Question: I’ve been noticing that my stretch marks have some kind of itchy pimples breaking out in them. I’m seven months along and I just noticed this. What’s up with that?
Answer: You have less than three months left until delivery, when you can gratefully say goodbye to most of the unpleasant side effects of pregnancy. Until then, it may help you to know that although these skin lesions may be uncomfortable, they aren’t dangerous to you or your baby. They are known medically as pruritc urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy, or PUPPP. The condition usually disappears after delivery and doesn’t show up again in later pregnancies.
Although PUPPP usually shows up in abdominal stretch marks, it sometimes also appears on the thighs, buttocks, or arms. The next time you have a doctor’s appointment, show them your rash. They may be able to prescribe topical medication, an antihistamine, or a shot to relieve any discomfort. There are some other skin conditions and rashes that tend to develop during pregnancy. Though they should always be shown to your doctor, they are rarely serious. Some will need to be treated; others will run a mild course and disappear after delivery.