PUPPS & Stretch Marks-anyone?

Stellabelle12

I have had stretch marks since like 20 weeks; they were red and purple at first and then had faded a bit to a pinkish color. NBD.

The past two weeks, they've been itching-normal in pregnancy, I know. This morning, I woke up to find them bright red again, and raised up maybe 1/8" above my skin. I also scratched them in my sleep to where they're bleeding in spots. My bf actually pointed it out to me, and asked me to call the OB since they looked so angry. I did, and all they said was use eucerin and some hydrocortisone cream. I went and got both, and so far no relief.

Throughout the day, I've noticed the itch migrating from just my stomach to my hips and thighs, where I also have stretch marks. I googled it and PUPPS is what comes up as being close to what I'm experiencing. (Do NOT google while you're eating as the pictures get pretty nasty).

Anyone here noticing anything similar, or if any s+tms have had PUPPS with prior pregnancies, is this (itchy, painful raised stretch marks) how it starts? TIA!

Aunt Edna

I had PUPPS with my first pregnancy and it sucked. I tried every remedy possible and still wanted to rip off my skin. I had it mainly on my stomach, legs and feet. I used ice packs on my legs and feet at night because it was so uncomfortable to try and reach to relieve the itching. Sounds like you have PUPPS but call your OB just to be sure. There s. liver condition with similar symptoms.

Stellabelle12

This is definitely different from new stretch mark itchiness...dr google said that PUPPS starts on your stretch marks and spreads, which is why I was thinking it could be the start. How did it start for you? And I'm sorry you're dealing with it!!!

Courtniii

I have PUPPS as well which started in the stretch marks on my stomach. So sorry you're going through it!! I've found that Grandpas Pine Tar Soap & cold showers throughout the day help a ton. It ended up spreading to my back, legs, and arms as well so hydrocortisone(when desperate) helps too. I hope you're able to find relief soon! I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

Stellabelle12

Ugh thanks ladies! Sorry that anyone has experience with it, I already want to peel my stomach off. I'll definitely look for the pine tar soap to try while I wait for my appointment next week. The nurse on call didn't seem concerned, but maybe when my OB sees it Monday she'll feel differently...especially if it spreads.

AprilWC

I've been pretty lucky. I will be 35 weeks tomorrow and still no stretch marks!

Mae208

AprilWC said:

I've been pretty lucky. I will be 35 weeks tomorrow and still no stretch marks!

Ok.

Ycu2013

As hard as it is...try not to scratch. Obviously it's hard not to when you're sleeping, but the more you scratch the worse they get. Do cold compresses and keep them lubed. Coconut oil is amazing for the skin.

AprilWC

Ok......

Aunt Edna

AprilWC said:

Ok......

Your comment was so helpful to the OP. Please come back and tell us about your pain free labor where you LO comes out in one push! Better yet, tell us in someone else's post where they ask for advice on how to relieve the pain from their c/s or tearing! Do you still not get it?!

Stellabelle12

T3hKay said:

Aunt Edna said:

AprilWC said:

Ok......

Your comment was so helpful to the OP. Please come back and tell us about your pain free labor where you LO comes out in one push! Better yet, tell us in someone else's post where they ask for advice on how to relieve the pain from their c/s or tearing!


Do you still not get it?!

"You're so mean, I can't believe how immature you all are being  WAHHHHHH..."

I'm so glad I ended up on October '13!!!! All of this. You guys rock.

::scratches off another layer of skin::

AprilWC

The products I've been using have been from Lush and have helped me tremendously. I wasn't trying to brag. Trust me I've had my own issues with my pregnancy. I just think its nice to sometimes hear positive. I wish people weren't so quick to judge and be negative.

Stellabelle12

AprilWC said:

The products I've been using have been from Lush and have helped me tremendously. I wasn't trying to brag. Trust me I've had my own issues with my pregnancy. I just think its nice to sometimes hear positive. I wish people weren't so quick to judge and be negative.

We aren't talking about regular stretch marks...google PUPPS and then think how glad you'd be to know some people had NO stretch marks while you had that. There are tons of threads where people are talking about whether they have stretch marks or not...this is not those threads.

SDW

AprilWC said:

The products I've been using have been from Lush and have helped me tremendously. I wasn't trying to brag. Trust me I've had my own issues with my pregnancy. I just think its nice to sometimes hear positive. I wish people weren't so quick to judge and be negative.

Look, I get what you're saying above---but my first thought when I read your post was "how tacky and inappropriate." The original poster and comments were talking about pain and discomfort. You didn't offer any advice, there was no endorsement of helpful products. It came across as boastful and rather rude IMO.

Philsbride2be

I had puppps with my DD1 and I feel for u! Definitely tell your OB and print things out if u feel u need to. They might want to keep track of your liver numbers and blood pressure bc it could be related....also what worked the best for me when I had it was Aveeno oatmeal bath, I caked it on my skin even in the shower to get relief, and Benadryl pill at night so u can sleep and no itching! Good luck, it's no fun

pmarie33

AprilWC said:

The products I've been using have been from Lush and have helped me tremendously. I wasn't trying to brag. Trust me I've had my own issues with my pregnancy. I just think its nice to sometimes hear positive. I wish people weren't so quick to judge and be negative.

Aunt Edna

AprilWC said:

The products I've been using have been from Lush and have helped me tremendously. I wasn't trying to brag. Trust me I've had my own issues with my pregnancy. I just think its nice to sometimes hear positive. I wish people weren't so quick to judge and be negative.

You had zero advice to give in you initial post and PUPPS isn't caused by stretch marks. The itching may start in the stretch marks but you can have one without the other. I may be a bitch, but at least I'm a helpful bitch! OP, a couple other remedies I tried besides cold packs were oatmeal baths, pine tar soap, Sarna lotion, and when it got so bad that I couldn't sleep, I would take Benadryl to knock me out. The cold packs and cold showers were the best for relief. Initially it was torture. It did seem to ease up slightly and the I got 100% relief a few days after having DD. My sister had it as well and she said as soon as she delivered my nephew she could see the redness receding from her skin. She said it was crazy but she stopped itching immediately. Good luck and I feel for you!

mominwaiting29

My friend had it and her Dr. gave her an oral steroid that was safe for baby and a huge relief. Actually helped clear some if it up. Not sure what it was called but it might be helpful to ask your Dr. On Monday. I'm sorry you are having to deal with it.

Favority

OP I totally feel your pain. The only thing that gives a small amount of relief for me is Aveeno baths, followed by Sarna lotion, with a thick layer of overnight Aveeno lotion on top. I have it all over my belly, the underside of my breasts and the tops of my thighs. I hope you are able to find some relief.

Megp12

I have had PUPPS since I was 28 weeks...the oral steroid helped a little, but mine came back and then spread. The best things that have helped me are oatmeal lotion and grandpas pine tar soAp! Good luck!

Bocatini

Please don't flame me, I don't have pupp's, but had horrible pregnancy hives and a heat rash at the same time, in the same area. I was told to use sarna. I found it at Walgreens (if you have one close), but here's the thing.... Stick it in the REFRIGERATOR!! It goes on cold and takes the pain, sting, or burn out of the area IMMEDIATELY. I hope you feel better soon. I also used hydrocortisone at times and aveeno oatmeal baths and natures gate oatmeal lotion, both also helped. I had hives on my neck and chest, they were miserable.... Especially because people could see them and I could to stop scratching y skin off... The sarna really helped me. Maybe it will you also.

Stellabelle12

Thanks for the advice everyone! You all are helping me get through this weekend till I can see my OB. I did call again and was told I could take Benadryl, Zyrtec and oddly enough, Zantac as it apparently works as an antihistamine. At my appointment I'll be asking about an oral steroid *if* taking the Benadryl etc. doesn't help...I am sorry there are so many of you who know what I'm talking about but grateful for your experience/help!

mawarren

Also tylenol pm contains the same drug for making you sleepy as benadryl if you ever need tylenol too. It's also approved to take. I don't have pupps but have to take tylenol pm quite a bit to go to sleep nowadays. Hope it gets more bearable for you! 

Bocatini

Sorry. I should have mentioned that. I had to be referred to a dermatologist for the hives. I was prescribed 25 mg zyrtec - once in the am and once at night. Yes, it will help take away the itch. When the hives were at their worst, I was also told by the dermatologist ( and ok'd by my OB) to take 1 25 mg benedryl every 4 hours as needed. I hope you feel better soon.

Schuh1985

I had PUPPS with DS1 and it sucked nothing helped me either but it did go away as soon as I delivered. I felt like I had poison oak and it wouldn't go away. My OB told me there was really nothing to do and that I had to wait to deliver. I do know a friend who had it so bad from head to toe that the induced her early and it went away immediately.