Itchy stretchmarks - what helps?

[minitoot]

I hadn't had any stretch marks until about a week ago, when they've suddenly exploded all over my lower belly. And they itch like crazy. I've heard you can get anti-histamine cream to treat this. Anyone know where from? Is it over the counter stuff, can the midwife prescribe or does it have to be a doctor?

i use bio oil on mine, which i find really helps. its fairly expensive, but defffff worth it!
helps them to go paler quicker as well, true story!

yep i agree bio oil is the best, i used it through my pregnancy and i have no stretch marks!

You need to make certain this is just itchy stretchmarks, and not PUPPPS or infected stretch marks. My stretch marks became infected & I developed bumps, redness & severe itching on them, which then spread to hips, thighs, legs, back, bum & arms. It was awful (labour was a breeze in comparison!) I was prescribed a liquid paraffin type cream, antihistamine tablets and - most importantly - hydrocortisone cream. It didn't get rid, but it offered some relief. HTH

Hydrocortisone cream is good to help stop the itching, but I think the advice tends to be moisturize, so really any kind of oil or lotion. Be careful with baths as water can be drying which makes itching worse, however a nice wet, cold compress can help to relieve itchiness (especially when it's warm out). The hydrocortisone can be purchased over the counter where I'm from, I'm not sure about here, but you can get a prescription from the doctor. Hope some of these suggestions help and sorry about the itchy belly, I feel your pain!

Thanks! And thanks spannermary for the advice, I will talk to the midwife on Monday. The itching is definitely severe, it's the worst pregnancy symptom I've had so far. Cold showers take the edge off it but that's all.