PUPP stand for Pruritic(ITCH) Urticardial(like Hives') Papules(Red Pimples) and Plaques(Irritable flakes) of Pregnancy.It is an annoying but benign condition.It is the most common skin condition of pregnancy and is characterised by a typical rash,usually appearing in later part of pregnancy.It occurs in less than one person in a hundred.Therash usually develops on the abdomen near the umbilical area and spreads to the thighs and extremities.Sometimes itching can become very severe.It is more common in first pregnancies and seldomrecurs in subsequent pregnancies.This condition is usually a familial one and can be traced back through the father's side of the family.Treatment can involve cortisone creams in the worst cases,but occasionally simple moisterising creamswork.So can calamine cream.Long,warm sodium bicarbonatebaths can also be relieving.You may needto be treated with oral steroids if the itching becomes intense,butthis is not often the case,and is certainlyactively avoided.Thelesionsusually go away aftergiving birth.Your(my) babyis not affected.
