The whole body itches during pregnancy: possible causes and treatment

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

The situation when the whole body itches during pregnancy is a fairly common occurrence. It can not always be considered a pathology, sometimes it is just a natural reaction for such a condition to skin stretching and other physiological changes that occur during pregnancy.

But you should not leave such an itch unattended, as it can also indicate the presence of various infectious diseases, neurological disorders, and even an exacerbation of chronic systemic pathologies.

Features of itching during pregnancy

The body itches during pregnancy, what to do - this question is asked by about 57-58% of women, because, according to medical statistics, it is precisely this number of women who are faced with a similar phenomenon. True, for some itching may be mild, for others it may be more intense.

Approximately half of the cases there is itching in the genital area, which may be associated with candidiasis - during pregnancy, immunity decreases, and the likelihood of thrush increases. At the same time, more than 20% of cases are due to pruritus. He may be relatedwith neurological disorders, another reason is dry skin during pregnancy. At least 10% of cases are anal itching.

There are also situations when the expectant mother is faced with several types of itching at once. For some, this phenomenon becomes more pronounced only in the second half of pregnancy, but there may be cases when itching is felt in the early stages.

However, such feelings should be reported to the doctor so that he can prescribe the appropriate treatment.

If the whole body itches during pregnancy, the reasons may be different. They can be classified as follows.

Presence of skin diseases

Women, especially those with a genetic predisposition to allergic reactions, are more likely to develop contact or atopic dermatitis.

Some expectant mothers experience exacerbation of psoriasis and eczema. Itchy sensations throughout the body may be associated with the development of scabies, other skin diseases.

Systemic pathologies

Itching is accompanied by various diseases of the internal organs, which are characterized by intoxication of the body. These are, for example, pyelonephritis, nephrolithiasis, renal failure.

Sometimes there is a violation of the liver during pregnancy - this leads to the development of hepatosis, gallstone disease, other pathologies with cholestasis, which are also accompanied by a feeling of itching.

Genital infections

In these diseases, itching is felt only in a certain area due to what is happeningirritation of delicate mucous membranes with toxins. These diseases include candidiasis, gardnerellosis, genital herpes and more.

Very often, in addition to a decrease in immunity, this is facilitated by a violation of the normal microflora of the vagina.

Neurological disorders

Itching, when the whole body itches during pregnancy, there is a tingling or goosebumps on the skin, may indicate disorders of the nervous system.

Sometimes it is the result of stress, sometimes it is postherpetic neuralgia, but it can be a symptom of a more serious disease, such as multiple sclerosis or a brain tumor.

Other reasons

The reasons why the whole body itches during pregnancy are:

1. Urological diseases, when itching becomes a manifestation of urethritis, cystitis and other similar disorders.
2. Dermatosis during pregnancy. This phenomenon occurs in about 2-3% of patients, usually in the presence of a genetic predisposition.

Gestational diabetes can develop during pregnancy. It is also manifested by such a symptom as itching. Obesity also leads to the appearance of this disease. Indeed, sometimes a very large belly during pregnancy is associated precisely with weight gain, and not with increased development of the fetus.

Don't discount exogenous impacts. As a rule, they are associated with allergic reactions. The latter are most often accompanied by a rash. Various drugs can provoke them,including antibiotics and anesthetics, food, plant pollen, etc.

Sometimes itching is caused by wearing synthetics, which is why it is so important that maternity clothes are made from natural fabrics.

Itching symptoms

It is clear that the main symptom is itching, and we are talking about sensations of varying intensity: from a slight and almost non-irritating tingling to an almost unbearable burning sensation of the skin or mucous membranes.

Depending on the reasons that caused itching, other symptoms may appear. For example, if the whole body itches without rashes during pregnancy, this is most likely a sign of a neurological disorder.

With allergic reactions, a rash almost always appears. With urticaria, it looks like blisters from nettle burns; with psoriasis, spots appear with peeling along the edges. The rash may also look like small red nodules (in some infections).

If these symptoms appear, you should definitely consult a doctor.

Itching caused by cholestasis

Separately, cholestasis during pregnancy should be highlighted. Currently, doctors do not have a single theory that would explain it, but there are hypotheses that it is most often due to a genetic predisposition. At the same time, doctors believe that it is often associated with an increase in the concentration of estrogen.

Since this figure increases almost 1000 times by the time of delivery, cholestasis, accompanied by severe itching, is more typical for the third trimester. Estrogens increase synthesischolesterol, this changes the composition of bile due to a shift in the structure of bile acids, which leads to cholestasis.

A similar result gives an increased sensitivity to estrogens. As follows from the above, a change in the structure of bile occurs in almost all expectant mothers.

However, cholestasis still does not develop in everyone, but only in those women who have a genetically determined hypersensitivity to estrogens. In addition, the effect of progesterone plays a significant role, which has a relaxing effect, and gallbladder motility deteriorates, and bile stasis may even occur.

There are three degrees of cholestasis - mild, moderate, severe. In the first case, skin itching is mild, there is practically no risk of obstetric complications. With an average degree, severe itching occurs, which is accompanied by a sharp increase in cholesterol levels. In this case, the risk of placental insufficiency increases, and even a delay in the development of the fetus is possible.

In severe cases, in addition to severe itching of the skin, increased enzymatic activity is observed, gastroenterological disorders develop. In especially serious cases, early termination of pregnancy is even recommended.

As a rule, itching with cholestasis appears around 36-40 weeks of pregnancy. The main role is played by skin symptoms. At first, itching is felt only in the area of \u200b\u200bthe soles and palms, then it moves to the stomach and back, and soon the whole body itches.

Jaundice does not necessarily occur with cholestasis, but it doesquite possible (yellowing of the skin can be observed after about two weeks from the onset of the first itchy sensations).

In addition, with cholestasis, lightening of feces, darkening of urine, dyspeptic symptoms such as heartburn, nausea and loss of appetite are observed. If cholestasis occurs in a mild form, then one and a half to two weeks after birth, it goes away on its own.

Diagnostic methods

If itching occurs, it is recommended to consult a doctor. In addition to the general examination, additional laboratory tests are assigned:

1. General and biochemical blood tests to obtain data on the levels of bilirubin and bile acids (they change, for example, with cholestasis), iron, uric acid.
2. Adrenal and thyroid hormone tests.
3. Allergy status testing if itching is suspected to be a symptom of atopic dermatitis or urticaria. At the same time, it will be possible to install an allergen to avoid it in the future.

Various microbiological studies are carried out to confirm or exclude the presence of infection. An ultrasound of the liver may also be required.

Treatment

Not everyone knows when the whole body itches during pregnancy, what to do. Elimination of itching depends on what caused it. Only by establishing and eliminating the cause, you can get rid of the discomfort.

In cases where candidiasis or other infections are the cause, antifungals (such as nystatin ointment), antibiotics, or antivirals are used.

If we are talking aboutallergic reactions, then antihistamines are needed. True, they help relieve itching in other diseases. Basically, these are second and third generation drugs that are safer during pregnancy, for example, Gistafen or Zyrtec.

But glucocorticosteroids (for example, Advantan cream, Hydrocortisone, Prednisolone and ointments based on them) are used very limitedly during pregnancy, although they are highly effective, not only antipruritic, but also anti-inflammatory. The fact is that with prolonged use, they affect the functioning of the adrenal glands.

In cases where itching is a manifestation of neurological disorders, sedatives can be used, including those of natural origin, for example, products based on valerian root. They have a sedative effect, which will be quite enough to normalize the function of the nervous system, restore sleep and reduce itching (but only if used regularly).

If it is a manifestation of cholestasis, then drugs of ursodeoxycholic acid are prescribed, which are safe for the fetus. It stimulates the release of bile components toxic to the liver from the body. Additionally, drugs from the category of hepatoprotectors are used that restore liver function. This is, for example, Karsil. At the same time, the intake of antioxidants - ascorbic acid and vitamin E.

It is very important for cholestasis to follow a certain diet. In the diet of the expectant mother should be more protein foods, including chicken, eggs, dairy products. Additionally, you need to take linoleic, folic acid and fat-soluble vitamins.

Itching and dry skin: what to do for proper care

Very often during pregnancy, the skin becomes dry, a woman faces problems such as peeling and constant itching. This is due to the influence of many factors, including hormonal changes. But this cause can only be eliminated with proper care.

First of all, you should review the contents of the cosmetic bag. It is necessary to get rid of products with too active components, a high content of fruit acids and berry extracts, as well as with a rather pronounced perfume fragrance.

Instead, it is better to choose products that have an emollient and moisturizing effect. Often these are natural-based creams that contain extracts of pharmacy chamomile, aloe, linden, ginkgo biloba. It happens that owners of oily skin face similar problems, but then it is better to choose a remedy that will contain extracts of calendula and green tea. Itching is accompanied by the appearance of stretch marks on the skin.

Fortunately, today, against this cosmetic defect, you can pick up special creams containing moisturizing and nourishing ingredients, trace elements, ascorbic acid and vitamin E. You can choose oil from stretch marks during pregnancy. It usually contains olive or almond oil as a base.oil, as well as grape seed oil.

To avoid dry skin, it is not enough to choose special clothes for pregnant women, you need to follow the drinking regimen. It is recommended to drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day. You can moisturize the skin with thermal water.