The Most Common Causes Of Itching During Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, you can prepare for several changes in the body such as weight gain, cramps, changes in skin color and above all you experience itching during pregnancy. You may be wondering why these changes are normal?
Each condition is specific to different stages of pregnancy, but if you follow your midwife’s recommendations , these skin changes may be less of a difficulty during pregnancy.
Skin complications such as itching during pregnancy
These are the skin conditions that can occur during pregnancy and its characteristics.
Most are completely normal and if you have not noticed anything unusual or something that poses a greater danger to yourself, you do not need to seek medical attention.
Here we describe the most common origins of pruritus during pregnancy.
Pregnancy pemphigoid or herpes gestationes
Its incidence varies and is most common in women who have had many children. A remarkable percentage (70%) affects white women.
It starts with a terrible itch that turns into a blister. It is usually formed on the abdomen near the navel.
Treatment of herpes during pregnancy:
This condition is related to autoimmunity and is treated with corticosteroids or antihistamines. The blisters may persist for a few weeks after birth and treatment must continue.
Polymorphite pregnancy rash
This is perhaps the most common skin condition during pregnancy. Its incidence is much higher in the first pregnancy and in multiple pregnancies. If you are overweight, the risk of this rash increases.
It is defined as a very intense and almost unbearable itching that creates hives-like changes on the skin. The changes are obvious and red in color. They occur mainly on the abdomen but also on the hips arms and legs. Although the cause is unknown, it has to do with the extent of the skin.
Treatment of polymorphitis rash:
The cause of the itching is parakeratosis, the formation of skin cells that alter the natural keratin and create overheating and itching as a result. The treatment is based on potent superficial corticosteroids that are applied to the rash several times a day.
Pruritic folliculitis
This is an acne-like rash characterized by severe itching. It can occur all over the body of pregnant women. It is most common during the second and third three-month periods and seems to disappear after the baby is born. The cause is unclear but is most often attributed to the hormonal changes that pregnancy causes.
Treatment for folliculitis:
Cortisone ointment should be applied to the skin during pregnancy. Acne treatment (benzoyl peroxide) and light treatment with ultraviolet B are also recommended.
General itching during pregnancy
The occurrence of general pruritus during pregnancy, pruritus, is most common during the first three-month period. It produces palpable and raised nodules. They usually occur on the arms and legs and cause intense itching:
Treatment for general itching:
There is no direct effect on the fetus when using corticoids. Therefore, they are most effective. Antihistamines can also be used if the itching is not controllable.
Intraheptic cholestasis (ICP)
Severe itching is characteristic and the intensity is so high that you can injure yourself with the itching. In other words , the damage caused by your nails tearing and not from the itching itself. In addition, the itching spreads to the hands.
Intrahepatic cholestasis is a complication that causes an accumulation of bile acids in the blood.
In severe cases, the skin may turn yellowish. This is known as jaundice. This can be attributed to the liver secreting a substance called bilirubin. The increase in estrogen during pregnancy is also involved.
As this more intense form of itching can be a sign of problems with liver function, it is best to see a doctor to get samples and make a proper diagnosis.
Treatment:
After a blood test , you will see an increase in alkaline phosphates, transaminases and bilirubin. The treatment is usually based on medicines for itching and in severe cases ursodeoxycholic acid is used to regulate bile acid and liver enzymes.
In most cases, the prognosis for the mother is good. The skin may be noticeable during pregnancy, but it is usually due to the itching rather than the condition itself.
Prevention of itching during pregnancy
It is important that you take care of yourself as well as possible during pregnancy. Therefore, avoid things that can cause discomfort.
For example, you should:
- Cleanse your body extremely thoroughly
- Moisturize it well by drinking enough fresh water
- Improve hydration with moisturizing creams
- Protect yourself from the sun
- Wear cool clothes
- Avoid fatty foods
- Avoid heavily perfumed lotions or those that contain alcohol
Ultimately , it should be considered normal for your skin to change during pregnancy. Your stomach grows and it causes your skin to relax which is the reason for the appearance of stretch marks.
Heat and sweat can also irritate these folds to a greater extent and cause more itching during pregnancy. Remember that most will disappear after childbirth. You can then restore your skin with creams and oils.
