The situation when the whole body itches during pregnancy is a fairly common phenomenon. It can not always be considered a pathology, sometimes it’s just a natural reaction to skin stretching and other physiological changes that occur during pregnancy.
But you should not leave such an itch unattended, since 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 this number of women that encounters a similar phenomenon. True, in some itching may be mild, in others it may be more intense.
In about half of cases, itching in the genital area is noted, 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 caused by skin itching. It may be associated with 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. In 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.
Be that as it may, such sensations must be reported to the doctor so that he can prescribe the appropriate treatment.
If the whole body itches during pregnancy, the causes may be different. They can be classified as follows.
Skin diseases
Women, especially those with a genetic predisposition to allergic reactions, are highly likely to develop contact or atopic dermatitis.
Some expectant mothers have an exacerbation of psoriasis and eczema. Itchy sensations throughout the body may be associated with the development of scabies and other skin diseases.
Systemic pathology
Itching is accompanied by various diseases of the internal organs, which are characterized by intoxication of the body. This, 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 sensation of itching.
Genital infections
With these diseases, itching is felt only in a certain area due to the fact that irritation of the delicate mucous membranes by toxins occurs. Such diseases include candidiasis, gardnerellosis, genital herpes and much more.
Very often, in addition to reducing 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 sensation or goosebumps on the skin, may indicate disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system.
Sometimes these are consequences of stress, sometimes postherpetic neuralgia, but it can be a symptom of a more serious illness, for example, multiple sclerosis or a brain tumor.
Other reasons
The reasons when the whole body itches during pregnancy are:
- Urological diseases, when itching becomes a manifestation of urethritis, cystitis and other similar disorders.
- Dermatoses during pregnancy. This phenomenon is observed in approximately 2-3% of patients, as a rule, in the presence of a genetic predisposition.
During pregnancy, so-called gestational diabetes can develop. It also manifests itself in a symptom such 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 enhanced development of the fetus.
Do not neglect exogenous effects. As a rule, they are associated with allergic reactions. The latter are most often accompanied by a rash. Various medications can provoke them, including antibiotics and anesthetics, food, plant pollen, etc.
Sometimes the cause of itching is wearing synthetics, which is why it is so important that the clothes for pregnant women are made from natural fabrics.
Itching symptoms
It is clear that the main symptom is itching, and we are talking about sensations of different intensities: from mild and almost non-irritating tingling to almost unbearable burning of the skin or mucous membranes.
Other symptoms may appear depending on the cause of the itching. For example, if the entire body itches without rashes during pregnancy, this is most likely a sign of a neurological disorder.
In allergic reactions, a rash appears almost always. With hives, it is similar to blisters from nettle burns, with psoriasis, spots appear with peeling at the edges. The rash may also resemble small red nodules (for some infectious diseases).
If such symptoms appear, you should always consult a doctor.
Cholestasis pruritus
Separately, cholestasis should be distinguished during pregnancy. Currently, physicians do not have a unified 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 estrogen concentration.
Since this indicator increases almost 1000 times by the time of childbirth, cholestasis, accompanied by severe itching, is more characteristic of the third trimester. Estrogens increase the synthesis of cholesterol, this changes the composition of bile due to a shift in the structure of bile acids, which leads to cholestasis.
Hypersensitivity to estrogens gives a similar result. 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 all, but only in those women who have genetically determined hypersensitivity to estrogens. In addition, the effect of progesterone plays a significant role, which gives a relaxing effect, and the motility of the gallbladder worsens, bile congestion can even occur.
Three degrees of cholestasis are distinguished - mild, moderate, and severe. In the first case, skin itching is weak, there is practically no risk of obstetric complications. With a moderate degree, severe itching occurs, which is accompanied by a sharp increase in cholesterol. In this case, the risk of fetoplacental insufficiency increases, 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 at about 36-40 weeks of pregnancy. The main role is played by skin symptoms. At first, itching is felt only in the area of the soles and palms, then it passes to the stomach and back, and soon the whole body itches.
Jaundice does not necessarily occur with cholestasis, but it is quite possible (yellowing of the skin can occur after about two weeks from the onset of the first itching sensations).
In addition, with cholestasis, lightening of feces, darkening of urine, dyspeptic symptoms like heartburn, nausea, and loss of appetite are observed. If cholestasis occurs in a mild form, then one and a half to two weeks after giving birth, it passes by itself.
Diagnostic methods
If itching occurs, it is recommended to consult a doctor. In addition to a general examination, additional laboratory tests are prescribed:
- A general and biochemical blood test to obtain data on the levels of bilirubin and bile acids (they change, for example, with cholestasis), iron, uric acid.
- Tests for adrenal and thyroid hormones.
- Studies of allergic status if itching is suspected to be a symptom of atopic dermatitis or urticaria. At the same time, it will be possible to establish an allergen to avoid it in the future.
To confirm or exclude the presence of infection, various microbiological studies are carried out. An ultrasound of the liver may also be required.
Treatment
Not everyone knows when the whole body itches during pregnancy what to do. The elimination of itching depends on what caused it. Only by establishing and eliminating the cause, you can get rid of discomfort.
In cases where candidiasis or other infections are the cause, antifungal drugs (e.g. nystatin ointment), antibiotics, or antiviral agents are used.
If we are talking about allergic 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, “Histafen” or “Zirtek”.
But glucocorticosteroids (for example, Advantan, Hydrocortisone, Prednisolone cream and ointments based on them) are used very limited during pregnancy, although they are highly effective, not only antipruritic, but also anti-inflammatory. The fact is that with prolonged use, they affect the work of the adrenal glands.
In cases where itching is a manifestation of neurological disorders, sedative drugs, including those of natural origin, for example, agents based on valerian root can be used. 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 with regular use).
If it is a manifestation of cholestasis, then preparations of ursodeoxycholic acid, which are safe for the fetus, are prescribed. It stimulates the release of bile toxic components of the liver from the body. Additionally, drugs from the category of hepatoprotectors that restore liver function are used. This, for example, "Carsil". At the same time, the intake of antioxidants - ascorbic acid and vitamin E.
It is very important to follow a certain diet for cholestasis. The future mother's diet should have 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 is faced with problems such as peeling and constant itching. This is due to the influence of many factors, including hormonal changes. But this reason can be eliminated only 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 a sufficiently pronounced perfume fragrance.
Instead, it is better to choose products that have a softening and moisturizing effect. Often these are natural-based creams that contain extracts from 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, green tea. Itching is accompanied by the appearance of stretch marks on the skin.
Fortunately, today against this cosmetic flaw, you can choose special creams containing moisturizing and nutritional components, trace elements, ascorbic acid and vitamin E. You can choose the oil from stretch marks during pregnancy. It usually contains olive or almond 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 a drinking regimen. It is recommended to drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day. You can moisturize the skin with thermal water.