Situations That Cause Itching During Pregnancy
Itching during pregnancy is often a natural occurrence. It is a condition seen in almost one in every four women. Itching may occur due to skin tension and hormonal changes. Itching occurs mostly in the breasts and abdomen. Just as pregnancy itself can cause itching; Itching may also occur due to reasons such as Eczema, Urticaria, Scabies, PUPPP, Pregnancy Cholestasis
Strong detergents, perfumes, shower gels and hot baths should be stopped. It may be necessary to avoid heat, wear cotton clothes, use perfume-free and additive-free hypoallergenic moisturizers, and use antihistamine lotions. If the itching is caused by fungus, scabies or a certain factor, topical treatment is applied for the factor.
I wanted to give you information about two important itchy conditions we encounter during pregnancy; One of them is PUPPP and the other one is Cholestasis of Pregnancy.
Cholestasis of Pregnancy
It is a serious disease that occurs in the late stages of pregnancy and is characterized by itching that starts in the hands and feet and spreads to the whole body. It is a serious disease in which the flow of bile in the liver of the pregnant woman stops. It is a condition that can cause problems for the mother in the long term and in the short term for the baby. It is also called Obstetric Cholestasis or Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy.
Intense itching, dark urine, light colored stool, yellow colored skin and There are typical symptoms of obstructive jaundice, including the sclera (the white part of our eye). Often, itching on the soles of the hands and feet may be the only symptom of Pregnancy Cholestasis. This condition, which causes unbearable itching, sometimes starts in the early period, but mostly occurs in the last three months.
Although the reasons are not exactly known, it is thought that the hormonal change during pregnancy slows down the function and functioning of the bile ducts and causes blockage. When the bile accumulated excessively in the liver begins to mix with the blood, Gestational Cholestasis begins to be mentioned and symptoms appear.
Having had Gestational Cholestasis in a previous pregnancy, having people in the pregnant woman's family who have had Gestational Cholestasis, and having a history of liver damage. Pregnant, having become pregnant through multiple pregnancy and in vitro fertilization k It is one of the factors that increase the risk of cholestasis. If a person has had Gestational Cholestasis once, the risk of Gestational Cholestasis in the next pregnancy increases by 70%.
Although it does not cause a big problem for the mother, it can cause serious complications for the baby. These; Complications such as premature birth, meconium aspiration syndrome, and baby death in the womb may occur. The mother may be deficient in fat-soluble vitamins. Itching usually goes away a few days after birth. In the long term, there is usually no problem with cholestasis.
For diagnosis, it is necessary to check the bile salt levels in the blood.
In treatment, Cholestyramine is given to reduce the absorption of bile. Antihistamine and corticosteroid creams are applied to reduce itching. Warm water applications can be made. Since giving birth is the only treatment for this condition, depending on the severity of the condition, birth is performed by induction of labor or Caesarean section after the baby's lung development is achieved.
Puppp (Itchy Urticaria Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy)
Usually the first It is the most common cause of itching during pregnancy, especially during the 35th week of pregnancy. It often occurs in the first pregnancy and is not seen in subsequent pregnancies. PUPPP rash almost always occurs around the striae, or stretch marks, in the abdomen. Rashes in the form of papules, vesicles and plaques may begin in the navel and spread to the thighs, buttocks, breasts and arms within a few days.
The itching that begins after the rash is harmless for the baby but very annoying for the mother. It is a condition characterized by severe itching that lasts for 5-6 weeks. It heals spontaneously a week or two after birth.
PUPPPThe cause is unknown. Preeclampsia is not associated with a hormonal disorder, an autoimmune disease, or a congenital anomaly in the baby. Although there are various theories, there is no definitive cause yet.
There is no specific test for the diagnosis of PUPPP. Diagnosis is made by clinical appearance. Since it is not difficult to make a diagnosis, biopsy is usually not taken.
Treatment is usually steroid creams, antihistamine creams, and if the itching is very severe, oral corticosteroids and antihistamines. little ones are given. Oral antihistamines are not as effective as corticosteroids in itching. However, it has benefits in helping the patient sleep at night.
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