Itchy and Scratchy!!

[meganerk]

Ugh.

I'm 37 + 3 weeks.

About a week ago I started itching. It started on my bump (stretch marks) and has now spread to every inch of my body. It looks as though I've bathed in stinging nettles.

The itching is unbearable. It's sore and uncomfortable. I'm not sleeping because of it. I've burst into tears numerous times.

Not coping at all well with it. It's honestly horrendous.

I phoned maternity on Wednesday last week. They invited me in for blood tests to rule out anything sinister. Blood tests are fine which is great but still putting up with the horrendous rash and itching.

I've done some googling and I'm 100% it's PUPPS.

Went to my GP this morning. Saw a lovely lovely nurse. She had no idea what it was so called the GP in.

He's convinced it's an allergic reaction. (Clearly none of them have heard of PUPPS). He says it's impossible to ascertain cause of allergic reaction despite me saying I've not done or used anything different. He has told me to get some hayfever tablets but on the box they say not for pregnant women. He also advised me to get some cream which the pharmacy didn't have.

So I feel like I'm back at square one. I don't think it's an allergy at all. I'm certain it's PUPPS but from what I've read there's nothing I can do.

I'm in agony and just can't wait for Labour now so I can finally put an end to the itchiness and soreness. Feeling totally hopeless and very down.

for you, I know exactly what you’re going through and it’s awful. I had this from 35 weeks with DD, I was prescribed antihistamines because I couldn’t sleep and was scratching myself until I bled. Go back to your doctor/midwife and pester them until they give you something.

Pupps is a kind of allergic reaction so it is worth trying the antihistamines they suggested. On the nhs website it does say cetirazine and loratadine are prescribed in pregnancy, was it one of those they suggested? It's doubtful they'll give you anything else unless you've tried that first. My friend had pupps and was prescribed some kind of antihistamine but she still suffered with it for a while, and it didn't go immediately after birth although it does for most women.

Coffekittens thank you for your kind words! The Doctor did tell me to take loratadine and he also prescribed hydrocortisone ointment. Couldn't get the ointment in the pharmacy as they didn't have any annoyingly but did get a box of loratadine just feeling unsure about taking it as it says on the box not suitable whilst pregnant.

Havetothink thanks for commenting. GP has told me to take loratadine but when I looked at the box it says not for use whilst pregnant and yet the NHS website says it's fine to take so not really sure if I should or not.

It’s completely fine to use, most things say not to use in pregnancy just because you may. need monitoring or a different dose when pregnant under the guidance of a go or midwife. Antihistamines were a godsend to me and the only thing that provided any sort of relief. It must be so awful for you especially in this heat, I hope it passes shortly for you.

Thanks so much, coffee. Going to take the plunge and take the loratadine tablets and hope they help! :)