This doesn't seem like PUPPP...

[AmyDSG]

Hello lovely mamas!

Just wondering if anyone out there has experience with skin issues.  I am 16w3d and have been doing pretty well, but for the past month have been nursing a rash on the backs of my hands that would not go away.  Then Saturday I woke up with red bumps spreading all over my body!    The worst part is the itch!  The pictures I've seen of PUPPP look similar to what I have, except it seems strange that 1) I'd have it now in 2nd trimester, 2) it started on my hands 3) I have it on my face and belly button (which are supposed to be free from PUPPP).  I have no other symptoms.

I've heard stories of women with weird rashes that go away right after birth.  I hope I don't have to go through the next 5 months totally miserable.  I've tried LOTS of natural stuff, which mostly soothes the itching, somewhat, but does not take away the redness or bumps.

I'm going to a dermatologist tomorrow but of course, I'm worried he will prescribe something I'm not comfortable taking.  But I don't know how much longer I can take it.  Also, I'm a teacher, and frankly, it's embarrassing to stand in front of my students looking like this.  So sad.

Being pregnant is not as "easy" as I thought it would be.  Any other itchy folks out there???

[SuburbanHippie]

When I had PUPPP, it was only on my belly.  It itched so much and I scratched it until I bled.  Is this your first?  Are you having a boy?  PUPPP is most common in first pregnancies with a boy.  I didn't take anything because nothing worked.  Benadryl did nothing.  Creams were worthless.  I just had to suffer.  I really hope this isn't what you have.  It is miserable!

[Mizyellow]

I hope this doesn't offend you in any way, but my best friend starting having the same symptoms and found out it was bed bugs! Even her dr thought it was PUPP but it wasn't just on her belly. Here in OHio they are EVERYWHERE I don't know about where you live, but maybe lift up your mattress? I am so pychotic about them I check like every night.

[AmyDSG]

It doesn't offend me.  In fact, I wondered if I have Scabies.  I live in Costa Rica and as far as I know, we haven't had an outbreak of bedbugs here, and my husband has no itchies...  We'll see.  

From doing more research, it sounds kind of like Papular dermatitis of pregnancy.  If that's what it is, I HAVE to treat it because it can be dangerous for baby if I don't.  I just pray it's nothing serious.  This is terrible!

[HawaiianBlesing]

Actually it kind of sounds like scabies seeing it's all over your body and it's not going away.  Does your partner show any signs...if I'm correct, I think it's contagious--meaning it can be passed by physical contact. 

Scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by a species of mite that is very small.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Scabies is found worldwide among people of all groups and ages. It is spread by direct contact with infected people and less often by sharing clothing or bedding. Sometimes whole families are affected.

The mites that cause scabies burrow into the skin and deposit their eggs, forming a burrow that looks like a pencil mark. Eggs mature in 21 days. The itchy rash is an allergic response to the mite.

Symptoms

• Itching, especially at night

• Rashes

• Sores (abrasions) on the skin from scratching and digging

• Thin, pencil-mark lines on the skin

Mites may be more widespread on a baby's skin, causing pimples over the trunk, or small blisters over the palms and soles. In young children, the head, neck, shoulders, palms, and soles are involved. In older children and adults, the hands, wrists, genitals, and abdomen are involved.

[AmyDSG]

DH has no symptoms, which I think he would since like you said, scabies is very contagious.  Scary stuff!

I did see the dermatologist today and he thinks I have prurigo of pregnancy.  I'm going to try a medicated cream, only at night and only for a few days.  I really need some relief! 

I hope and pray none of you have to go through this!

[HawaiianBlesing]

Hope you have found some relief by now. 

[AmyDSG]

Thanks so much!  I did end up having to use a cortisone cream on my hands for 4 days.  It had just gotten so bad it was hard to even use my hands.  The rash on the rest of my body seems to have gone down and is much more bearable.  Who knew my pregnancy was going to be an itch fest??  

Oh, and Hawaiian Blessing, we have the same estimated due date! 

Take care!

[eastmillcreekmama]

Sorry you've been so itchy. I don't have a rash all over my body, but I had eczema on my hands only during my first pregnancy, and have it agian this pregnancy. I also am itchy all over periodically, without any other indications of itchiness.

From an alternative perspective, I've been told by my acupuncturist that skin issues typically relate to the health of the large intestine and liver. During pregnancy, our bowels are moving slower, and so elimination is not as frequent or complete, and our livers are working harder with all the hormones and such racing around our bodies, both of which can lead to skin issues. Essentially, by-products of liver processing are not being eliminated as well as when not pregnant. 

Some things I've tried that have helped:

Moderate dairy intake.

Don't eat a lot of sugar.

Eat your grains ideally in the spouted form, or at least whole form (i.e whole wheat bread instead of white).

Exercise regularly.

Drink lots of clean water, 6-8 glasses a day.

The first trimester, I was eating at least one yogurt a day, sometimes two. I recently discovered it was making me feel nauseous, and once I stopped, my eczema improved a lot.

Hope that's helpful!

[AmyDSG]

Thanks for the ideas, eastmillcreekmama.  I have been wondering if something I am eating is making things worse, especially because some days are much itchier than others.  My intestines have definitely slowed down.  I went to a second dermatologist and she thinks the rash may have nothing to do with the pregnancy, but rather be coming from a urinary infection.  I have searched and searched on the Internet and cannot find any info about skin rash related to UTI, but am awaiting blood and urine results on Monday.  In a way, I kind of hope it IS an infection and then we can work on clearing it up.  The itching has gotten hellish again and I have bumps from head to ankles.  Not fun.  Thank you for your message.  It means a lot to know people care about my itchies!