I ITCH. And I'm a little concerned...

[QuiteLikeRain]

Ok. I've started itching likes nobody's business. it's mostly concentrated on the soles of my feet and the palms of my hands, and it's really getting out of control. I mean, my belly is somewhat itchy and my arms are too, but I'm used to that. This hand & foot itchiness has come on suddenly and it's driving me batty.

I actually sat with my feet in the bathtub today, with Palmer's cocoa butter itchy skin oil in it, using a pumice stone to scratch my feet. So, I did some looking online, and now I'm freaked out about cholestasis...

What do you think? Should I call my midwife? WWYD? I have an appointment on Thursday anyway, when I'll be 39w. I haven't got any other symptoms except for the loss of sleep thing (in fact, I was laying awake early this morning scratching my feet). I've definitely been stressed out (Grampa's death, teenage son being a jerkface), but I've been drinking water like a fiend so my urine is practically clear, etc.

Anyone have any experience with this?

TIA!
Erin

[Mindy70]

I have been super itchy too, everywhere! I wake up at night to pee and end up scratching my thighs, my arms, the top of my feet...its like once I get started, I can't stop scratching! I think we need a good body lotion like I use on my son, aquaphor or something.

[aran]

I would call the mw probably. I've read (but only on the boards here - not "officially") that this kind of itching is sometimes caused by liver enzyme issues that need to be addressed in a timely manner. No harm in calling, right? Good luck!

[Rico'sAlice]

My midwife said that it could be related to the liver working overtime, but didn't act alarmed. But she's very laid back...
Anyway, she suggested Dandelion and yellowdock tinctures.


And from Midwifery Today: "Itching Skin During Pregnancy"

http://www.midwiferytoday.com/enews/enews0501.asp#main

[kdtmom2be]

I agree with Rico'sAlice, try the dandelion root, it is usually related to your liver. HOWEVER, call your midwife and let her know, it CAN be a symptom of ICP and if so can be serious, BUT it is also a symptom of several other innocuous pregnancy related rashes, so don't worry too much about it. Get her opinion, keep her informed and keep an eye on it. Mine was due to stress and was accompanied by hives, all of which was relieved by apo-hydroxizine. And, FWIW, it's back today and I'm not even pregnant any more!

[sarabrynn82]

Definitely try the dandelion root - I was getting a wicked case of puppps, but after taking the maximum dosage for a week it was totally gone... in the meantime, you can try Grandpa's Pine Tar Soap to help give some itch relief - that got me through til the rash subsided. Or I also kept a small bowl of oatmeal bath made up in the bathroom to rub on problem areas...

HTH