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Pregnancy

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

Original poster

Why can't i use itch relief cream when pregnant

24 replies

Xo90 · 04/03/2015 21:02

Is it literally because they havnt been tested? So cannot be 100% sure there would be no effects?

It seems strange that a cream is not allowed.

I have a really itchy bump and a rash on it, I got some eurax which is helping, but I've just read the label and it's not suitable for pregnant women!

Why on earth not?! Hmm

OP posts:
Chocolatecakefan · 04/03/2015 21:30

My gp told me e45 anti itch cream is safe to use

Original poster
Xo90 · 05/03/2015 08:21

Ok I'll have a look at that, thank you.

OP posts:
BeansMrSeanAndHeinz · 05/03/2015 08:25

Yep I used e45 itch relief too and it was wonderful!

NickyEds · 05/03/2015 09:47

Is it literally because they havnt been tested? So cannot be 100% sure there would be no effects?

Yep. Annoying isn't it? But then if someone asked me to undergo a trial into the effects I'd say no so......

I've had an itchy bump with this pregnancy and have been using Lush dream Cream and it's been really good.

FruitBadger · 05/03/2015 10:29

I had a horrible itchy bump when I was pregnant, look up PUPPPS Sad

Have you spoken to your Midwife though? Itching & rashes can be a sign of obstetric cholestasis, so she may want to do a blood test to rule this out.

I found the E45 cream was good, but the GP also gave me anti-itching/eczema steroid cream which was fantastic. Oats in the bath and Aveeno shower gel helped and I took Piriton too - check the anti-histamine though, I was told it was ok because my rash developed so late in pregnancy (38+ weeks), it may not be ok earlier on.

countessmarkyabitch · 05/03/2015 10:44

Topical creams and lotions can be absorbed into the bloodstream, if you think about it, that actually is the point of some of them (and such things as transdermal patches that you apply to the skin to absorb into your blood) so you can see why creams sometimes have to be treated with caution.

The active ingredient in eurax is crotamiton, which is absorbed into the bloodstream in small amounts. IT's a cat c drug: risk in pregnancy not known (like almost everything).

Yes its true that pretty much everything says not to be used in pregnancy, which gives you the feeling that its all pointless, but there are good reasons to avoid some things and not others.

That said, I would and have used eurax in pregnancy.

PeterParkerSays · 05/03/2015 10:51

I suspect it's also because it might be used when the underlying cause is obstetric cholestasis, which is definitely not one you'd want to be masked through the use of itch relief creams.

Original poster
Xo90 · 05/03/2015 16:22

I haven't seen the midwife in weeks, next appointment is 34 weeks and I'm 31 weeks at the moment. I have seen the consultant though, was given a blood test right away and prescribed piriton. It's not helped. And it's drowsy!
It's so itchy I want to scratch my skin off. The cream helps so I think I will keep applying, as little as I can.

OP posts:
BeansMrSeanAndHeinz · 05/03/2015 16:46

fruitbadger has just reminded me, I blocked out that I had blood tests to rule out cholestasis, iirc the midwives told me not to worry unless it was itchy soles of feet or palms.

woodwaj · 06/03/2015 08:18

I used E45 but go to the docs get them to prescribe it you for free! Also stick some ice packs in the freezer it's nice for a quick fix. I had puppps was given a steroid cream it was the only thing that worked for me. Itching completely cleared after the birth so id push for something from your gp

coastergirl · 06/03/2015 12:58

woodwaj it's so nice to read that your itching cleared completely after birth. I'm on countdown until Tuesday as my c section has been brought forward due to the severity of mine.

I've been prescribed all sorts of creams to deal with my itching (it's definitely not cholastasis, been tested multiple times). Mine started on my bump but spread over my entire body and I've made myself bleed by scratching. Was hospitalised this week and given my pre-birth steroids early in an attempt to control the itching, which has helped a bit. I've been given steroid creams and ointments, and menthol aqueous cream. Most of these things do say not to take during pregnancy but if the consultants are comfortable prescribing them, then I'm comfortable taking them. Piriton is safe throughout pregnancy too. I was prescribed it in early pregnancy due to hayfever and now again for the itching.

LucyBabs · 06/03/2015 13:02

I found exfoliating during a shower really helped the itch and then using cocoa butter and bio oil. I tried everything, the itch was unbearable, especially my legs. I would cry out of frustation.

Hope you find something that works for you soon Flowers Cake

woodwaj · 06/03/2015 14:27

I feel your pain. It's awful. On a lighter note its more common if your pregnant with a particular sex, do you know what you are having? I wont say just incase :)

coastergirl · 06/03/2015 18:51

I'm having a boy, apparently! Which sex is it supposed to indicate?

countessmarkyabitch · 06/03/2015 19:12

Thats not true, the sex of the foetus has no bearing at all on the chances of you being itchy!

Original poster
Xo90 · 06/03/2015 19:42

Haha, that's funny, I'm having a boy too.

I'm glad it goes after the birth, mines not a severe as my whole body Shock really feel for you.
The cream is helping so I'm going to carry on with it. I'm at the consultant again next week so will ask for cream instead of piriton.

OP posts:
InTheWhiteRoom · 06/03/2015 19:47

I did

Had really itchy legs when preg (attractive) and the eurax worked wonders ....baby is 11 months and fine Grin

woodwaj · 06/03/2015 20:16

Apparently its more common in boys and first pregnancies! Whether its true or not i don't know just something i read! Was true for me!

Lovethebubbles · 06/03/2015 20:30

I have been using e45 itch relief cream... I used it with my first pregnancy too. It would never even occur to me to look at the instructions to see if it was safe to use in pregnancy! Blush oh and both pregnancies have been girls Smile

coastergirl · 06/03/2015 22:40

Hmmm well it's my first pregnancy and it's a boy Smile I have heard that it's unlikely to recur in any future pregnancies, which is good because it would definitely put me off having any more.

99redbaboons · 06/03/2015 22:49

I think the mindset is that the fewer drugs used during pregnancy the better - just in case.

Effects on embryo/foetus can be difficult to extrapolate from standard testing and even animal testing (on pregnant animals) cannot produce failsafe results because cross-species differences occur. So there's always a chance that a well-tested drug could then produce unpredicted effects in humans.

Hope the E45 helps - sounds infuriating. Paracetamol has mild anti-inflammatory properties and IS safe in pregnancy so maybe also worth a try.

99redbaboons · 06/03/2015 22:53

sorry - didn't RTFT - all my points have been made previously Blush

woodwaj · 07/03/2015 07:04

The itching is honestly a distant memory. I just remember it was bad... like morning sickness etc you forget!

Original poster
Xo90 · 07/03/2015 08:52

The itching kept me up last night so I think my cream is loosing effect :( will definitely see if I be prescribed anything at my consultant appt.

Also, this is my second pregnancy, I didn't get it with the first (also a boy). I've got soooo many more horrible symptoms this time around.

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