PUPPP, or Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy, is another term for horrible itchy hell endured in pregnancy for inexplicable random reason. So not fair!
It can also be called PEOP - Polymorphic Eruption of Pregnancy
The good news is that it is not dangerous; the bad news is that pretty much only giving birth will make it go away altogether.
(If you do have this kind of rash and itching, it's important to see your health care professional for liver function tests to rule out Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) which also involves rash and itching and can be more serious.)
*However* there are some tried and tested remedies that have helped women move from "Kill Me Now" status to "I Got SOME Sleep OK Just Don't Flare Up Again" status.
In herbal medicine, it is understood the depurative herbs, that promote elimination processes of the liver, kidney and lymph and cleansing of toxins from the blood, have a part to play in resolving skin conditions such as acne, eczema and pruritis.
Herbs with anti-inflammatory & anti-histamine action, used topically and taken internally, may also offer a measure of relief, acting in a similar way to steroidal medications.
Blissful Herbs offers a herbal bath mix to act topically and a delicious and nutritious herbal tea to act internally, to help manage the uncomfortable itching and rash of PUPPP.
Your PUPPP-ease Tea contains:
Burdock (Arctium lappa) – A liver depurative to promote elimination of toxins. Cleansing of the liver is understood to reduce itching and improve skin issues in the naturopathic approach.
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) - this calming herb has anti-inflammatory & healing properties. (NB: Chamomile is a member of the ragweed family, and triggers allergic reactions in some people.)
Cleavers (Galium aparine) – a richly nutritious depurative for the kidneys and lymph.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) – a liver depurative to support liver function and cleanse the blood, which can moderate itching.
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) – with anti-inflammatory properties, this herb is useful for reducing itching and is also a calming nervine for the nervous system.
Nettle (Urtica dioica) – a blood cleanser that helps resolve skin conditions such as ace, eczema and pruritis; also has anti-inflammatory properties.
How to use the tea:
Place 1 teaspoon (5g approximately) of herbs, per cup of tea you'd like to make, into a tea pot (an old jam jar works perfectly).
Pour on approximately 150 ml hot water, just off the boil, per cup of tea.
Cover and steep for 10 minutes.
Pour through a strainer into your chosen drinking receptacle.
You can add a twist of lemon or lime, or a dab of natural sweetener like honey or agauave, if you like.
Enjoy your tea hot, warm or over ice.
Drink 3-4 cups daily.
Disclaimer: This information is based on empirical and traditional herbal medicine. It is of a general informational nature and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any health condition. Any health condition should be referred to your chosen health care practitioner. Check with your health care practitioner before commencing to use any herbal product, and be aware of any personal and family allergies.