Itching in a pregnant woman. Why does the body itch during pregnancy? Excessive dry skin
Pregnant women are especially sensitive to their health, because now the well-being of the most precious person in the whole world - their child - depends on their condition. Therefore, every new sensation causes, if not panic, then wariness. Itching is very common during pregnancy. This unpleasant symptom raises many questions in a woman: can this feeling be considered normal, where did it come from, is it a sign of some disease, how to deal with it? Today we will answer each of them.
Why does the body itch, what is the reason, if this is the norm
Pregnant women very often begin to itch their bodies at a certain stage. This usually occurs in the later stages, but similar symptoms can occur in the first trimester.
During pregnancy, you may experience itching. Typically, parts of the body that itch are the back, chest, legs, arms, stomach, sides, lower back, buttocks, thighs, armpits, face, head, shins, palms and feet. However, it may seem that this sensation is everywhere, and gets at you from the inside, affecting organs such as the uterus and stomach.
The occurrence of itching is usually accompanied by some manifestations on the skin, in the form of rashes, pimples, redness and dryness of the skin. Such symptoms may indicate both problems associated with pregnancy and more serious diseases.
The reason why pregnant women's skin itches:
- Itchy skin in pregnant women may be associated with enlarged breasts and abdomen. It can appear in different places, but most often occurs in the lower abdomen. In this case, the body itches because the deep layers of the skin burst and stretch marks form. The body itches the most at night.
- Sweating increases during pregnancy. This causes irritation and redness of the skin, which causes itching.
- Dermatosis of pregnant women is a type of toxicosis and appears only in pregnant women. At the same time, the body turns red, pricks with needles, the woman experiences apathy, insomnia and irritation.
- Pregnancy jaundice is another rare type of toxicosis that occurs in early pregnancy. In such cases, the body itches a lot, especially the hands and feet, and turns yellow.
- Itching may also be associated with an increase in estrogen in the body. It is unlikely that you will be able to get rid of this symptom before birth, but after the birth of the child it will certainly disappear.
- A simple lack of vitamins and dry skin can also cause itching.
Many pregnant women report that their skin makes them itch much more than usual, especially around their breasts and belly. This is a common consequence of pregnancy and most often occurs in the second and third trimesters.
Mild itching is common due to hormonal changes and increased blood supply to the skin. As your pregnancy progresses and your baby grows, the skin on your abdomen stretches, which can also be a cause. A slight urge to scratch should not be a cause for concern, but if the itching becomes severe, it may be a sign of a liver disease called intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). It occurs in less than 1 in 100 pregnancies but requires medical attention.
There are many treatment options for itchy skin during this period, but they will depend on the underlying cause. In most cases, the itching disappears immediately after the baby is born.
Is itching during pregnancy normal or not?
This is a common occurrence and in most cases should not be a cause for concern. Increased estrogen levels can cause the skin to become red and itchy, particularly on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. As the skin on your belly stretches to accommodate your growing baby, it often causes it to become dry and itchy. Additionally, those who have been prone to dry skin, psoriasis, or other dermatological problems before may find their symptoms worsen during pregnancy. All of these “side effects” should subside once you give birth. Conditions that are accompanied by a rash during pregnancy should be evaluated by a doctor.
Statistics
A Polish study conducted in 2017 found that the overall prevalence of itching among pregnant women was almost 40% during certain periods of pregnancy. It is also interesting that in this study, the cause could not be determined for most of the 292 women recruited. In slightly older studies and sources, a frequency of around 20% is more common.
Reasons
There are several factors that can affect your skin during pregnancy and cause it to become itchy or sensitive until your baby is born.
|
Cause |
Description |
| Dermatosis | Often itching is a sign of some kind of dermatosis (skin disease), which coincidentally coincided with the period of pregnancy or previously existed and could flare up during pregnancy. In some cases, this is associated with a group of pregnancy-specific dermatoses. Various factors can cause redness or rashes to appear on the skin during pregnancy. Women often experience heat rash because the increase in hormones during pregnancy affects the sweat glands. In addition, hives may develop due to increased sensitivity to insect bites, certain foods, etc. Most rashes are harmless, but if they are accompanied by breathing problems, you should see a doctor to make sure you are not having an allergic reaction. |
| High estrogen levels | Pregnancy increases estrogen levels in the body, which can cause temporary itching on the arms and legs. This may be accompanied by redness. Prevalence: up to 2/3 of pregnancies (not a very reliable source) |
| Dry skin | In order for your baby to fit in your belly, this part of the body needs to stretch. This means that the glands under the skin have a harder time keeping it hydrated. When your body experiences these changes, you may experience dryness that is accompanied by itching or discomfort. |
| Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (English PUPPP) | Urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy are a rash that affects about 0.5% of women carrying singletons, 2.9% carrying twins, and 14% carrying triplets. This rash appears as itchy redness on the abdomen. There may be several small or large patches that spread to the buttocks, thighs and arms. This most often occurs in the third trimester. The rash is harmless and should go away within a few days after giving birth, but if it causes serious discomfort during pregnancy, it can be treated with topical steroids (as prescribed by your doctor!). Prevalence: 1 in 160 pregnant women (average frequency, which depends on the number of fetuses gestated) |
| Cholestasis of pregnancy (CP) | If severe itching occurs in the third trimester, it may be a sign of a liver disease known as cholestasis of pregnancy. It causes blockage of the bile ducts, which prevents bile from flowing from the liver to the intestines and leads to the accumulation of bile salts in the blood. Some of the symptoms of this serious pathology are redness and severe itching of the skin, especially on the palms and soles of the feet, but can occur throughout the body. Prevalence: 1 in 140 pregnant women (0.7%), women from India and Pakistan are higher - 1-2%. |
| Other reasons | Those who suffered from allergies or poor skin before pregnancy may notice their problems worsen during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor before using your usual treatments, as some medications are not safe during pregnancy. |
Examples of itchy rashes during pregnancy
Hives are an allergic reaction to food, insect bites, medications, chemicals, etc. With the increase in hormones and changes that occur in your body, it is possible that you become more sensitive to pathogens and experience hives during pregnancy
Itchy urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy occur in some women. Although they are very irritating (due to itching), they do not pose a long-term risk to the mother or fetus. Papules and plaques usually begin to appear on the abdomen (though not the navel), and often spread to the legs, chest, armpits, etc. The face is also usually spared. How to soothe itchy skin during pregnancy?
1. Use gentle bathing products
If you experience itching, try to avoid things that might make your problem worse. Use only mild soaps and products that do not contain irritants such as Ph adjusters and fragrances.
2. Avoid overheating
Excessively hot weather can make your itching worse, so try to wear breathable clothing and avoid going out on hot days to prevent excessive skin irritation. Also avoid hot baths or showers. Overheating can also be dangerous for your baby.
3. Apply a gentle moisturizer
If your skin is dry, try using gentle moisturizers for relief. Adding oatmeal, or better yet, flour (colloidal oatmeal), to the bath or applying calamine baby lotion are known ways to relieve itchy skin that are safe for pregnant women. You can also consult your doctor to recommend a moisturizing cream or ointment that you can use during this period.
4. Use a humidifier
Sometimes itching is associated with dry skin. You can try using a humidifier to solve this problem, especially in winter. But you have to be careful because the device can spread allergens and germs if not used correctly. Before starting work, read all instructions from the manufacturer and make sure the humidifier is as clean as possible before turning it on. Also avoid constant exposure to a humidifier, as this can cause irritation.
Research is rarely required. Differential diagnosis is made between causes characteristic of pregnancy and those not related to pregnancy.
Pregnancy-specific rashes, most of which are accompanied by severe itching, usually accompany specific conditions and are discussed in the section Skin rashes during pregnancy. The main complaint with hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism is itching and cholestasis - a common cause of itching during pregnancy. Pregnancy can worsen kidney failure and iron deficiency (due to poor diet or repeated pregnancies), which results in itching.
Causes of itching during pregnancy
Itching associated with pregnancy
Rashes during pregnancy
- Polymorphic rashes during pregnancy
- Gestational pemphigoid
- Prurigo of pregnancy
Itchy folliculitis in pregnancy
Rash due to metabolic changes during pregnancy
- Hyperthyroidism/hypothyroidism
- Cholestasis
- Kidney failure
- Iron deficiency
Itching not associated with pregnancy
Rashes due to skin diseases
- Atopic eczema
- Eczema (other causes, such as contact eczema)
- Psoriasis
- Xerosis (dry skin)
- Lichen planus
- Pityriasis rosea
- Hives
Metabolic causes
- Hyperthyroidism/hypothyroidism
- Liver diseases
- Kidney failure
- Iron deficiency
Other reasons
Localized itching
- Itching of the vulva
The course of a concomitant dermatological disease during pregnancy may improve or worsen. Most patients with skin diseases know the cause of itching or note that they have relatives with similar diseases.
Atopic eczema is a disease that occurs with intense itching, and therefore, upon examination, excoriations (scratches), thickening (due to skin friction), pigmentation, moisture secretion and flaking are revealed, usually on the flexural surfaces. In patients with eczema, hay fever, year-round conjunctivitis and asthma are observed.
Psoriasis usually manifests itself as scaly plaques with clear boundaries on the extensor surfaces. Many patients with psoriasis affect the nails, scalp, and genitals.
Lichen planus is a self-limiting disease, and unlike eczema and psoriasis, the patient usually first presents to the doctor with the typical flat-topped, purple, polygonal papules affecting the anterior surfaces (especially the wrists). Lichen planus is observed in the mouth in approximately 30% of patients.
It is believed that pityriasis rosea is more common in pregnant women. It is more common among younger patients.
Detection of the maternal plaque (a scaly, often ring-shaped plaque usually found on the abdomen or back and preceding the main lesions) aids in diagnosis. A few days after it, smaller, scaly, ovoid spots appear, forming a “Christmas tree” pattern on the stomach, back and chest. The rash of pityriasis rosea rarely extends below the knees and elbows and rarely affects the head.
In adults, scabies is usually transmitted sexually. It is characterized by curvilinear, highly itchy scabies. The total number of ticks infecting one person can be surprisingly small (often only 20 ticks). Scabies are usually found in the interdigital spaces on the hands, on the genitals and near the nipples. If scabies is suspected, the patient's partner should be examined; similar lesions may help establish the diagnosis.
Dermatophytosis (dermatomycosis) is characterized by ring-shaped rashes, often with small pustules and peeling around the edge of individual ring-shaped lesions.
When a scraping is taken from the edge, fungal hyphae are identified and the pathogen is identified when the scraping is cultured. During pregnancy, local treatment is the safest.
Chickenpox (chickenpox) is rare during pregnancy, but when a patient presents with this disease, accurate diagnosis is important, since transplacental spread of the virus leads to fetal varicella syndrome. Initially, chickenpox appears as bubbles that look like “tears on rose petals.” Often, severely itchy rashes spread centripetally and affect the mucous membranes.
In accordance with national/local standards, zoster immunoglobulin (ZIG) is used at different stages of pregnancy within 24 hours after infection. It can be used in pregnant women who are not immunized against shingles, exposed to someone with chickenpox or shingles, or exposed to a newborn during the postpartum period. Acyclovir is not licensed for use during pregnancy, but it is considered a safe drug and is often used to treat pregnant women with chickenpox or shingles.
Itching is also observed in rashes associated with HIV. The virus causes various very itchy inflammatory dermatoses. Treatment for HIV often results in skin rashes, many of which are itchy. It goes without saying that skin diseases caused by opportunistic pathogens are more common in HIV-infected patients.
Treatment of itching during pregnancy
Treatment options for itching during pregnancy are limited and are carried out in stages. Treatment of skin diseases involves the use of special methods and consultation with a dermatologist. Long-term treatment with topical steroids is indicated mainly for eczema and psoriasis, which often causes itching (which is not always indicated in textbooks). When prescribing local steroids, it is advisable to use ointments of the minimum possible strength (no more than 0.1% betamethasone for the body and 1% hydrocortisone for the face) and perform pulse therapy for no longer than 6 weeks. Topical steroids are intended to treat inflammation (reduction of inflammation means cessation of itching) and should be discontinued as soon as improvement occurs.
- Emollients (bath or skin)
- Bath additives containing lauromacrogol (such as Balneum Plus) or oat extract (such as Aveeno) provide additional antipruritic effects
- The spectrum of local emollients begins with water-based preparations (moisturizer) and ends with fat-based preparations (white soft paraffin). The patient must choose the remedy that is suitable for her.
- The use of soap and detergents should be avoided. Use soap substitutes (moisturizer).
- Non-sedating antihistamines (loratadine) are not usually licensed for use in pregnancy, but they are likely to be safe
- Sedating antihistamines (chlorpheniramine) are used safely during pregnancy
- Ointments containing topical steroids are probably safe during pregnancy (although not licensed). The weakest drugs should be used for a period of no more than 6 weeks
- Phototherapy with a narrow beam of ultraviolet B rays (rare)
Among all the conditions and uncomfortable situations that often accompany pregnancy, or occur at one time or another, sometimes itching occurs in different parts of a woman’s body. This does not mean that the pregnant woman has any disease. But the discomfort this condition brings is so high that sometimes it seems to drive you crazy. Of course, not every woman who becomes pregnant faces the problem of itchy skin. But it can happen to anyone; no one is immune from this problem.
The itching can be periodic or constant. It can be an independent sign or accompany other symptoms, change its character, intensify in the evening, and go to a minimum in the morning.
To find out the real cause of the skin condition, it is worth consulting with several specialists at once: a gynecologist, a dermatologist and an infectious disease specialist.
Why does your skin itch during pregnancy?
There are a number of theories regarding the occurrence of skin itching in women during pregnancy. These include:
- occurrence: as the breasts and abdomen begin to enlarge and grow during this period, the skin in these areas stretches, and micro fiber tears occur.
The appearance of stretch marks is usually preceded by skin itching, which is localized in the places where they form. Such places include the stomach and thighs.
Buttocks, breasts, and sometimes the upper arms. This kind of skin itching usually occurs at the end of the second - beginning of the third trimester, in women who are genetically predisposed to weight gain;
- Cholestasis: caused during pregnancy by liver dysfunction, which occurs as a result of natural changes with the onset of pregnancy.
Typically itching occurs in the area of the palms and soles, with redness in these areas. Over time, the itching can spread to the entire body, intensifying in the evening and subsiding in the morning. Cholestasis usually manifests itself in this way by the beginning of the third trimester.
At the same time, the woman’s urine visually noticeably darkens, and the feces, on the contrary, become light. The risk of cholestasis is increased in those women who have high levels of cholesterol in the blood or chronic diseases of the biliary tract;
- A common cause of skin itching during pregnancy is the restructuring of the hormonal system. Itching that occurs for this reason is localized on the feet and palms, and disappears only after delivery;
- Sometimes the cause of itching, of course, is skin diseases. These include: dermatitis, dermatosis, eczema, skin fungus, and other diseases. In addition to itching, peeling of the skin, rashes and swelling usually appear;
- Another cause of itching during pregnancy can be allergies. Such itching will be accompanied by redness and other associated symptoms inherent in allergies.
Provocateurs in this case can be washing powders, shampoos, exotic fruits, seafood, pollen, and more.
During pregnancy, it is not recommended to change washing powder, shampoo, hand and face cream, or diet. And in cases of an allergic reaction, it is necessary to eliminate and eliminate the interaction of the allergen with the skin of the pregnant woman;
- itching may occur due to excessive sweating in a pregnant woman. To avoid itching, it is tedious to take a shower more often, change into clean underwear and clothes, and the underwear and preferably all clothes should be made from natural fabrics that “breathe”. You can visit a doctor and listen to his recommendations regarding this issue;
- Itching in the genital area is usually caused by thrush. Here, a doctor’s consultation, diagnosis and treatment are simply necessary.
Causes of skin infections include hepatitis and hepatitis. To find the cause, it is important to consult a doctor in time and undergo a thorough examination of your body. After establishing the cause, the doctor will prescribe adequate treatment that will help relieve itching and get rid of the problem and discomfort.
Does itching affect the baby?
Itchy skin on the body of a pregnant woman does not in any way affect the development of the fetus. But severe itching that appears in the third trimester may be a sign of cholestasis, as described above, a serious liver disease.
Its symptoms will be: the onset of itching on the palms and soles, worsening at night, pale stool, and the absence of any type of rash. To soothe the itching, your doctor may prescribe a special drug in the form of a cream or ointment.
But consultation with a specialist is necessary. Cholestasis during pregnancy can cause. Therefore, the doctor must constantly monitor such an expectant mother with the child in order to avoid adverse consequences and complications.
Instructions
Do not self-medicate. If the problem has become acute, consult a gynecologist or dermatologist. The correct treatment must be prescribed by a doctor. After all, many medications are contraindicated during pregnancy. Expectant mothers can only fight the cause of itching on their own with help and.
If the cause of itchy skin changes is stretch marks, then creams and folk remedies will help. As the baby grows, the expectant mother's belly increases. Sometimes this is accompanied by stretch marks on the skin and discomfort. Book a massage. If this is not possible, do it yourself. Buy creams against stretch marks, just be sure to look at the note about the possibility of using this product by pregnant women. Folk remedies and baths with herbal decoctions help well. Pour a glass of chamomile flowers with a liter of boiling water, leave for a day. Add the liquid to the water and take warm baths. Chamomile relieves irritation and inflammation. Don't miss the opportunity to take a contrast shower during the day. Follow the rules of personal hygiene. In hot weather, try to wear only natural fabrics so that the skin can breathe. If you can’t take a shower and you feel like you’re sweating, buy special hypoallergenic wet wipes.
Sometimes the cause of itching is hormones, they cause stagnation of bile in the liver, and as a result, greater production of bile acids occurs, this becomes the basis for irritation on the skin. On a pregnant palm and foot. A cooling body cream will help combat this type of itching. It can be purchased at a pharmacy.
When irritation on the body is of a psychological nature, anxiety, anxiety, nervousness, the doctor prescribes mild sedatives. You can do the prevention yourself. Drink herbal teas. You can buy the root at the pharmacy. It can be added to regular black tea, or made into a tincture from a mixture with chamomile. Dried mint and lemon balm are brewed in a one to one ratio - in the amount of a teaspoon per glass of boiling water. The infusion should stand for 10-15 minutes. It should be taken 30 minutes before meals. When it comes to the psychological cause of itching, a young mother should take care to exclude such factors as excitement, worry and nervousness from her daily routine. Walk outdoors more often, smile. Do something you love in your free time. Pregnancy is the most beautiful state, let nothing overshadow it.
