Itchy Skin

[OonaghBhuna]

I have really itchy skin especially at night. The areas affected are my legs, arms and back. Last night I dont think I got any sleep.
I am sure it is a hormonal thing as there are no spots or even any type of rash.
I am almost 20weeks, should I go to my GP?
Anyone experienced this, if so what lotions, oils did you use?

There is a pregnancy condition, whose name escapes me, that one of the symptoms is itchy skin. yes, you should call your GP.

Thanks Tee will do.

One condition that causes itchiness is called obstetric cholestasis.

It can be fairly serious so you should talk to your doc. But don't freak out, there are also other conditions that can cause itchiness in pregnancy too.

Definitely speak to your GP and get your liver enzymes checked.

Ask for a prescription for Balneum plus bath oil and a huge pot of balneum plus cream on repeat. Do not use any soaps/shower gel/normal moisturising creams as they all dry out your skin or contain irritants that will make your skin more itchy. The reason I say Balneum plus over any other emollients is that it contains something called lauramacrogols that have an anti-pruritic (anti-itch) effect. It is important that you get the 'plus' version though as normal Balneum doesn't have this. If you are desperate and can't wait until you have seen the GP for a prescription that will be free whilst you are pg, you can buy some E45 itch relief cream for about £5 (or your pharmacist may be able to sell you the balneum plus if they have some in). This also contains lauramacrogols, but personally I prefer the nice creamy texture of balneum plus.

You need to apply a generous amount of the cream all over twice a day. Smooth it on in the direction of hair growth to avoid irritating or clogging up any hair follicles. Leave it a few minutes before you get dressed to allow the cream to soak in. When you are in the bath, use the oil. If you prefer a shower, you can rub the oil into your skin instead of using a shower gel.

BTW, if it is obstetric cholecstasis, then balneum plus is particularly recommended to help with the itch.

I hope this helps.

Thank you so much for this information, I hopefully will get this sorted asap.
Thanks again.

Get to your GP/midwife - just to rule out Obs cholestasis. I had really bad itching, mainly on my legs. It used to drive me mad, especially at night. I think it was called PUPP. I used a clarins leg cream which was really helpful.

hi oonagh. just to say, when i had this in my last pg, they tested for OC but said the main symptom is itching on the palms and soles of feet. mine was everywhere but! luckily, this wasnt what i had, i had PUPP. do get it checked though, its really important to rule it out. my friend had it recently and had to be monitored quite carefully.

i believe oatmeal in the bath can help, and scented creams made it worse. not getting too hot in bed and not wearing pj bottoms to rub also helped.
good luck.

oooh - muchos sympathy - I scratched myself raw with ds2. I found vitamin E cream helped, as did aloe vera, but as others have said, go to gp or talk to midwife just to be sure - for me, it was fine, just hormones, and it did go by about week 30, I think (brain v addled 3 years later!)