this problem is believed to be related to stretching of the skin on the stomach.
Stretching the skin usually elicits an immune response due to damage to connective tissue. Hence, the place where the rash appears first is at stretch marks and develops during the third trimester of pregnancy, when the baby grows rapidly.
Stretch the skin on the stomach
One of the reasons why PUPPP can occur is the stretching of the skin on the stomach which often causes it stretch marks in pregnant women.
If human skin is stressed or stretched excessively, the connective tissue of the skin is at risk of damage. As a result, this condition can lead to inflammation that causes a red and swollen rash on the skin of the stomach.
Therefore, PUPPS that occurs in pregnant women is associated with stretching that often occurs in the last few months before delivery.
Immune response to fetal cells
Apart from stretching the skin on the stomach, PUPPP can also occur due to an immune response to fetal cells.
That is, some fetal cell tissues move throughout the mother's body. As a result, these cells trigger an immune system response that causes a rash.
The theory above might explain why this skin rash problem in pregnant women still appears after giving birth. This is because fetal cells continue to circulate in the mother's body even though it is not long.
Tips for dealing with PUPPS in pregnant women
The only way to deal with skin problems that irritate your stomach can only be done by giving birth.
However, you can use the following methods to lighten the rash and reduce the itching caused by PUPPP.
- Take a bath with an oatmeal scrub or baking soda
- Wear gloves so that the urge to scratch is reduced
- Compress the affected area with a cold compress
- Apply aloe vera gel after showering
- Using soft cotton clothes
PUPPP or PUPPS that occurs in pregnant women cannot be prevented, aka it occurs because the skin stretches that occur naturally. If you are worried that it could affect the health of the fetus, consult your obstetrician for the right treatment.
Photo Source: Rookie Moms
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