Natural Treatment for PUPPP Rash During Pregnancy
Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy (PUPPP). If you've had it, you know all about the horrible itch and discomfort that comes with it. Did you know that acupuncture is a safe and completely natural way to settle the itching and reduce the pain and discomfort of PUPPP rash?
PUPPP is an itchy, red, and terribly uncomfortable rash that can appear most commonly during in the third trimester (or earlier) of pregnancy seemingly out of nowhere. It often clears on its own after delivery, but for some it can last weeks or months into postpartum.
Conventional treatment for PUPPPs is managing symptoms with antihistamines, steroids, and other over the counter topicals until it resolves on its own, however, these conventional treatments are not enough to quell the symptoms. Acupuncture and TCM offer lots of safe and effective treatment options for pregnant and postpartum people that are suffering from PUPPPs. Acupuncture and topical herbal preparations are preferred during pregnancy, but during the postpartum period we can also add internal herbal medicines if necessary to help resolve any lingering symptoms.
How does acupuncture help? By reducing heat and inflammation (that raised, red, hot skin!), reducing itching, improving sleep, and helping to calm the nervous system from the stress of being so itchy!
Other natural options to try:
Apply pure aloe vera gel, this can be stored in the fridge and applied cold to provide additional cooling relief.
Apply colloidal oatmeal cream or bathe in a bath of colloidal oatmeal. Avoid too hot of water when bathing which may aggravate the itching.
Apply cool water or aloe compresses directly to the effected areas.
Avoid applying any undiluted essential oils as well as petroleum or mineral oil based creams which can further aggravate the skin.
Wear lightweight clothing that is breathable and made with natural fibers like cotton, silk, and bamboo.
Schedule a few acupuncture sessions to decrease itching and reduce stress and inflammation.
Schedule a consultation to see if Acupuncture is right for you!