Itchy stretch marks driving me insane!
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It does sound like PUPPP rash. I got it with my last pregnancy (thankfully no sign of it this second time around) It starts on your stretch marks then makes its way down your legs and sometimes arms. It’s extremely itchy and the doctor will prescribe anti histamine creams. I found lots of cream and cold showers were the only thing that helped. Thankfully mine went away as soon as I went into labour and wasn’t there PP.
I would say that you should tell your midwife and just check it isn’t anything more serious like cholestasis in pregnancy. I’m sorry they are bothering you so much :( Mine feel itchy as well but not to the extent you’ve experienced and lots of moisturising and light clothes (nothing tight against them) seemed to help. If it turns out to be PUPPP they might recommend anti histamines and steroid cream.
@Mia having read about PUPPP I do think it’s probably that, as the marks are also raised. So sorry to hear you’ve been hospitalised with it! Is that because it has spread or for another reason? Hope it goes soon for you!
@Emily thanks, I agree. It hasn’t spread to arms and legs yet but did seem to come on really quickly. I hope mine goes away after labour like yours 😅
I’d maybe just let your midwife know, they can tell if it is PUPPP by how it looks so if it looks a bit like hives it most likely is… but if it was to get any worse it would most likely be your GP. Any emollient creams that are used for excema etc are recommended, oat baths, cold compresses / showers etc and obviously trying not to itch which is so hard. It’s went all over my body, but it spread to my face and my face was all swollen so they admitted me in case it went to my throat etc. I think I’ve been really unlucky and don’t think that’s common, so don’t worry! Just try keep on top of symptoms in case it was to get any worse x
@Kate I hadn’t even heard of cholestasis before so thanks for mentioning, I will definitely bring it up with my midwife next week and see what she thinks!
@Mia thanks for sending a photo, mine looks a bit different in that it’s lines/streaks which are raised and red. Hope yours gets better soon!
@Emily yes this is what mine looks like right now! Keeping fingers crossed it goes then 😅
I’d monitor it as it may be a condition you develop in late pregnancy called PUPPP. I currently have it however am 2 weeks PP, my rash got worse after delivery and I’ve actually been hospitalized with it. I think it’s rare it gets that bad, and it’s so so hard to not itch (I’ve bruised my skin with itching) the doctors don’t really do much other than emollient creams and anti histamines, I was prescribed steroid creams etc but I still have it x