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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Itchiness driving me mad. Any tips?

32 replies

BlingLoving · 19/02/2011 22:13

I am 26 weeks. I was warned about itchiness but had no idea how bad it would be. It is horrible. I am moisturising like crazy but it doesn't help much. Chemist recommended wired which, as well as smelling awful, is not working. Any suggestions? My skin is all red and blotchy and sore. And that's just the bits where I have avoided scratching!

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Original poster

BlingLoving · 19/02/2011 22:15

Sorry, pharmacy recommended eurex. Predictive text...!!

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flowerfairy · 19/02/2011 22:21

Is it just on your stomach? Or other places too?

kormachameleon · 19/02/2011 22:24

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kormachameleon · 19/02/2011 22:26

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kormachameleon · 19/02/2011 22:27

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Original poster

BlingLoving · 19/02/2011 22:35

Flowery - stomach, breasts, chest, upper back and collarbones. Also one arm. No soles of hands or feet (thank goodness).

Korma, thanks. Seems unlikely but have been seriously considering seeing doctor to see if I can get something prescribed to help, so might do that definitely as extra precaution.

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Roopachoo · 19/02/2011 22:40

Dermacool Aqueous Cream 1.0%- recommended by consultant at UCHL- works wonders.

"Menthol in aqueous cream. When applied to the skin Dermacool soothes and cools the skin"

Ask your pharmacist to order it in- Asda do it.

Roopachoo · 19/02/2011 22:46

oh it also comes in 0.5% or 2%

Original poster

BlingLoving · 19/02/2011 23:00

Thanks. Will try hunt some down tomorrow.

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kormachameleon · 19/02/2011 23:01

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Original poster

BlingLoving · 20/02/2011 09:51

Thanks. I have had problems with my galll bladder so seems sensible to check it out just to be safe.

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ImFab · 20/02/2011 09:55

Obstectric cholestasis is potentially fatal for baby so get your liver function checked.

Galdem · 20/02/2011 09:57

Even if the itching isn't on your hands or feet, you should definitely get it checked out. Just pop along to your MW and mention OC.

I developed it towards the end of my last pregnancy. The itching started on my upper body and went on for weeks before I got it on the soles of my feet and finally went to the doctor about it, by which stage my liver was failing

flowerfairy · 20/02/2011 16:50

BLing hope you have managed to get this sorted out as my sister had this at the end of her pg and ended up being induced.

SofiaAmes · 20/02/2011 17:04

If it's not obstetric cholestasis (you must get this possibility eliminated), then it's probably PUPPP.

I had this in my first pregnancy, it was AWFUL!!! I was scratching so much that I was bleeding. I tried everything and the only thing that worked was Snake Brand Prickly Heat Powder that my parents bought in Hong Kong for me. Luckily you can get it on the internet and in Oriental stores in England now. Here is a link to it on ebay.

whostolemyname · 20/02/2011 17:19

I would also like to stress to you the importance of getting this checked. I have got obstetric cholestasis and it presented with an itchy rash on my tummy which is not a typical presentation at all but because of the itch they did bloods and my bile acids were very high. If it is managed this condition is nothing to be afraid of but unmanged it can be very serious. I know you have said you will get it checked out but just wanted to add another anecdote to really encourage you too!

MaryBS · 20/02/2011 17:25

Just wanted to add, do get checked for OC. I also had it in pregnancy. The risks are towards the end of pregnancy, rather than 26 weeks, but it can be managed, just so long as its known about. There is an active OC support group on FB

JJWMummy · 20/02/2011 20:19

Just wanted to add my two pennys worth - I know OC is more common towards the end of preg, however it can flare up very early on and get progressively worse, a friend of mine was admitted at 26 weeks with OC and induced at 33 weeks due to the severity of it, better for both Mum & babe for babe to be out, she had her dd who weighed 4lb 13oz and is now a happy healthy (and slighty bossy!!!!) 3 nearly 4 yr old. It can be potentially fatal for either of you so important to check it out.

You may have to be persistant with MW to get blood test done as some MW have a bad habit of brushing it under the carpet as lots don't understand it. Best of luck.

ImFab · 20/02/2011 20:21

Mum is usually fine as soon as the baby is born. It isn't fatal for mum but can be for the baby.

Original poster

BlingLoving · 21/02/2011 13:52

Thanks again everyone. Can't even begin to think about attempting MW appointment but do have access to private doctor at work (sometimes, I love my job) and have an appointment for tomorrow with my favourite and most helpful doctor there.

In the meantime, I've bought some aloe vera gel (not sure if most of you will know Aloe Vera as it doesn't seem as prevalent in England as it is in other parts of the world like USA and South Africa) and will give that a try.

Tried calamine lotion - complete waste of time. Haven't been able to track down the acqueous cream with menthol yet. Also put expensive face cream on my chest this morning and it did seem to help a bit... Mmm, not wild about using my flashy face products which normally last 3 - 6 months as an all over body cream, but if that's what it takes...

Will report back. thanks again, I really appreciate the help. And it makes me feel less silly. I woke up in the middle of the night scratching so viciously that DH was horrified when he saw the state of my chest!

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ImFab · 21/02/2011 14:42

Aloe vera is well known in the UK.

Original poster

BlingLoving · 21/02/2011 15:38

ImFab - I'm glad that's the case because traditionally I've struggled to track the stuff down here. Does seem to be getting easier.

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SofiaAmes · 21/02/2011 15:42

Get the Snake Brand Prickly Heat Powder that I suggested earlier. It is basically menthol and an antihistamine in powder form. I have super sensitive skin and it didn't irritate the skin (any more than all my scratching) and really was the only thing that worked. I tried calamine, hydrocortisone, and 2 zillion different lotions.

LeroyJethroGibbs · 21/02/2011 15:47

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JaxTellersOldLady · 21/02/2011 15:51

Please get yourself checked out for OC, I had it when pregnant with DS and had no idea what it was. I just happened to mention it to my Consultant that my poo was a weird colour and I was a bit itchy. Anyway DS born 2 days later.

It isnt worth the risk to your baby.

Hope the Aloe Gel works for you.

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