Ease prurigo-induced itching during pregnancy with these 6 easy ways

Have you ever felt itchy during pregnancy, causing red bumps like being bitten by an insect? Maybe you have prurigo. Prurigo is a condition where rashes appear on several parts of the body and feel very itchy.

This can happen to pregnant women who are experiencing hormonal changes and the immune system. In fact, one in 300 mothers experience itching during pregnancy due to prurigo. Prurigo can last for months and may even continue after you give birth. So, how to deal with itching during pregnancy caused by prurigo?

How to deal with prurigo itching during pregnancy?

Itching during pregnancy caused by prurigo will be very disturbing and hinder your activities. To overcome this, there are several natural ways you can do to help relieve prurigo symptoms during pregnancy.

• If itching occurs, don't scratch it. Scratching will only irritate the skin and eventually itch even more. Apply ice or cold water to the itchy area.
• Wear loose clothing. Tight clothing will exacerbate the itching sensation by trapping sweat, which can cause skin irritation due to friction with the fabric.
• Avoid synthetic fabrics. Synthetic materials such as polyester or rayon do not absorb sweat. Use cotton clothes that are cool and absorb sweat.
• Take a cold shower. Taking a warm shower will actually make your skin drier, which will make it easier for you to itch.
• Avoid going outside when the weather is hot, as the heat from the sun can dry out your skin even more. Ultraviolet rays from the sun can also trigger a rash on dry skin.
• Apply calamine lotion or regular (unscented) skin moisturizer several times a day to reduce itching. Avoid moisturizing products that contain urea, essential oils, salicylic acid, or retinoids. Consult your doctor first before using it.

If the methods above are not effective, you should immediately consult a doctor. Doctors generally will give topical steroids in the form of ointments, creams, or gels or antihistamines that are taken to relieve itching during pregnancy due to prurigo. Your doctor may also prescribe the drug ciclosporin to boost your immunity.

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