Merck Manual

Please confirm that you are not located inside the Russian Federation

Yes No

Leave this Site?

The link you have selected will take you to a third-party website. We do not control or have responsibility for the content of any third-party site.

Continue Cancel
Merck Manual
Consumer Version
The trusted provider of medical information since 1899
Health Topics & Chapters
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Merck Manual
Consumer Version
The trusted provider of medical information since 1899
Health Topics & Chapters
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Home /
Quick Facts: Women's Health Issues /
Complications of Pregnancy /
... /
Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy /
IN THIS TOPIC

What are pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy?

What causes these rashes?

How do doctors treat these rashes?

OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER

Complications of Pregnancy
Cervical Insufficiency
Ectopic Pregnancy
Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Intra-Amniotic Infection
Miscarriage
Pemphigoid Gestationis
Placenta Previa
Placental Abruption
Preeclampsia and Eclampsia
Problems With Amniotic Fluid
Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy
Rh Incompatibility
Stillbirth
Vasa Previa

Test your knowledge

HIp Fractures
The hip joint consists of several areas: the pelvis, then the round upper end (head) of the thighbone (femur), then the area below the head of the femur (also called the neck of the femur), and then two large bumps beneath the neck of the femur (also called trochanters). Most hip fractures occur in which of the following areas of the hip? 

More Content

Loading
Quick Facts

Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Last full review/revision Sep 2019
Click here for the Professional Version
Get the full details
NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: Click here for the Professional Version
Click here for the Professional Version
Topic Resources

What are pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy?

They are intensely itchy rashes that happen only when you're pregnant. The rash:

  • Usually appears during the last 2 to 3 weeks of being pregnant

  • Consists of red, irregularly shaped, and slightly raised patches, sometimes with tiny blisters in the center

  • Appears on your belly and then spreads to your thighs, bottom, and sometimes arms

  • Usually goes away shortly after delivery

  • Is common in first pregnancies—the rash usually doesn’t come back in future pregnancies

You may have hundreds of itchy patches. Often the skin around the patches is pale.

What causes these rashes?

No one knows what causes these rashes. Doctors may even have trouble making a definite diagnosis.

How do doctors treat these rashes?

Doctors will have you put a corticosteroid cream on your rash. Rarely, if your rash is severe, you may take a corticosteroid pill, such as prednisone.

Drugs Mentioned In This Article

Generic Name Select Brand Names
prednisone
 RAYOS
NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: Click here for the Professional Version
Click here for the Professional Version
© 2020 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA)
Problems With Amniotic Fluid
Rh Incompatibility
Others also read
Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy
Physical Changes During Pregnancy Physical Changes During Pregnancy
Overview of the Kidneys and Urinary Tract Overview of the Kidneys and Urinary Tract

Also of Interest

Videos

View All
The Uterus, Cervix, and Cervical Canal
Video
The Uterus, Cervix, and Cervical Canal
The Vaginal Exam in Labor
Video
The Vaginal Exam in Labor

SOCIAL MEDIA

Merck and the Merck Manuals

Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. From developing new therapies that treat and prevent disease to helping people in need, we are committed to improving health and well-being around the world. The Merck Manual was first published in 1899 as a service to the community. The legacy of this great resource continues as the Merck Manual in the US and Canada and the MSD Manual outside of North America. Learn more about our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge.

TRUSTe
TRUSTe

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.

© 2020 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
TOP