Itchy arms and legs?!?

ashleyantley · January 2015

My arms and legs have been terribly itchy for about a week now. If I look closely there's little bumps- not very raised, not red. Itching so bad at times I scratch the blood out of them!!! Been moisturizing like crazy.....anyone have similar issue?? 17 weeks preggo.

CMSullivan326 · January 2015

Yep. Been dealing with it since week 7 & I'll be 16 weeks tomorrow. Still don't have answers...

missjenniebean · January 2015

My skin has been itchy as well, though I do not notice any bumps. It keeps me up at night sometimes...

walshbunnie · January 2015

I sometimes have weird allergic reactions to products when I'm pregnant. Happened last pregnancy during a check up and doctor had me take a Benadryl. Cleared up pretty quickly. Right now I get itchy and red if I use a honey almond butter lotion that I'm normally just fine using.

musictchr25 · January 2015

With all of the hormonal changes that come with pregnancy, it's possible that you are developing a sensitivity to fragrances or detergents. I would try switching your laundry detergent and body soaps to something that is fragrance free and considered clear and dermatologist approved. You may notice a difference.

taboullio84 · January 2015

As if we need more things to worry about. Lol I noticed little bumps too... I usually have smooth skin

elizab14 · January 2015

Yes, I switched to Tide Free and Clear and the itching stopped. Made sure to wash my linens too.

kej0004 · January 2015

I've always had eczema and pregnancy is making it even worse. Definitely change your detergent and only use unscented lotions and body wash (I like Aveeno--helps a ton). You can also use Cortisone. It's topical, not systemic, so no risk to baby. You can get it over the counter at 1% concentration. I'm currently on a prescription strength of it because doc was concerned about skin infections, but for most the OTC concentration is very helpful.

housewifebecomesher · January 2015

I second cortisone cream for spot treatments! My OB did say not to use more than 1% without a prescription.

matiekae · January 2015

musictchr25 said:
With all of the hormonal changes that come with pregnancy, it's possible that you are developing a sensitivity to fragrances or detergents. I would try switching your laundry detergent and body soaps to something that is fragrance free and considered clear and dermatologist approved. You may notice a difference.

I second this

carrick2310 · January 2015

I had the exact same thing for about3 days at 14 weeks! It was miserable but I stopped using the scented lotion and switched to aveeno oatmeal non scented lotion and body wash and I've been silky smooth and itch free since! Good luck!

SJ1604 · January 2015

Same here, except its been my arms and my chest. I am thinking its a sensitivity to the fabric because when i get home from work i strip down and as soon as my shirt is off i feel better....and ive even switched to the hypo allergenic laundry detergents so i know its not that lol

klkonwi · January 2015

Could be completely non medical related and just need Benadryl or it could be an electrolyte imbalance or a condition during pregnancy called cholestasis. Totally unsolicited med advice tho so it could be completely nothing.
Try changing laundry soaps and drinking water and watching salt intake for awhile before seeing if it's something more.

LadySif · January 2015

I had it with DS, the hormonal response is definitely a thing. I used Burt's Bees lotion and it caused a rash that went systemic. Everywhere - my whole legs, arms, stomach, face, neck... was puffy, red raised bumps and itched like hell. I looked awful. I stuck with plain ivory soap after that. Don't let it go as far as I did! So far a Neutrogena lotion seems to be okay for this pregnancy, so you might have to experiment a bit.

avazirian · January 2015

I have had the same thing!! It's driving me nuts!! My arms leg and belly! So weird!

BabyPhillips23 · January 2015

I'm freezing and I like t water HOT- but the hot water makes it itch like crazyyy!! My allergies are deffinitly worse but could my pores be opening and it be a Detergent issue?

iheartpancake · January 2015

It sounds a whole lot like eczema. If you don't get any relief from changing detergents and lotions by next Monday or Tuesday, I'd call the doctor. I had it take over pretty much my entire body once and it was AWFUL. The only thing that helped was a prescription cream that cannot be used during pregnancy, but I'm sure your doctor can point you in a safe direction. I haven't had a bad flare up since becoming pregnant, but I have heard olive oil can help moisturize and heal the skin. Maybe mix a little with some unscented lotion? And don't scratch!! It only makes it worse!!

BabyHarris15 · January 2015

Behind my knees are a problematic spot for me

APago · January 2015

@ashleyantley‌ I have the exact same thing and have had it for the past 4-5 weeks. I scratched my legs up so much they were bleeding and now I have scabs everywhere (not a pretty sight!). As PP said, don't let it get too far, because I did and regret not doing something sooner! Olive oil has been my saving grace. I filled a small bottle and keep it by the tub. Right after my shower, I'll towel dry so I get most of the water off so the oil can sink in and then I literally lather my entire body in it. Don't worry, it'll soak in pretty quickly so you won't go around smelling like EVOO all day! Good luck!

ETA - I also changed my laundry detergent and it may have been that or the OO, not sure! But it's worth a shot.

mccall35 · January 2015

My skin gets tight and itchy with pregnancy. Specifically on my arms, back, chest, face and (obviously) stomach. From about 15 weeks on with DS and this pregnancy, I load myself up with Vaseline Body Lotion after each shower and it makes a world of difference. I use Spectro Face Lotion for my face though, otherwise I breakout. It could just be normal pregnancy itchiness.

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