Itchy belly help!!!!

[Twinklefae]

Okay, I'm seriously going to go out of my mind. The lower part of my belly is swollen (the stratch marks stick out) and it is soooooooo itchy. I don't know what to do, it makes me want to cry honestly.

Does anyone have suggestions? Tips? Sympathy? DF thinks it's funny. Or that I should go to the hospital if it's "that bad". : Not funny.

Help me!

[quetinha]

not much advice other than to use lotions - but wanted to send sympathy. I know how not funny it is.

[PiscesMama24]

Might be PUPPPS :(

Hi Mama,

I am so sorry you're so itchy!! What you're decribing sounds EXACTLY like what I went through during the last 6 weeks of my pregnancy. I was diagnosed with something called PUPPPS (Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy). It is the most excruciatingly painful, itchy rash I have EVER had in my life.

It's not really known what causes it, but it's thought to be some type of allergic reaction to the baby's DNA. I've also heard about it being linked with getting the Rhogam shot (did you get this shot?) I ended up being put on prednisone (oral steriods) because I literally was going out of my mind with the itchiness and pain, not sleeping, crying 24/7, etc. (I didn't take any medication throughout my entire pregnancy, and generally don't believe in meds...but this rash pushed me over the edge). I would stand in the shower and burn myelf with scorching hot water because it felt better than the pain of the rash. This rash is not in the least bit funny!

Here are some links to check out asap. As soon as I was pretty sure what I had, I went to my OB and told her and she confirmed it. The sooner you get it diagnosed, the better.


http://www.tcinternet.net/users/krit...aomi/PUPPP.htm

http://members.optushome.com.au/westhoff/puppp/Gallery/

http://www.rainiersoapworks.com/puppp_relief.htm

I also used something called Pupps Relief Soap from Rainer Soap Works (you can have it rush-ordered...see the link above) I'm not sure if it was the soap or the prednisone that did the trick, but the intense itching and pain went away within a couple of weeks (although I had flare ups until about 4-5 weeks post partum).

There is also a Yahoo PUPPPS support group that I joined...it really helped to read other people's stories/experiences.

I really hope this helps! I totally feel your pain. Know that it will end though...most likely after the birth of your baby (when are you due?)

-Lyndsie

[Twinklefae]

I'm either 37 or 38 weeks along (the joys of unplanned pregnancies.....) so apparently a prime target for PUPPS. I had the Band-aid brand Anti-itch gel in the house though, and it seems to be helping, if at least temporarily. I'll take what I can get!

Thanks for the info, and the sympathy. DF thinks it's less funny now that it might have a name.

[gratefulmum]

Oh goodness. My sypathies. What a nasty little thing to come across on the home stretch. I was originally going to lament along with you until I heard PiscesMamas reply. In the last two days I have developed an itchy spot in between my two scar marks above my belly button (from a piercing.) It is painful itchy and lotion does nothing. It is not at all like the PUPPS described, though. s and hope it gets better.

[SunChild]

The only thing that gives my stretch marks soothing relief is cocoa butter. Pure cocoa butter.
Chill it in the fridge before you use it, feels fantastic.
I put thick layers of cream on in the morning, and I can still feel the residue at night, it keeps the strech marks moist all day so you don't get itchy or bumpy.

[Tasya]

Another tip
use fragrance-free soap, lotions etc.

GRANPA'S PINE TAR soap(any health food store like "whole foods") works wust fine, try do not scratch and after the showe apply cream - forgot the name I got by prescription or put cold wet towel over the belly and just try don't scratch.

And watch your diet, try to eat healthy meals, whole weat, greens, veggies, ceep it low on sugary treats
goos luck