I am 38 weeks pregnant and I have little bumps on my body that itch. I've been told that these are "pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy" (PUPPPS) and that they will not go away till I have the baby. What exactly is this? The itching is driving me crazy.

-- Tracey

PUPPPs is the most common itchy rash of pregnancy. (In Britain, it is called polymorphic eruption of pregnancy, but I like the American name better!) It occurs in up to 1 percent of all pregnancies, generally starting in the late second or third trimester. It is more common in first pregnancies and usually does not recur in subsequent pregnancies.

Little red plaques (flattish areas) and pustules (like tiny pimples) appear first around the belly button, then may spread to the thighs, arms and buttocks. This rash can itch intensely. It is NOT contagious, nor does it harm the baby in any way. We really don't know why some pregnant women are afflicted while others are spared this torture.

Treatment is directed to relieving the itching. Sometimes antihistamines like Benadryl will help, along with moisturizers. Oatmeal baths may also soothe the itching. Often steroid-containing creams or ointments, such as the over-the-counter Cortaid, will provide relief, but never start a medication without discussing it with your doctor first. . Rarely will a woman need the more potent oral steroids, which must be prescribed by a doctor. Invariably, the rash and accompanying itch go away shortly after delivery.