Hives in early pregnancy?

[BabCNesbitt]

I'm 7+3 at the moment, and last night, without having eaten anything unusual, I erupted in the most ferocious attack of hives, which started out at my belly and back and spread outwards in all directions. (Fevered crotch scratching at bus stop is not a good look.) This morning I'm still clawing away, feeling like I'm being bitten everywhere. (Prior to this, the only time I had hives in the past was about ten years ago, and nothing since.)

I wondered if it could be PUPPP, but everything I've read about that suggests that it comes on towards the end of pregnancy, not this early! Does anyone have any ideas or advice? Is it OK to slather myself in calamine lotion? I assume hydrocortisone creams (my usual go-to for eczema) is off-limits? Will it stop?!

[buttonmoon78]

You have my deepest sympathy! Hives IME arrive at times of stress, either physical or emotional so early pg could count on both those!

I tend to use hyrdocortisone all through my pgs (always been told to continue by drs). However, I don't find that it helps my hives. Hives are usually an internal response so a topical cream doesn't help mine. I try to either leave alone or use a calamine & glycerine ointment as it's less drying (and therefore less itchy) than straight calamine.

Alternatively, try the inside of an aloe vera stem (if you have a plant) or get hold of some aloe vera gel. It's lovely and cooling. In fact, aloe vera is something which is always on my windowsill in the kitchen. It's great for eczema, burns, nappy rash etc. Just break off an inch or so, squeeze out the insides and rub on your skin.

[BabCNesbitt]

Thanks for the suggestions! I picked up some aloe vera gel and slathered it on, but still itching horribly, so I think I'll go round to the chemist tomorrow and see if they've got any of the calamine ointment (and cut my nails short in the meantime... )