What to do in case of prurigo during pregnancy ?
How to treat prurigo during pregnancy?
Do you suffer from itching during pregnancy (prurigo gravidarum)? You are not alone. According to some sources, up to 20% of pregnant women suffer from it. In addition, the itching can be accompanied by a rash, but this is of course not always the case. How does gestational pruritus develop, at what stage of pregnancy, and what can you do? You will find the answers here.
ITCHING IN EARLY PREGNANCY
In the first trimester of pregnancy, what is called "early-onset prurigo of pregnancy" is observed. Recent studies have shown that most women with early-onset prurigo of pregnancy have a form of atopic eczema. Atopic eczema is a condition that most often begins in childhood, in people with a hereditary predisposition.
Since pregnancy disrupts the entire immune system, it is possible that atopic eczema may appear for the first time at this time. This is because half of the fetus comes from the partner, so the immune system undergoes adaptations to prevent rejection reactions.
Treatment of early gestational pruritus is similar to the standard treatment of atopic eczema. The first important step is to moisturize the skin and preserve its lipid film. Anti-itch creams can also offer a solution, but before using this type of medication, it is best to consult your doctor or pharmacist.
LATE GESTATIONAL PRURITUS
During the last three months of pregnancy, a "late-onset prurigo of pregnancy" may occur. This specific form of gestational pruritus is due to the accumulation of bile salts in the liver and body. The medical term for this phenomenon is cholestasis of pregnancy. The high concentration of bile salts causes severe itching all over the body, but mainly on the arms, legs, palms of the hands or soles of the feet. Intense scratching can cause skin lesions.
Another peculiarity of this form of gestational pruritus is that the itching is more intense at night. After delivery, the itching disappears spontaneously after 1 to 2 days. With a blood test (bilirubin measurement), your doctor will be able to determine whether your blood bile salt level is increased.
How to treat late-onset pruritus gestationis or cholestasis of pregnancy? Mild itching can be treated with moisturizers or anti-itch products, as with early-onset pruritus. For severe forms, your doctor may also decide to try to reduce the amount of bile salts in the blood with certain prescription medications, such as ursodeoxycholic acid or cholestyramine.
TIPS FOR ITCHING
It is sometimes said that the itch is worse than the pain. With these tips, you can already reduce and/or help prevent itching.
Moisturizing your skin is essential if you want to reduce itching. Elastea is a product based on palmitoylethanolamide (PEA). This component not only helps prevent stretch marks, but also helps to reduce the feeling of tightness and itching of the skin. In addition, Elastea balm has a moisturizing effect.
Choose soft, finely woven clothing, such as silk or cotton, and avoid wool or synthetic fabrics.
Even if it's hard, don't scratch. Scratching can create a vicious cycle, called the "itch cycle," that makes the itching worse and causes more and more scratch lesions.
Take care of your skin by moisturizing it sufficiently and using as few soaps and detergents as possible. Also prefer hypoallergenic soaps.
Avoid hot showers or baths, which can dry out the skin, which can make itching worse.
Do you have any further questions about gestational pruritus? Ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.
