Understanding Prurigo of Pregnancy: Symptoms and Care
Updated: 2 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026
Quick Answer: What Is Prurigo of Pregnancy?
Prurigo of pregnancy, also called papular dermatitis of pregnancy, is a skin condition affecting about 1 in 300 pregnancies, causing small, very itchy pink, red or purple bumps. It does not typically cause complications for parent or baby. It usually clears soon after delivery, though itching can continue for weeks, and it may recur in future pregnancies. Treatment relieves symptoms. [1]
What the research says
Prurigo of pregnancy is still poorly defined. A review describes prurigo and pruritic folliculitis of pregnancy as poorly characterized conditions that were reclassified under the umbrella term atopic eruption of pregnancy, and notes that diagnostic criteria need revising so that prevalence can be estimated more accurately (Roth et al., Clin Dermatol, 2016).
Treatment evidence is limited and results vary. A systematic review of 4 studies with 63 patients found that treatments most commonly combined topical steroids, emollients, and oral antihistamines, with oral corticosteroids and narrowband UVB also reported. Effectiveness varied: some patients recovered before delivery and others only months afterward (Hendie et al., Cureus, 2025).
Widespread itching in pregnancy should be checked for other causes. A review of pregnancy-specific skin conditions advises testing serum bile salts whenever generalized itching develops during pregnancy, to rule out intrahepatic cholestasis, and a skin biopsy or antibody testing in itchy rashes to rule out pemphigoid gestationis (Soutou & Aractingi, Rev Med Interne, 2015).
Research summaries are based on article abstracts retrieved from PubMed.
What Is Prurigo of Pregnancy?
Prurigo of pregnancy is a skin condition that causes an itchy rash during pregnancy. Also called papular dermatitis of pregnancy, it appears as small, discolored bumps or spots on the skin. They can be pink, red, or purple and often have a crusty or scaly center. [1]
The rash can be very uncomfortable because of the intense itching, but it is generally harmless and does not typically cause complications for you or the developing baby. It can begin at any point in pregnancy but is most often reported in the second and third trimesters, between weeks 13 and 40. [1]
Feature | Details |
Prevalence | About 1 in 300 pregnancies. |
Common Timing | Second and third trimesters (13 to 40 weeks). |
Primary Symptom | Intense itching and small, discolored bumps. |
Risk to the Baby | Does not typically cause complications. |
What are the symptoms of prurigo of pregnancy and what does it look like?
The rash often looks like small bug bites, acne, or pimples. The spots can be as small as the tip of a pencil or as wide as a pencil eraser, and they often cluster together in groups and can cover large areas of the body. Some may contain hair follicles, and they can be extremely itchy. [1]
The most common areas are:
Joints and folds: The backs of the elbows and the fronts of the knees.
Other areas: The shoulders, arms, legs, and belly.
Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP) is the most common pregnancy rash, occurring in about 1 in 160 pregnancies. It is more likely if you are expecting twins or more, tends to appear on very stretched skin such as the abdomen, buttocks, or thighs, and is most often diagnosed in the last months of pregnancy. Prurigo can occur anywhere on the body. Neither condition poses a risk to the fetus. [1]
What causes prurigo of pregnancy and how is it diagnosed?
Healthcare experts are not sure what causes prurigo of pregnancy. Some research suggests it may be related to changes in the immune system, allergies, an increase in blood volume, or cholestasis of pregnancy (a liver disorder). Having other skin conditions, such as eczema, may put you at higher risk. [1]
Providers diagnose prurigo of pregnancy with a physical exam. They will ask about your symptoms and when they started, and may order blood or urine tests to rule out other conditions such as cholestasis of pregnancy or an autoimmune condition. [1]
How can prurigo of pregnancy be managed and relieved?
Treatment focuses on relieving the itching and keeping you comfortable until the rash goes away after delivery. Your provider may recommend a combination of medical treatments and self-care. Talk to your provider before taking any medication, even over-the-counter products, or applying anything new to your skin during pregnancy. [1]
Medical Treatments
Topical solutions: Hydrocortisone (steroid) cream or ointment, and lotions containing menthol or calamine.
Oral medications: Antihistamines, such as Benadryl, to help reduce itching.
Other topical treatment: Topical benzoyl peroxide may be used in some cases.
Self-Care Measures
Clothing: Wear loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibers such as cotton or silk to avoid irritating the skin.
Moisturizing: Apply unscented lotion or moisturizer several times a day.
Follow your provider's advice: Use the relief measures your provider recommends.
What is the outlook for prurigo of pregnancy, and when should you get help?
Prurigo of pregnancy usually goes away soon after the baby is born, although some people continue to have a rash or itchy skin for several weeks. If you plan to have more children, it may show up again in a future pregnancy. There is nothing you can do to reduce your risk. [1]
Contact your healthcare provider if you notice any changes in your skin during pregnancy, such as a new rash, an itchy or painful rash, or signs of infection like pus-filled bumps. Most pregnancy skin conditions are not harmful, but some rashes can signal a more serious condition, so it is worth having them checked. If you have itching all over your body, ask your provider about a blood test for bile acids, because a liver condition called cholestasis of pregnancy can cause itching and needs prompt care. [1]
Conclusion
Prurigo of pregnancy is a temporary and uncomfortable but harmless condition that does not threaten your health or your baby's. Most cases resolve soon after birth, although some itching may last several weeks. If you notice a new or changing rash during pregnancy, contact your healthcare provider. Working with your care team can help you find ways to manage the itching and stay comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is prurigo of pregnancy harmful to my baby?
No. Prurigo of pregnancy does not typically cause complications for the developing fetus.
When does the rash usually appear?
The rash can start at any time but is most common in the second and third trimesters (between 13 and 40 weeks).
Will the rash go away after I give birth?
The rash usually goes away soon after the baby is born, although some people continue to have a rash or itchy skin for several weeks afterward.
Can I get this again in future pregnancies?
Yes. If you have had prurigo in one pregnancy, it may show up again in future pregnancies.
What is the difference between prurigo and PUPPP?
PUPPP is the most common pregnancy rash (about 1 in 160 pregnancies) and tends to appear on very stretched skin, such as the abdomen, buttocks, or thighs, usually in the last months of pregnancy. Prurigo can occur anywhere on the body. Neither poses a risk to the fetus.
How common is this condition?
Prurigo of pregnancy occurs in about 1 in 300 pregnancies.
What do the bumps look like?
The bumps are small bumps in shades of pink, red, or purple that may be crusty or scaly. They often look like bug bites or pimples and tend to cluster in groups.
Are there any tests for diagnosis?
Diagnosis is made with a physical exam. Your provider may order blood or urine tests to rule out other conditions, such as cholestasis of pregnancy or an autoimmune condition.
What kind of clothing should I wear?
Loose-fitting clothes made of natural fibers such as cotton or silk are recommended to reduce irritation.
Can eczema increase my risk?
Yes. Having other skin conditions, such as eczema, may put you at higher risk of prurigo during pregnancy.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Prurigo of pregnancy. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated April 1, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22642-prurigo-of-pregnancy
Roth MM, Cristodor P, Kroumpouzos G. Prurigo, pruritic folliculitis, and atopic eruption of pregnancy: facts and controversies. Clin Dermatol. 2016;34(3):392-400. PMID: 27265078. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2016.02.012
Hendie D, Qadi MY, Aljohani E, et al. Clinical manifestations and management of prurigo in pregnancy: a systematic review. Cureus. 2025;17(12):e98216. PMID: 41480462. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.98216
Soutou B, Aractingi S. Pregnancy-specific dermatoses. Rev Med Interne. 2015;36(3):198-202. PMID: 25194221. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.revmed.2014.07.011
Medical disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
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