Pregnancy rash/eczema

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Netmums / Becoming a mum: pregnancy
Eczema
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nikki-n-89
Nikki N(89)
Posted 4 days ago
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Hi,
I am looking for some help as I am not getting anywhere with my Doctor's at the moment and they will not see me in person because of the virus.
I've always suffered with eczema but it has always been well managed with moisturizer and steroid cream and doesn't normally bother me too much. Since I was about 7 weeks pregnant my whole body has been like this. I've stopped using my normal steroid cream but doctors prescribed hydrocortisone which hasn't even touched it. They've told me to put my moisturizer on several times a day which I've been doing and it's not making a difference. They've basically told me now after I've phoned them 7 times over the last 4 weeks that they won't do anything about it and I have to put up with it as it's just a joy of being pregnant. I don't even know what's causing it I've tried doing a food diary and can't see anything recurrent with when it gets really bad, I am now eating very plain meals and still the same. I've really had enough of it and hardly sleeping which I know is not healthy for the baby. Has anyone else suffered this and have any helpful tips to get rid?? Or can just tell me this won't be for the full 9 months 😭 thank you!!

Whoops sorry I've realised I've copied the wording from NetMums, asked on there a while ago but didn't get any replies. Xx

I got very itchy in pregnancy #2 and ended up using diprobase in the shower (make sure you have a mat), showering less often (flannel and sink in-between), and just dealing with it as best I could. My skin was painfully dry, and by the time I have birth, I felt like some parts of my body were on fire! Hopefully things ease up for you OP

While you're doing what you can, however, please do have a read of this www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/itching-obstetric-cholestasis-pregnant/ NHS page on obstetric cholestasis, just in case.

I wish I could be more helpful.

Hi @spanneroo thank you so much for taking the time to reply. How early did you get it and did you have it the whole way through? I did mention that condition to my Midwife and she said it is too early for me to have that. Also, apparently that is usually just itching without a rash.

It started with just dry hands, forearms and face (which is where I get dry anyway), probably around 6 weeks. By around 20 weeks it was more or less everywhere, and it did get worse until around 25 weeks. I had to wear loose flowing clothes all the time (in winter!) which did help.

Unfortunately, it lasted the whole pregnancy, but let up fairly soon after birth. Definitely within a week or so.

Glad the MW has considered cholestasis, but keep an eye just in case.

Sorry to hear you're suffering. I'd recommend using an emolient soap for washing. It definitely made a difference to me. That and Welleda body oil for the worst of the sore skin. It stinks but it works really well.

Bless you. I was hoping it wouldnt be for the whole pregnancy! I'll still keep my fingers crossed that it might go! Thanks again for commenting I'll look in to the things you have recommended xx

Did you stop using your normal treatment because of your pregnancy? I have scalp psoriasis and the same happened with my first pregnancy, I completely stopped and it flared up so bad and down onto my forehead and ears.
I'm pregnant again and did some research and found that with my usual steroid ointment it should be fine if using it 'sparingly' so I use it once a week and also wash my hair less and have noticed a big improvement.
Hope you find something that works for you and some people don't understand just how depressing it can be

Hi @littlefawn yes I was told to immediately stop using the steroid cream I had prescribed already as it was too strong. Although I just think the amount of hydrocortisone I've used now I'd have been better off using my stronger stuff once to get it under control! I'm not using it now as it hasn't made a difference anyway after having it 3 weeks so it's pointless. I'm glad you've noticed an improvement with yours this time. Yes definitely and I can tell the doctor's and receptionists I've been talking to just don't understand!!