Eczema outbreak in early pregnancy?

[jumpingjackhash]

Hi there, I'm 5+3 and have had a breakout of eczema for the last week - I used to have it when I was younger but now only get it in extreme times of stress / tiredness and it's always managed with a hydrocortisone cream and disappears in a day or two.

However this time I'm not sure if I should use any creams. Calamine lotion takes the burning itch out of it but dries it out so doesn't help it to clear (and the itching comes back).

Anyone else had eczema outbreaks like this? I read that it's not uncommon in pregnancy, but wasn't expecting it to soon (or so fiery). If it's hormonal, would antihistamines help? Can I event take them? (I mc'd with my last pg so very wary of doing / taking anything that might pose even the slightest risk).

Any tips?

Hello!

I could have written this exact post! I am currently 33 weeks, and my eczema started at pretty much the same time as your has.

At the beginning, I stuck with the usual natural emoillents as I too had a MC and was worried about any chemicals.

However, when I got to 12 weeks I went to my doctor as it has gone a bit wild - arms, legs, face and even eyelids!

He reassured me enough to use a bit of the weakest hydrocortisone - at least to calm it down and clear it up a bit. Which it did.

Ever since I have been using Salcura Zeoderm which a midwife recommended to me. No nasty ingredients at all. And it has been a life saver!

Not cheap - I think I paid around £13-15 for a tube, but well worth it.

Hope you get some relief soon!

I'm 33 weeks and went to the GP about my eczema a few weeks ago. I came away with an industrial sized tub of E45 emollient cream (which I am using very liberally) and a tube of 0.1% hydrocortisone. The GP checked it in her contra-indications book to see if it was OK for pregnancy and it was. I usually have much stronger steroid creams than that for my hands but I didn't ask for anything stronger, nor did she offer. This strength has kept the worst under control but not cleared it totally, but I've accepted that's as good as it will get until I am OK to use the strong stuff again (presumably post-breastfeeding?)

Thanks! It's not helped by the fact I'm allergic to E45 (or anything with lanolin in) but I think I'll look sor Salcure Zeoderm (will prob check with my clinic - I'm pg following icsi, so doubly worrying about everything!).

Glad to know it's not just be being a freak - I'm frantically symptom spotting at the moment!

Both of your experiences suggest it's here for the long-haul?!

I didn't have excema in pregnancy but would suggest trying aloe Vera gel to soothe it or aloe Vera based creams.

Also recommend seeing doctor to confirm it is excema and to get prescription. Eg a menthol cream might help but is only available on prescription.

Thanks Bling, I think we have some aloe vera gel at home (DH uses it for sunburn!), will give it a go.

I had this - awful flare up from 7-10 weeks, now gone. Used a natural balm (mama mio wonder balm) and an emollient in the shower (aveeno bath & shower oil) & it has gone, now I am spotty instead ;-) hope you find something that soothes!

Thanks for the advice all! I've just slathered myself in Aveeno and feel some comfort! Now to tackle the wind, indigestion, bloating and latent nausea!