Health & Wellness

13 Top Foods to Avoid with Puppp rash in Pregnancy

A common skin disorder known as PUPPP (Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy) rash affects certain pregnant women, usually in the third trimester. It is characterized by a red, itchy rash that often develops on the belly but can also affect other body parts. While there is no proven reason for PUPPP rash, some things can worsen it, like eating something that can induce an allergic reaction or increase inflammation. Understanding the foods to avoid with PUPPP rash is essential to controlling symptoms and avoiding complications.

In this article, we’ll talk about the foods that could cause or worsen PUPPP rash, as well as provide advice on managing the disease by changing your diet.

In This Article

  1. What is Puppp rash in Pregnancy
  2. Foods to Avoid with Puppp rash

What is Puppp rash in Pregnancy?

Some pregnant women get PUPPP (Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy) rash, commonly appearing in the third trimester. The rash is characterized by the skin’s itchy, red, raised lumps and patches.

Often appearing on the abdomen, PUPPP rash can spread to the thighs, buttocks, and arms. And although the exact etiology of PUPPP rash is uncertain, the stretching of the skin during pregnancy is thought to be a contributing factor. First pregnancies and repeated pregnancies are more likely to experience it.

Foods to Avoid with Puppp rash

Foods to Avoid with Puppp rash

Here is the list of foods to avoid when you have puppp:

1. Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits have a high acid content, which might worsen the PUPPP rash’s itching and irritation. Citrus fruit allergies are another possibility that can aggravate inflammation symptoms.

2. Spicy Foods

Spicy food contains capsaicin, which can worsen PUPPP rash symptoms by causing increased blood flow and inflammation. Spicy foods might aggravate a rash by causing skin flushing and itching.

3. Fried Foods

Trans fats present in fried foods like French fries and fried chicken might worsen the symptoms of PUPPP rash by causing more inflammation. Dehydration caused by the high salt content of fried foods might further aggravate the rash.

4. Dairy Products

Some PUPPP rash people may be lactose intolerant, and eating dairy products might make them feel sick, worsening their rash. Dairy products can also exacerbate rash symptoms by provoking an immune response and increasing inflammation.

5. Processed Foods

Preservatives and additives in processed meals like chips and crackers might worsen PUPPP rash symptoms by causing more inflammation. Dehydration brought on by these foods can exacerbate the rash.

6. Sugar

Consuming foods with a lot of sugar can exacerbate PUPPP rash’s itching and inflammation. Furthermore, consuming a lot of sugar can result in weight gain, which can strain the skin and increase rash symptoms.

7. Gluten

Gluten sensitivity may present in certain PUPPP rash people, and eating gluten-containing foods might worsen the rash’s symptoms by causing more inflammation. Foods containing gluten can aggravate the rash by causing intestinal pain.

8. Red Meat

Red meat is the foods to avoid with PUPPP rash. Red meat has a lot of saturated fat, which might worsen PUPPP rash symptoms by causing more inflammation. Red meat can also be challenging to digest, which can cause gastrointestinal pain and aggravate the rash.

9. Shellfish

Shellfish consumption might cause allergic reactions in some PUPPP rash people, aggravating the condition. Iodine in large amounts in shellfish can exacerbate skin irritation and inflammation.

10. Alcohol

Alcohol might aggravate the irritation and inflammation that come with PUPPP rash. Alcohol can also cause dehydration, which exacerbates the symptoms of a rash.

11. Caffeine

Being a diuretic, caffeine can cause the body to become dehydrated, aggravating the symptoms of PUPPP rash. Caffeine can also worsen inflammation and an immune reaction, which makes the symptoms of a rash worse.

12. Soy

Soy may cause allergic reactions in some people with PUPPP rash, which might exacerbate the rash when consumed. Phytoestrogens found in soy have the potential to have an impact on hormonal balance and increase the symptoms of a rash.

13. Artificial sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose can worsen PUPPP rash symptoms by causing more inflammation. These sweeteners can cause dehydration, which exacerbates the symptoms of a rash.

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

  1. What makes puppp rash worse
  2. How long does puppp rash last
  3. How to prevent Puppp rash from Spreading

Q. What makes puppp rash worse?

Ans- PUPPP rash’s exact cause is unknown. However, several things might aggravate it, such as scratching or rubbing the affected area, hot baths or showers, sweating, and tight-fitting clothing.

Q. How long does puppp rash last?

Ans- PUPPP rash can last a few weeks to several months, though this can vary. PUPPP rash typically goes away on its own within 1-2 weeks of delivery, but in certain situations, it could take weeks or months to disappear completely. Some women have mild irritation, while others experience more extreme itching and discomfort, depending on the intensity of the rash.

Q. How to prevent Puppp rash from Spreading?

Ans- If PUPPP rash is not treated or the affected area is touched or inflamed, it may spread to other body parts. It’s essential to take the following actions to stop the rash from spreading:

  • Affected areas should not be scratched or rubbed as this might aggravate the itching and cause more inflammation.
  • To reduce friction and itchiness on the skin, dress comfortably in loose-fitting clothing made of natural, breathable materials like cotton.
  • To help with itch relief and irritation relief, apply an anti-itch cream or lotion that has been advised by your medical professional.
  • Maintain moisture on the affected region to stop itching and drying.
  • Avoid taking hot baths or showers because they might make the rash worse and spread.
  • Stay away from skin irritants and other harsh substances.

Conclusion

In conclusion, PUPPP rash during pregnancy can be uncomfortable and frustrating for women. The symptoms of PUPPP rash can be managed, and problems can be avoided even if there is no known cure.

Avoid foods high in histamines or other inflammatory substances since they can cause an allergic reaction or worsen inflammation already present in the body. Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet containing many fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is also essential.

Read Also:

References

  1. Pruritic Urticarial Papules And Plaques Of Pregnancy – NCBI
  2. An approach to the patient with urticaria
  3. Dermatological disorders unique to pregnancy

Dr Maria

MD. Board Certified physician. Fellowship In Family Medicine UK. 8 years of medical experience in Lifestyle-related health disorders. Graduated from AIIMS – All India Institute Of Medical Science, INDIA

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