Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy also called polymorphic eruption of pregnancy is a common kind of rash experienced by most pregnant women. It is experienced mostly during one’s first pregnancy and that too in the third trimester, more specifically the thirty fifth week onwards. However suffering from pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy once does not mean that you are subject to experiencing it over and over again. The rash associated with pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy usually begins in the stretch marks of the abdomen. You will know it is a rash of pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy because it will not include your belly button unlike other rashes that appear during pregnancy. The rash looks typical – they are small, reddish and forma wheal like structure. Most of the times, the rash does include small vesicles. The rash also spreads very fast – over the thighs, buttocks, breasts and arms and only in a matter of a few days. The rash is also very itchy and that is characteristic of pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy. The condition is not harmful to either mother or baby but is very bothersome. It lasts for not more than 6 weeks and recovers pretty spontaneously after first week or second weeks from delivery. The worst of its itching will not last for more than a week.

The reason why pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy occur is still unknown. It is not associated with preeclampsia, autoimmune disorders, hormonal abnormalities or fetal abnormalities. Assumptions like the rapid abdominal wall distension damaging the connective tissues and causing some form of inflammatory response are made. Studies have shown however that male fetal DNA is found in skin biopsies of the rash. Most women suffering from pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy give birth to boys, thus it is understood that the male fetal DNA causes irritation in the skin. The diagnosis of pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy can be done only by observing the appearance of the rash. No labarotary tests exist that help to detect pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy and skin biopsies are not as commonly performed.

The treatment of pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy is symptomatic. Strong steroid creams and ointments used up to 5 to 6 times a day help to stop the itching and prevent the spreading of the rash. Once the rash is brought under control, changing to lesser strong steroids can also be used. For extreme cases, oral steroids are also taken. In some cases, oral antihistamines are used but they are helpful only as long as the mother is asleep.

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