 | I was recently diagnosed with PUPPS by a nurse-practitioner who works in my OB/GYN's office. Earlier that week, my doctor didn't even seem concerned when I mentioned the itching and rash at my regular appointment.
I did some internet research and made an "emergency" appointment to let them know that what I had was PUPPS (Yes, I had to tell THEM.) Funny - the nurse practitioner who treated me on this return appointment knew immediately that it was PUPPS. Maybe the bumps hadn't formed 5 days earlier when I had seen the OB/GYN. Either that or he just thought the itch was normal.
Anyway... My problems started at week 29 and I was diagnosed at week 31. Before being diagnosed, I had been buying different types of anti-itch creams and ointments to see if they would help. Of the many different kinds that I tried, only GOLDBOND medicated cream has helped me so far. The economy tube is around $6 at WalMart. Also, semi-cold Aveeno oatmeal baths help while you are in them. The NP told me that I could take Benadryl a few times a day, which seems to take the edge off for 2 or 3 hours.
I have been using Johnson & Johnson's First Aid Advanced Care Advanced Healing Adhesive Pads to cover parts of the rash that were the worse... around my belly. These bandages are sort of a "second skin" bandage and can be worn for several days in a row (in bath and shower, too.) They mainly help me keep from scratching the area they cover. The itch isn't unbearable, either, underneath this bandage. I took a couple of them off this morning and they hurt a bit, but other places that I have them do not hurt when removed. For just under $5, you get 4 "large" bandages. Not too bad. I think they were intended for healing scars.
The NP prescribed an oral steroid that should help the rash during the 6 or 7 days the dose-pack lasts, but I am saving it for when I am crazy desparate because I am afraid of what a steroid (no matter how mild) may do to my baby.
After being diagnosed, the rash spread to my arms, thighs, and neck. Everything I've read says that it will NOT spread to the face, so I can hope.
I read somewhere on the internet of a woman who was given prednizone for her PUPPS right after delivery, and she was unable to produce enough milk to breastfeed, so I think I will just try to endure these next 8 weeks.
I've heard of women being induced a week or two early due to the terrible pain of the itch. The only thing this has helped me to decide is that I DEFINITELY plan to get an epidural as soon as they offer it because I hope it will help me at least to quit scratching my belly during delivery.
About the suggestion of Dandelion Root Tincture, I have heard that before on other websites. I may make a special trip today to pick some up and try it. Another person who recommmended this type of thing recommended Dandelion Root Tea and some other "natural" remedies. She said that she was able to make the itch go away completely within 2 weeks. She used some liver cleansers and blood cleansers, too... I'm not sure what those are. An MD responded to her comments by warning that some herbal remedies may still affect the baby, so not to trust them simply because they are "herbal."
If you find out anything that helps, let me know!
Ruth Ann |
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