Intense itching (not pupps or choleostasis)

crunchymamaof2

Is anyone else dealing with extreme itching? For weeks now I've been trying to deal with it and it's getting worse. I had my liver functions tested so it's not anything like that. Pretty sure it's just allergies and dry skin, it's just everywhere- chest, belly, legs, wrists, feet, arms. Im itching so bad I'm scratching myself which doesn't help anything. I'm going to ask my midwife what I can safely take but does anyone know anything that worked well? Lotion just isn't cutting it. Do OTC allergy meds/Benadryl help with itchy skin?

Bluebell0315

I've been kind of itchy, but not too bad. Hope you find some relief soon!

LionelBtchy

I've been pretty itchy too. I spoke with my OB about it at the last appt. and she said Benedryl was ok. I've just been layering the lotions and oils. Applying them throughout the day. And trying to stay really well hydrated. Hope you get some relief soon!

jessicad8586

I've been super itchy too! The only thing that provides any relief is almond oil with vitamin E. I'm not sure if it's sold everywhere but I got mine at Whole Foods.
I love coconut oil too but it seems like it takes a little bit longer to absorb.

sweaver93

I've been itchy to the point of scratching till it was raw. I cut out the scented body wash, and cut out scented lotions. I use organic lotions and they worked on helping it a lot! Benadryl never helped me, but my doctor approved it. Hope you feel less itchy soon!

CrystalTrues

It may be eczema. I had it flare up pretty bad on my feet when I was pregnant last time. Look for creams not lotions. Warm not hot showers and soap that is not drying. But definitely bring it up with your doctor.

lib1974

This was happening to me and to find out I had an iron deficiency. Once I started taking an iron supplement it went away and I eat more red meat and leafy greens too.

MeganG216

I was having issues earlier in my pregnancy, so I switched to dove sensitive skin body wash and changed my laundry detergent to a free and clear. Within days the itchiness stopped. My boss had the same issue when she was pregnant, and her dr said some women develop allergies to dyes and fragrances during pregnancy. I haven't had any problems since switching. I also prefer a body oil or coconut oil to lotion, I find lotions dry my skin out more because of the alcohol and harsh ingredients. Good luck!

theladycoy13

I switched soaps n lotions I use aveeno calming wash and lotion.Awesome stuff the itching stopped after just 2 showers. I talked with my OB she suggested lotion just after showering, made a huge impact also I lowered the water temp on my hot water heater as well. I do miss my hot shower but my skin is thanking me.

rm2013

I had eczema that went haywire with my first pregnancy. I literally felt like I was on fire. Taking flax oil (the liquid, not pills) made a world of difference. At first I took 1 tablespoon twice a day until everything subsided, then moved down to once a day. just chug it and then chase it with a shot of 100% tart cherry juice (NOT regular cherry juice) that will get the taste out of your mouth.

cafecreme

I had really bad itching with my last pregnancy and would go back and forth between coconut oil and vitamin e oil. Oatmeal baths help too. 

crunchymamaof2

Thanks guys! I'm going to try some of the oils until I see my midwife this week. And I definitely need to up the water.

mangomimosa

Yes! Oils! My H made me a body butter with Shea, coconut oil, & safflower oil -- it's way better than store bought lotions because there's no alcohol in it. Wellness mama has a recipe for it, or just search -- maybe Etsy?? Or even Amazon, there are several with good reviews -- for a body butter with *no* alcohol.

scarlettc27

Thank you for asking this- I told my OB that I felt like a meth addict because I was scratching so much. Mostly on my shins, but also behind my knees, inner thighs, and left arm (but not the right one - random.) My doctor suggested almond oil with vitamin e, but my skin had a weird heat rash-like reaction. Colloidal oatmeal was okay, but it didn't seem super effective. I'm writing down everyone's suggestions - thank you!

kaydedid

scarlettc27 said:

Thank you for asking this- I told my OB that I felt like a meth addict because I was scratching so much. Mostly on my shins, but also behind my knees, inner thighs, and left arm (but not the right one - random.)

My doctor suggested almond oil with vitamin e, but my skin had a weird heat rash-like reaction. Colloidal oatmeal was okay, but it didn't seem super effective. I'm writing down everyone's suggestions - thank you!

I had a weird reaction (felt like sunburn, skin turned red) with almond oil too, kinda like the flush you get from niacin except it lasted longer. Not sure if that's an allergic reaction or what, but it sure was uncomfortable.

scarlettc27

kaydedid said:

Thank you for asking this- I told my OB that I felt like a meth addict because I was scratching so much. Mostly on my shins, but also behind my knees, inner thighs, and left arm (but not the right one - random.) My doctor suggested almond oil with vitamin e, but my skin had a weird heat rash-like reaction. Colloidal oatmeal was okay, but it didn't seem super effective. I'm writing down everyone's suggestions - thank you!

I had a weird reaction (felt like sunburn, skin turned red) with almond oil too, kinda like the flush you get from niacin except it lasted longer. Not sure if that's an allergic reaction or what, but it sure was uncomfortable.

Now that I think about it, I don't know if I've ever used almond oil before. I guess I could be allergic... I just thought I'd cut my skin when scratching and the oil made it inflamed.

colleen4019

I use Benadryl regularly (although obviously ask your doc) but it's totally fine on all the med lists. Claritin is as well & I take that daily before bed.

I second the coconut oil, it's amazing. Also, my dog has really bad skin allergies and when he has an attack I give him a bath with the Aveno oatmeal mix stuff. Ive never used it on me (it is for people) but it really helps him so much.