Treating itchy allergic rash whilst breastfeeding

[hjscho]

HELP! I have an itchy rash that appeared 3 days after giving birth and has gradually spread over my whole body (now 10 days). The only places it hasn't attacked are my face and feet. I went to the doctor and he said that it was an allergic rash, although I am wondering if it is a post-viral rash...whatever it is, I need to find something (preferably natural, although I am desperate and will probably try anything) to calm the itching at least. Has anyone used any topical creams / lotions that have helped them?

I had a whole-body rash which started just after dd was born; it lasted for months.

One of my midwives recommended calendula cream, which helped a little. I was told that Piriton was OK to take whilst breastfeeding, although it didn't help much.

Nothing was hugely effective, but the calendula is worth a try.

antihistamine cream from the local pharmacy (ask for a bite cream if they say they don't have one) or I've found Boots nappy rash cream soothing.

The Dr showed me his little book and it advised against Piriton whilst breastfeeding. If it doesn't do much then there is not much point bothering anyway. Wigwambam...did you ever work out what the rash was?

No, never worked out what it was. I still have one patch of it left, and dd is almost 6 now! There was some muttering about it being an allergic reaction to one of the drugs they used, and I had to have blood tests afterwards to see if it had been something infectious, but there was never a definitive answer.

I was prescribed Piriton on the ward, where they knew I was breastfeeding, and I was assured it's OK - allergic rashes are apparently quite common after childbirth. Piriton was the only one they would let me have though - although as it wasn't much use there wasn't much point in taking it anyway!

I hope yours clears up quicker than mine did.

I also have an itchy rash that has become worse since I had DS3. I have been prescribed a steriod cream to use when I really need to (obviously I don't really like doing so).

Thanks for the suggestions. I hope mine goes soon. I did speak to someone who said that they had a similar rash, but only on her legs after childbirth and her doc said it was linked to her hormones returning to 'normal'. I am also having sudden crazy hot sweats in the night and have to dry myself down (how lovely!) which would suggest that there is some hormone imbalance.

Loratadine is OK while breastfeeding. Look
here. You may need to click on Antihistamines.