Pregnancy Hives

Pregnancy hives are actually called Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP). First and foremost, it is important to note that this is an allergic reaction and not a medical condition. Medications serve the sole purpose of easing discomfort. These medications are not advised for a pregnant woman as they may have an adverse effect on the baby. Medication for Pregnancy hives is not recommended except in extreme cases.

It is important to understand the cause of allergy hives and their triggers. Allergy hives are caused by an oversensitive immune system that mistakes a harmless substance for a threat. To defend itself, the body releases chemicals called histamine and it is these chemicals that cause the hives.

In Pregnancy hives however, there is no such substance that triggers a reaction. The exact cause of this condition is unknown but it is thought that the stretching of the skin is a significant factor. The skin distension is most in mothers with multiple pregnancies- twins or triplets and consequently they are at a higher risk of PUPPP. Statistics show that there is a higher incidence of PUPPP in women carrying boys. However, there has been very little research into the cause of this occurrence and as yet there is no formal evidence to explain it.

The first symptoms of PUPPP are itchy wheals or welts that are raised and firm. They are generally red in color and first appear within the stretch marks on the abdomen. The hives then spread to the chest and underarms and in some cases even to the limbs, especially the ankles. The face is almost always spared, so if a pregnant patient has hives on her face there is a high probability that the hives are not PUPPP.

There are several age old home remedies for Pregnancy hives that can be used to soothe the inflamed skin and reduce itching. A soak in a tub to which a cup of oatmeal has been added often provides great relief. In addition to this, a paste of water and baking soda should be applied to the affected area. One it has dried completely it can be washed off with cold water. Dry skin is more prone to itching and so it is important to use a moisturizer as often as possible. Substitute regular soaps for mild soaps. Make sure that all personal clothing as well as sheets and pillowcases are thoroughly rinsed as residual detergent can aggravate the already sensitive skin. Strips of clean linen can be soaked in cold water and then applied to the inflamed skin to reduce itching.