ABSTRACT A primiparous patient, 30 days postpartum, presented to the clinic with a chief complaint of an itchy red rash on her mid to lower abdomen. It started 2 days ago. The rash had spread to her upper thighs. Past medical history was negative for skin disease or atopy. Her examination exposed pruritic erythematous polymorphous papules, with subsequent coalescence of larger urticarial plaques on the mid to lower abdomen and upper thighs. The patient was diagnosed with pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP). PUPPP is the most common dermatosis affecting about one in 200 pregnant women. It has no tendency to recur in subsequent pregnancies. The elevated differential diagnosis included pemphigoid gestationis and eczema. Drug eruptions, urticaria, and viral exanthems were also considered. The primary goal of PUPPP treatment is to alleviate pruritus and discomfort. Antihistamines and topical corticosteroids are often prescribed along with skin care recommendations. Patients frequently have limited relief from topical treatments or skin care strategies. The extent of patient discomfort mandates competent evaluation because treatment is symptomatic and PUPPP can be difficult to manage. Despite the discomfort related to severe pruritus, PUPPP is not harmful to the mother or baby.
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