Itchy Itchy Itchy

[CharShep]

My legs are sooo itchy, I haven't changed any washing powders, I moisturise....anyone any ideas as to why and how to stop it? Anyone else had similar experience?

Do you normally have fairly sensitive skin? My legs are terrible in the winter, and the real cause is central heating. If you're like me, you're certainly not going to want to switch the heating off at home and at work you've got no choice!

The thing that really helps me is using soap free (E45 or similar) shower creams. They are expensive, but do make a difference. And if you shave your legs, shave with Aqueous cream (around £2.50 for a big pot from your local chemist). It'll probably sort itself out when the weather warms up. If you have any patches which are really sore, try hydrocortisone cream for a week (but no longer - head to your doctor if it doesn't clear up).

I used to scratch my legs at night and make them bleed (nice), so if this is a problem for you, keep your fingernails short and wear long pajamas. I've even resorted to wearing cotton gloves to stop myself scratching.

This just started for me around 3 years ago, and this year is the first year I've found it manageable with the steps above. Good luck.

How pregnant are u?
Seems itching is quite normal in pregnancy I had it really really badly during the first trimester - all over really but especially legs, I'd break the skin in the night it was horrible. I tried all the usual creams Aveeno, E45, aqueous, coco butter, Niva none of which helped. Then I came across a cheapy called baby bump body butter by health point - I got mine from Wilkensons, it worked immediately and has been the only thing to stop me scratching my skin literally off it's a mix of Shea & Cocoa butter, & Almond and coconut Oils - & smells gorg
I also added baby oil to my baths which gave some relief.

Do u know what sex ur baby is?
My midwife told me at 16 weeks that a lot of women who are pregnant and usually have allergies like hayfever even mild, get itchy during pregnancy if they are having a boy, as they are allergic to the babies male hormones! Not sure how true it is but a week later I found out I'm having a boy lol.

Hope u find something that helps you
Hayley x

You need to phone the maternity unit and tell them about this. Itching in pregnancy can be linked to a condition called Obstetric Cholestasis which can be dangerous for your baby in the later states of pregnancy. They can do some blood tests to check for this. It is really very important you call them for advice as soon as possible - phone the delivery suite if you read this when the day unit or community midwives are closed/off shift.

Your GP can prescribe you some industrial strength moisturiser, diprobase. I was concerned about the itching on my legs too and was checked for obestetric cholestasis. The test was negative, so I'm clear. The diprobase has really helped stop the itching. I still have the ugly angry red patches on my legs, but now that they aren't itching, hopefully they will clear up.

I'm pleased it's not just me! I've found E45 emollient oil in the bath as regularly as poss helps. Interested in the male hormones thing - I don't know what I'm having

Op please call your GP or delivery suite immediately about this! Whostolemyname is quite right.

You will need some blood tests to check for Obstetric Cholestasis. Itching is common in pregnancy and can be harmless but if it is OC you need to know as it is treatable but left unchecked it can cause problems, in rare cases these can be very serious.

Please don't fanny about with moisturiser until you get some proper medical advice.

Its probably not OC if its just the legs. However if the palms of your hands or the bottom of your feet start itching its time to get on the phone to the hospital. I speak from bitter experience :(

That said if the itching is worrying you and nothing seems to help then its worth having a blood test if for no other reason than to eliminate it.

Definitely worth mentioning to your midwife but be aware too that your skin may have become more sensitive during pregnancy. Earlier on in my pregnancy, I think towards the end of the 1st trimester, I had to switch washing powders as my old one was making me itch loads (mostly in the bends of my body, like elbows and back of knees etc but also everywhere else to a lesser extent). Now using an eco powder that doesn't irritate me. Have also found that washing dishes has given me a little bit of eczema between my fingers when I've never had eczema in the past. It may be that you've developed some sensitivities?