What is 'PUPS'

OBNURSEHEATHER · Dec 12, 2002

Copied from the first site that came up in a google search:

A common rash during pregnancy is Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy. This is a most unpleasant rash with an incredible itch that's only cure is delivery of the placenta. Although this is most common in first pregnancies, it has been known to occur in subsequent pregnancies. This problem affects one in about 160 to 200 pregnancies.

The onset of this rash is usually the third trimester but it has been known to appear in the early post partum period. The rash starts on the abdomen and then spreads to the extremities. It is an unbearably itchy rash. Happily the rash doesn't normally spread to the face. After delivery of the baby, the rash and the itch rapidly disappear

Treatment of the rash is at best a mask. Benadryl is a safe and semi effective way of controlling the itch as well as a few prescribed topical ointments. As well, cold compresses, oatmeal baths help. Prednisone is not always prescribed unless the itching is unbearable.

This is not a pleasant situation to have to face during pregnancy, but there are no known ill effects on the baby. Some doctors believe this to be an allergic reaction to the placenta but they also have noted a relationship to maternal weight gain, newborn birth weight and the incidence of twins

ShandyLynnRN, BSN, RN · Dec 12, 2002

ewww, I've only seen it once, and that poor gal was miserable. Your poor SIL!!! Get her some Benadryl and cortisone cream for Christmas!

Mofe'ny · Dec 12, 2002

Wow, thanks guys. My SIL has always been the kind of person that has to be sicker than anyone else, if ya know what I mean. So normally everyone just kind of brushes it off whne she complains about something. Guess I have to feel sorry for her for real now though! I told her that I would try to find some info for her, and was hoping to hear 'real people' stories. Thanks again!

OBNURSEHEATHER · Dec 12, 2002

For the record Mofe'ny, I've only seen in 1 time in my 3.5 years in OB. Treatment was focused on comfort measures.

Heather

OBNurseShelley · Dec 12, 2002

I've seen it a couple times, from the suffering miserably to a mild itch, try some different comfort measures, usually something helps, or at least provides some relief, good luck!

renerian, BSN, RN · Dec 12, 2002

Never heard of it but itching drives me mad. That God I never had that with my pregnancies.

renerian

AlaskaKat · Dec 14, 2002

My concern with this is that it was diagnosed over the phone. It probably is just a pregnancy rash but it could be something else, has she had chickenpox? It is irresponsible to dx a rash over the phone! I think she should go in and make sure that is all it is.

emily_mom · Dec 15, 2002

I had it, and it sucks!!! Buy the poor girl some Aveeno bath stuff, cortisone, and calamine (really works!). I couldn't wait to deliver b/c I just wanted it to go away....

Kristy

Mofe'ny · Dec 15, 2002

Well, Thanks for all the replies. She has a Dr's Appt. on monday or Tuesday, so I guess they will give her more info then. And Alaskakat, I also thought that it was irresponsible, and that they could have at least seen her. I did look at the rash and it didn't look like chickenpox. I was just concerned about the baby getting something, (working NICU has made me paranoid--- are there any normal babies out there? :)

AlaskaKat · Dec 16, 2002

Originally posted by Mofe'ny
(working NICU has made me paranoid--- are there any normal babies out there? :)

Yes! There's lots of beautiful, healthy babies born every day. It's why I don't do NICU anymore...

Lausana · Dec 17, 2002

yuck. I had PUPS I felt like a bear scratching my arms on anything :chuckle Steriods didn't really help, just kept coated in Aveeno oatmeal lotion, Calamine, and anything else to cover my skin! I was glad it was during the winter & I was wearing long sleeves. I feel for your SIL...give her a good hard scratch for me