Breastfeeding with urticaria - itchy and anxious

[lbandrb]

I have chronic urticaria. It went away in pregnancy and has returned since I had my baby 3 weeks ago. It's getting worse and the itching is starting to interfere with my ability to rest. I'm desperately keen to continue breastfeeding but uncomfortable about taking the drugs prescribed to be taken if really needed - loratadine and chlorphenamine (Piriton), but have started to now. I'm really anxious about the condition getting worse and limiting me from caring properly for my baby, but not very comfortable medicating, and I know anxiety is not helping the hives at all! I don't think these drugs are likely to control my condition as well as the cocktail I was on pre-pregnancy but of course I need to try. I know the risk is I'll give up breastfeeding in desperation in order to take the drugs I know will work. Any advice or similar experiences?

I just take loratidine twice a day and put Lanacane on the worst outbreaks, but I might not have it as badly as you. Mine gets triggered by grass, bug bites and anything producing skin 'trauma' so summer with children is a bit wearing. Do you know what causes yours at all?

Tests haven't been able to prove it. It's a chronic version of the condition, meaning it will last a few years in all likelihood... I'll look into Lanacane - thanks!

I took fexofenadine whilst breastfeeding without issues. The GP took a bit of persuading but I'd found some info on its safety and he was persuaded. Loratidine and chlorpheniramine do nothing for my urticaria.

Thanks, Oodelaranana. I had a bad reaction to fexofenadine before but might be prepared to try it again. Am getting really desperate! These drugs really are doing nothing right now.

What did you used to use before getting pregnant? A lot of the antihistamines are safe for breastfeeding and urticaria can be so uncomfortable I know I would have felt like giving up breastfeeding in the end if I hadn't been able to back on the meds that worked. From what I understand its quite individual what works for each person.

I have chronic urticaria too. I use prednisolone daily (and have for 14 years). Even through pg and breastfeeding.

Good luck, it is horrible.

And congrats on the baby.

Thanks, Oodelaranana and Turquoisehat. I used a mix of Xyzal, Atarax and Montelukast before getting pregnant, and those completely removed my symptoms. My specialist has only recommended Piriton and Loratadine if really needed while breastfeeding... I'm now trying a few homeopathic remedies in a bit of a last-ditch attempt to control this thing. It's feeling like I might need to resort to bottle-feeding, which I really don't want to do.