4 Causes of itchy breasts during pregnancy other than hormonal factors

Entering the period of pregnancy, the body undergoes changes, one of which is the difference in the breasts that characterizes pregnant people. In addition to their larger size, expectant mothers may also feel itchy breasts during pregnancy. Is this condition part of the changes during pregnancy? What are the causes of breast itching during pregnancy? The following is more complete information.

Is it normal for breasts to itch during pregnancy?

According to the page of the American Association of Pregnancy, pregnancy can change the breast.

Mothers usually complain of breast pain during pregnancy, but this is different from breast pain during menstruation. Breast pain is one of the many signs of pregnancy.

Breast changes that you experience during pregnancy include an enlarged size, more sensitivity, to a darker areola color.

Not only that, changes in the breasts that can also be experienced by pregnant women are itching.

Breast differences that occur during pregnancy can be caused by hormonal changes in the body.

Yes, during pregnancy, the hormones in the body change. This altered hormone triggers an itchy feeling in the breast.

In addition, as the fetus grows and gains weight during pregnancy, your body's skin stretches.

The stretching of the skin then brings out stretch marks which can cause itching. Both of these changes can be the cause of the appearance of itching in the breast during pregnancy.

So, emergence itching sensation in the breasts during pregnancy can be said to be normal and you don't have to worry.

Are there any medical conditions that cause itchy breasts during pregnancy?

Although itchy breasts during pregnancy is normal and common, mothers still should not underestimate this condition.

The reason is, itching in the breast can actually be a symptom of other health problems.

Here are some medical conditions that can cause breast itching during pregnancy:

1. Eczema

Eczema is an inflammation of the skin that can occur at any time, including during pregnancy. This condition causes itchy skin accompanied by the appearance of a rash, peeling, or small bumps.

Symptoms can occur anywhere on the skin, including the breasts.

The chances of eczema appearing during pregnancy are usually greater in women who have had eczema before.

If you already have eczema, the condition will continue to exist, including when you are pregnant.

That means, eczema cannot be cured and the mother needs to keep her skin healthy and stay away from all triggers.

2.

PUPP is a cause of itching during pregnancy which can also occur in the breasts. This condition causes small bumps on the skin that are itchy.

Initially, PUPP causes a small lump to appear around the abdomen which then spreads around the breasts, thighs and buttocks.

This is one of the medical reasons why breasts feel itchy when you are pregnant.

Although the exact cause of PUPP is not known, this medical condition may result from hormonal changes during pregnancy.

PUPP will usually go away as soon as you finish giving birth.

3. Prurigo

The cause of itchy breasts during pregnancy is prurigo. One of the skin diseases during pregnancy is very common in pregnant women.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the cause of prurigo is that the immune system responds to hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy.

Prurigo causes small, insect-like bumps that cause itching. Apart from the chest area, small lumps can also appear in other areas of the body.

In early pregnancy, the number of lumps that appear may be small.

Over time, the bumps on the skin that arise as a result of Prurig0 can spread and get more and more.

Even in some cases, prurigo can still appear after giving birth to a baby, either after a normal delivery or a cesarean section.

4. Intertrigo

Apart from prurigo, intertrigo can also cause itchy breasts during pregnancy. Intertrigo or intertriginous dermatitis usually occurs because the skin is moist, sweating, and experiences a lot of friction.

Intertigo is most likely to occur in pregnant women who live in hot areas. Apart from itching, intertrigo also causes a skin rash that is reddish or brown.

How to treat itchy breasts during pregnancy?

If you feel uncomfortable with the symptoms and suspect itching in the breasts is caused by a health problem, consult a doctor immediately.

Avoid using drugs without the green light from the doctor to prevent side effects that harm you and your baby during pregnancy.

The doctor may provide treatment tips so that itchy breast conditions do not worsen during pregnancy, such as:

Choose a bra that is loose and comfortable so that it doesn't increase friction or injure the skin of the breast.
Choose mild soaps without fragrances, dyes, and preservatives to prevent irritation.
Use aloe vera gel to provide a cool sensation and reduce itching and burning.
Routinely use a moisturizer so that the skin does not dry out.
Avoid hot showers, especially if you hit the itchy breast directly.
We recommend that you avoid using soap which can dry out your breast skin.
Avoid using skin care products that contain alcohol.
Avoid bathing in water that is high in chlorine, as this can dry out your skin even more.

To improve the itching sensation in the breasts during pregnancy, try to gently pat the remaining water on the skin of the breasts to make it dry quickly.

But before it is completely dry, use a moisturizer first on the breast skin area.

So, itchy breasts during pregnancy is actually a normal condition due to hormonal changes.

However, if the itching you experience is accompanied by other symptoms it could indicate a medical condition.

Therefore, you should further consult your doctor if itching in the breasts during pregnancy is getting worse and is accompanied by other symptoms.