Skin Symptoms During Pregnancy: What Causes Itchy Skin During Pregnancy?

Many women experience abnormal things during pregnancy, such as skin discoloration, weight gain, and cramps. In addition to these, various skin symptoms during pregnancy and especially itching are common.

All of these ailments are characteristic of the various stages of pregnancy, and following the instructions of a nurse or doctor at the clinic, skin changes also do not usually become a major problem.

Skin symptoms during pregnancy

Below we list the most common itchy skin symptoms during pregnancy, each with its own characteristics. All of these symptoms are perfectly normal, and the expectant mother does not need to seek medical attention unless she notices something very exceptional or feels that the symptoms are a danger to herself.

Pregnancy herpes

The incidence of the disease varies and is mostly found in women who have had multiple children. A significant proportion of cases, up to 70%, occur in Caucasian women.

Gestational herpes is first characterized by an irritating itching that eventually turns into a blister usually in the umbilical region.

Treatment of herpes during pregnancy:

Herpes is an autoimmune disorder that should be treated with corticosteroids or antihistamines. The blisters it causes may remain on the skin for a few weeks after giving birth, so medication must be continued until the end of the prescribed course.

Multiple rash

This is possibly the most common skin problem during pregnancy, and its incidence is much higher in first-time pregnant and expectant twins. Being overweight also increases the likelihood of this rash.

This rash is described as a very severe and almost unbearable itching that causes major fractures to the skin. These fractures are felt on the skin when touched and are reddish in color. They appear on the hips, abdomen, arms and legs. The reason for this discomfort is the stretching of the skin during pregnancy.

Treatment of multiple dermatitis:

The main cause of this rash is parakeratosis. This means that skin cells are formed in the skin, which cause changes in the skin’s natural keratin and thus cause the skin to heat up and itch. Treatment is based on potent corticosteroids that are applied to the fractures locally several times a day.

Hair follicle inflammation

This rash consists of pinched and very itchy skin, and can spread along the body of a pregnant woman. It occurs during the second trimester of pregnancy and tends to dissipate after childbirth. The cause of this inflammation is usually acne and hormonal reactions.

Treatment of hair follicle inflammation:

Corticosteroids should be used on inflamed skin during pregnancy. Benzoyl peroxide and UV-B radiation therapy are also recommended for treatment.

Nodular itching

Nodular itching, or prurigo, occurs more in the first trimester of pregnancy. It is characterized by manually perceptible, elevated fractures that transform into bumps. They usually appear on the hands and feet and cause severe itching.

Treatment of nodular pruritus:

Corticosteroids have no direct effects on the fetus, so they are the most effective treatment for prurigo. Antihistamines can also be used if the itching grows stronger than what the patient tolerates.

Pregnancy cholestasis

This discomfort is characterized by severe itching of the skin, which can be so severe that the sufferer can damage their skin by scratching. In other words, the skin fractures caused by this ailment are not due to itching, but to the nails, which are intended to relieve the itching. Itching caused by cholestasis can also spread to the hands.

In some cases, the skin may turn somewhat yellow in color. This is known as jaundice. It can also be caused by elevated estrogen levels during pregnancy.

Cholestasis treatment:

Blood tests show more alkaline phosphatase, transaminase and bilirubin than usual. For this reason, the treatment of this ailment is based on cholestyramine and antipruritis, as well as, alternatively, ursodeoxycholic acid.

The maternal care prognosis is good in most cases. Traces may appear on the skin during pregnancy, but mainly due to scratching and not the disease itself.

Precautions to prevent skin symptoms

It is important for the mother to take the best possible care of herself during pregnancy and to avoid anything that might cause discomfort.

It is a good idea for a expectant mother to follow these tips:

• Take good care of your personal hygiene
• Hydrate your body by drinking enough fresh water
• Maintain your skin’s moisture balance with moisturizers
• Protect yourself from the sun
• Wear cool clothing
• Avoid fatty foods
• Avoid using products that are highly scented or contain alcohol

It is normal for a woman’s skin to undergo many changes during pregnancy. The abdomen of the expectant mother begins to grow, causing the skin tissue to stretch, which in many cases leaves behind a pregnancy scar.

Heat and sweating can also irritate skin folds and cause itching. Most of the itching disappears after childbirth, and the expectant mother can support the regeneration of her skin with various creams and medications.