How to Handle Itchy Skin During Pregnancy?

Itchy skin is something that everyone has experienced at some time in their lives, but it is more frequent during pregnancy. Your skin is gently stretching to accommodate your increasing belly, which might cause itching. While most pregnancy-related itching may be attributed to expanding skin, a few health issues might cause discomfort as well. So, how do you know whether it's simply another bothersome pregnant skin condition or requires a trip to the doctor?

What Causes Itchy Skin During Pregnancy?

There are several reasons why you may feel itchy when pregnant. These may include:

Skin Stretches: First pregnancies, as well as numerous pregnancies, cause skin to expand much more than usual

Dryness: Hormonal changes during pregnancy might result in itchy, flaky, dry skin

Perfumes Or Textiles: Various materials and substances have the potential to irritate you

Hormones: Hormonal changes during pregnancy may impact anything from mood to circulation to, yep, itching

Cholestasis: This is a liver condition that may lead to a buildup of bile acids in the blood, causing itching

Pruritic urticarial papules and pregnancy plaques (PUPPP)

This itchy rash appears around stretch marks in late pregnancy. Symptoms of PUPPP include a rash with small, pimple-like spots that develop from stretch marks and do not extend beyond the breasts, as well as blisters surrounding the rash and itching during sleep.
Typically, your doctor will diagnose PUPPP via a skin check. In rare circumstances, a skin biopsy may be required. Blood tests to rule out infections may also be performed.

The most effective treatment for PUPPP is to birth the baby, and the rash should disappear within a few weeks. Moisturisers, steroid creams, and antihistamines given by your doctor, as well as itch-relieving baths, may help alleviate itching until your due date.

Prurigo

Crusty, itchy lumps on the arms, legs, or belly may emerge during any trimester. Symptoms of Purigo includes itching, crusty pimples on the arms, legs, or stomach. While moisturisers might assist with prurigo itch, the most common treatments are topical steroids and oral antihistamines. If you experienced prurigo during one pregnancy, you are more likely to develop it again. While it may go away quickly after delivery, it may sometimes remain for weeks or even months.

If you have acute itching or itching for an extended period of time throughout your pregnancy, you should see your obstetrician or midwife. They can give drugs, rule out certain ailments, and ensure your child's safety.

Common Areas for Itching

Consider where you are itching on your body. Most pregnancies produce itching in the abdomen and breasts because the skin in these places is changing so rapidly.

Itching around stretch marks may be caused by PUPPP, however itchy arm and leg regions are more likely to be caused by clothes touching you incorrectly or prurigo.

Itching is natural at times, but severe itching of the belly, arms, and legs may indicate that your body needs treatment. Some women have vaginal itching during pregnancy, which may need treatment. Furthermore, rashes may develop as a result of pregnant itchiness.

Itching is not commonly seen as an early pregnancy symptom. In reality, many forms of rashes occur later in pregnancy, and some may not disappear until after the baby is delivered.

However, if you have extreme or continuous itching throughout your pregnancy, contact your doctor right away.

How to Prevent Itching During Pregnancy?

If you have itchy skin during pregnancy, you don't have to suffer through it—there are various at-home cures to try.

Apply A Thick Skin Cream

There's no danger in using "regular" lotion, a rich moisturiser with cocoa butter or jojoba oil would be better.

Look For Moisturisers Containing Petrolatum

This substance creates a protective barrier around your skin, enabling it to restore itself and prevent future water loss.

Give Your Laundry Detergent The Side-Eye

Some detergents, particularly scented ones, may irritate and cause itchy skin during pregnancy. Use a soft, unscented detergent to see if it helps.

Try Cold Packs

There is no conclusive evidence that this helps, although using ice packs or a cold cloth in particularly uncomfortable regions should provide some relief.

Add Cornflour To Your Bath

Another natural remedy? Sprinkle cornflour into your bath. Studies do not support this, but it is believed that it may help alleviate some of the itch.

Take Benadryl

It's always important to consult your doctor before taking any medicine while pregnant, but Benadryl is typically considered safe for expectant mothers. It may also aid in your sleep if the itching is keeping you up at night.

If your itching is caused by a medical condition such as cholestasis, there is only so much you can do to avoid it. However, if the itching is caused by skin stretching, there are a few techniques to keep it at bay:

Use a humidifier in your bedroom: This may help restore moisture to the air—and your skin

Take a brief Shower: Aim for 10 minutes or less, and avoid using really hot water, which might irritate your skin

Use gentle cleaners: Cleansers that are devoid of soap and fragrances are often gentler on the skin

Wear a breathable fabric: Allowing your skin to breathe may help reduce itchy skin during pregnancy

Common Skin Conditions during Pregnancy

Hyperpigmentation

This disorder causes darkening of the skin due to an increase in melanin, the component in the body responsible for colour (pigment). Pregnancy increases your body's melanin levels.

Melasma (sometimes called chloasma)

Melasma is a kind of hyperpigmentation. It generates tan or brown spots, which are frequently seen on the face. This illness is so widespread among pregnant women that it's dubbed "the mask of pregnancy."

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks, also known as striae, are scars that appear on skin that has been stretched by pregnancy or weight increase, or reduced by severe weight reduction. Stretch marks normally begin reddish or purple, then become glossy and striped with silver or white.

Skin Tags

A skin tag is a tiny flap of tissue attached to your skin by a stalk. They are most often seen on the neck, chest, back, beneath the breasts, and in the crotch. They are prevalent in pregnant women and normally do not cause discomfort until something rubs on them.
acne, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis. All of these disorders may worsen during pregnancy. They should improve with the delivery of the child.

Varicose Veins

Hormonal changes during pregnancy may generate these twisted, swollen veins, which are mostly observed in the legs.

Pemphigoid Gestationi

Blisters occur on your abdomen and may spread to other regions. This condition may increase your risk of problems, such as premature delivery.
Lifestyle Tips to Manage Itchiness.

Lifestyle Tips to Soothe Itchy Skin During Pregnancy

Use a scentless lotion or moisturiser
Wear loose clothes to reduce skin irritation
Wear garments made from natural fibres such as cotton
Take a cold bath
Place ice on your skin
Take an oatmeal bath once or twice each week
Avoid taking hot baths or showers, since these might dry up your skin
Don't go outdoors when it's the warmest outside

Impact on Sleep

Disrupted Sleep Patterns

Itching, particularly if strong or chronic, may make it difficult for a pregnant person to fall or remain asleep. This might result in frequent awakening and difficulties returning to sleep after scratching.

Sleep Fragmentation

Constant itching and the need to scratch throughout the night may disrupt sleep, resulting in inadequate rest. Disrupted sleep may worsen exhaustion and make it more difficult to deal with other pregnancy-related issues.

Anxiety and Stress

Constant itching may cause worry and stress, which may impair sleep even more. Itching-related stress, along with anxiety about underlying reasons, may lead to insomnia or decreased sleep quality.

Impact on Quality of Life

Physical Discomfort

Persistent itching may cause irritation, pain, and even skin damage from repetitive scratching. This physical pain may have an impact on general well-being, leading to irritation or emotional anguish.

Reduced Productivity

Lack of sleep and itching may lower energy levels and cognitive functioning, making it difficult to complete daily duties or concentrate on activities. This may have an influence on employment, domestic chores, and social relationships.

Emotional Wellbeing

Chronic pain and lack of sleep may exacerbate irritation and mood fluctuations. Physical pain, along with mental stress, may have an impact on relationships with partners, family, and friends.

Impact on Pregnancy Experience

Severe and chronic itching might divert attention away from enjoyable pregnant experiences, leading to emotions of frustration or discontent. It may also raise worries about the baby's health, particularly if the itching is caused by a disorder such as cholestasis, which needs medical attention.

Skin Health

Scratching due to itchiness may harm the skin's integrity, resulting in secondary infections, rashes, or scars. In certain circumstances, scratching may exacerbate the itching cycle, resulting in a maddening circle of pain.

Safe Skin Care Ingredient Alternatives

Here are a few options for properly managing pregnancy's most prevalent (and unpleasant) skin issues.

Acne and Hyperpigmentation

If you're prone to breakouts — or find yourself unexpectedly transported back in time with adolescent-like skin memories — there are some safer alternatives to utilising retinoid-based treatments during pregnancy. Glycollic acid is among the most effective.

High doses of glycollic acid are not suggested during pregnancy, although tiny levels usually found in over-the-counter cosmetic products are likely safe.

Glycollic acid and related acids, such as azelaic acid, may also aid to reduce fine wrinkles, brighten the face, and reduce hyperpigmentation.

Experts recommends glycollic and azelaic acid as safe acne treatments during pregnancy, as well as topical benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.

Mature-Looking Skin And Wrinkles

Topical antioxidants, such as vitamin C, may safely promote the vitality of your skin by protecting it from harm and retaining collagen.

Other topical antioxidants to use in your skin care products include:

Ingredients include vitamin E, green tea, and resveratrol.

It is important to note that oral resveratrol supplements should not be used when pregnant. It's advisable to see your doctor before taking any supplements, particularly if you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Dry Skin With Stretch Marks

There's no question that pregnancy demands a lot from your body, so if your baby-to-be wants extra water at any time, they'll take it from you. This, along with hormonal fluctuations, may cause dry skin.

In addition to drinking enough water, moisturising products including coconut oil, cocoa butter, peptides, and hyaluronic acid (HA) may help you stay hydrated. When it comes to stretch marks, one technique to avoid them is to moisturise prone areas often to allow the skin to stretch naturally as your bump (and baby) grows.

Sun Protection

Sun protection is one of the most essential things you can do to prevent wrinkles and skin cancer. The key challenge, however, is how to properly preserve your skin while pregnant.

The safety of some chemical sunscreens, such as oxybenzone, is still debated, so choose for mineral-based sunscreens that protect the skin by causing UV rays to bounce off completely.

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are mineral-based sunscreen components. Don't forget to wear a wide-brimmed hat for some trendy shade.

When Should You Call Your Doctor About Itching During Pregnancy?

While some pregnant itchy skin is typical, itching with other symptoms is abnormal. Call your doctor immediately if you suffer with any of the following symptoms:

Itching in the palms or soles: These are frequent symptoms of cholestasis, which is a pregnancy problem

Itching is associated with nausea: This is a common cholestasis sign

Jaundice: If your skin becomes yellowish, it might be another sign of cholestasis

A Rash: A rash may indicate a variety of conditions, but an itchy, bumpy rash on your tummy is most likely due to pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP). It's a frequent ailment among first-time mothers and those carrying multiples, but it's harmless. Still, any rash should be examined to ensure safety.

Post-Pregnancy Itching

Itching after pregnancy is a frequent occurrence that may be caused by a variety of factors as your body heals after delivery and readjusts hormonally and physiologically. Itching after pregnancy may affect several parts of the body, including the belly, breasts, and perineum, and can vary from minor to severe.

Stretching and Healing of Skin

Possible causes of post-pregnancy itching include stretching and healing of the skin.

During pregnancy, your skin expands to accommodate the developing baby, and when your body returns to its pre-pregnancy size, the skin may feel tight or itchy.
Stretch marks (striae gravidarum) are prevalent during and after pregnancy. These markings may cause irritation as the skin heals and rebounds.

Hormonal Changes

Hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone vary drastically after delivery, which may cause dry, itchy skin, particularly as your body adapts to a non-pregnant condition.

Postpartum hormone fluctuations may also create eczema or psoriasis in persons who are prone to them, both of which cause irritation.

Dry Skin

Pregnancy raises blood volume and affects fluid balance, which might cause your skin to dry out after birth.

Colder weather and regular hand washing (particularly if you're caring for a baby) may worsen dryness and cause itching.

Postpartum Sweating

Many women report increased perspiration in the days and weeks after childbirth. This might cause a rash or discomfort in regions where perspiration gathers, resulting in itching. This is often known as "postpartum night sweats" and may be especially unpleasant at night.

Infection or Skin Condition

A rash or discomfort may indicate a skin illness or condition requiring medical treatment, such as: Infected episiotomy or C-section incision. Itching at the site of a surgical incision might occur as part of the healing process.

Candida Or Yeast Infections

Candida or yeast infections are common after childbirth, particularly if you are nursing and taking antibiotics or had a vaginal delivery.

Pruritic Urticarial Papules And Plaques Of Pregnancy (Puppp)

A rash and itching that develops during pregnancy and may linger after delivery.

Allergic Reactions

Some postpartum itching may be caused by an allergic response to drugs, lotions, soaps, or even new laundry detergents designed for baby garments.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding may also induce skin changes such as dryness and inflammation in the breasts and nipples, which can cause itching. Engorgement, cracked or painful nipples, and yeast infections (such as thrush) may worsen the pain.

Managing Postpartum Itching

Stay Hydrated And Moisturise

Keep your skin moisturised to avoid and relieve dry skin. To prevent irritation, use soft lotions, oils, or creams that are devoid of aroma.
Drink lots of water to remain hydrated and promote good skin.

Cool Compresses

Itching caused by dryness or oedema may be relieved temporarily by using a cold compress or having a cool (not hot) bath.

Gentle Skin Care

Use gentle, fragrance-free soaps and avoid taking hot showers, which may further dry out your skin.
Avoid scratching to avoid additional skin irritation, which may result in infections or scars.

Breast Care

To relieve itching in the breasts and nipples caused by nursing, use lanolin ointment, breast pads, or a warm compress. Keep your skin clean and dry to avoid fungal infections.
If your nipples become cracked or uncomfortable, use appropriate latch technique and look for indications of thrush (painful, itchy, burning feelings).

Medication

If you suspect a rash or skin condition, such as a yeast infection or PUPPP, see your doctor. They could suggest topical treatments or antifungal medicines.
Over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams may relieve moderate itching, but they should only be used under the supervision of a doctor to prevent any risks to nursing.

Monitor For Infection

If the itching is focused on a healing incision (C-section or episiotomy), make sure the site is clean and dry. Contact your doctor if you see any redness, warmth, or pus.

Manage stress

Deep breathing, yoga, or a mild stroll outdoors may all help to relieve tension, which can exacerbate itching or pain.

Seek Medical Advice

If your itching is chronic, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms (e.g., jaundice, severe rash, or pain), you should see your doctor. Pregnancy cholestasis, for example, may occasionally persist after birth, necessitating medical attention.

Although post-pregnancy itching might be tough, it is usually treatable with adequate treatment. Keeping your skin moisturised, regulating hormonal and physical changes, and treating any infections or skin disorders will help to alleviate pain. If the itching is severe or chronic, it is always advisable to see a doctor to rule out any underlying diseases that may need treatment.

FAQs on How to Handle Itchy Skin During Pregnancy?

Is itching skin an indication of pregnancy?
While itchy skin may be a pregnancy symptom, it is not one of the early warning indicators, like painful breasts, morning sickness, or exhaustion.
Is itching during pregnancy stronger at night?
Yes, pregnant itchy skin tends to worsen at night like any other itchy skin. Since you don't have environmental distractions as you're lying in bed, you may become focused on the itch.