SOOO itchy! Scared it's PUPPPs. Please tell me it's not.

[makeitabetterplace]

I'm 31 weeks and got a small raised rash which was like hives I've had before on my neck. Then my legs, back and arms started itching and red bumps and rashy patches appeared. The rash on my neck is now a large raised, welty, red hive all across my neck and down to top of boobs. I look dreadful and I'm so flippin itchy.

So I googled and it does look like the pictures of PUPPPS but it's not on my belly at all. I REALLY don't want it to be PUPPPs..

I've already been to the doctor who said it as a rash. He had no more wisdom to impart :-( I'd post a photo but I used the app. He said not to use antihistamines or steroid creams.

Any similar experiences or tips on making it go away.

[Peaceloveandbiscuits]

According to wiki PUPPPS isn't anything to worry about. I'm sure that if the doctor thought it was something serious he/she would have give you more advice or referred you somewhere. Could it be something as simple as new washing detergent, or shower gel? Slather it in Savlon; hope it stops itching soon.

[KiwiDoc]

It could be PUPPP but it would typically predominantly affect your bump / stretch marks. It could just be plain old urticaria (hives) which will hopefully settle soon. If I was you I would take an antihistamine once or twice a day (e.g. cetirizine). Steroid creams do not help urticaria or PUPPP so I would not bother with them.

[LionWings]

Nutraplus is brilliant for itching if that's any help.

[Wonkyparsnip]

I had insane itching from 35 weeks. It was horrific. Went as soon as I had the baby but was the worst thing about the whole pregnancy. Lots of sympathy.

[LittleRedDinosaur]

I had atopic erruption of pregnancy- sounds similar. Get your GP to have a look (but mine wasn't particularly clued up about it)
If it is that then don't shower too often and use cool water when you do. Put LOADS of e45 or similar on it- like every half an hour. Get some hydrocortisone from the GP. Try not to scratch. It is HELL but gets better. Apparent it only happens if you've had eczema or similar previously but I've never really had any skin problems apart from when I was pregnant both times. You have my sympathy!

[LittleRedDinosaur]

At it's worst mine looked like this pic (if you can see it) it was worst on my neck, groin, behind knees, arm pits and behind elbows but spread all over my arms and legs.

[makeitabetterplace]

Oh dear :-( interesting that you should say it generally affects women who've had rashes etc before. In my earlier years I used to get hives and blistering rashes regularly so I'm no stranger to them, just haven't had a decent rash for about ten years.

I know it's the least of my worries but I already look fat and waddly without a lumpy rash to add to my allure :-(

I love that I am pregnant and that we will have a baby but I hate being pregnant, it sucks.

[Peaceloveandbiscuits]

I hate being pregnant too, and I haven't even got a rash. Yet.

[vallinnapod]

I haven't had anything nearly as severe but I did have a couple of insect bites and a couple of small areas of itchy rash on my wrists. I found tea tree water was fantastic (Lush).