 |
| Why itchy feet during pregnancy: causes and treatment |
There is nothing more annoying than an itch. Just thinking about it makes you even more irritated and want to
scratch. Alas, some women experience an outbreak of itchy skin during pregnancy. Itching can occur all over the
body or be limited to a few areas, such as the feet.
Often, itchy feet during pregnancy are quite common and not a sign of problems. However, if your skin is
constantly itchy, it's important to report it to your doctor so he or she can rule out a condition called pregnancy
cholestasis, a liver disease that can cause itchy legs and arms during pregnancy.
Let's take a closer look at why your feet may itch during pregnancy, what the causes are, when to seek medical
attention and, most importantly, how to get the relief you need.
Why do feet itch during pregnancy?
There are several different reasons why feet can itch during pregnancy, including hormones, excessive sweating,
and skin conditions such as psoriasis. These conditions are not considered serious and can be treated with home
comfort measures or doctor-approved medications.
Sometimes itchy feet during pregnancy are caused by a condition called pregnancy cholestasis. In cholestasis,
hormones cause liver dysfunction, which causes a buildup of bile in the liver and bloodstream, and ultimately
leads to severe itching of the legs and arms, sometimes the abdominal area. Cholestasis can be dangerous for a
child, so it is important to treat it and report any persistent itching to your doctor.
Causes of itchy feet in pregnancy
Hormonal changes can affect your nerve endings, making them more sensitive and prone to itching. Some
patients find that their nerves become more sensitive than usual during pregnancy, especially if they have any
comorbidities. In particular, pregnant women with fibromyalgia or other nerve-related conditions may experience
increased skin irritability and itching during pregnancy."
Pregnancy also causes the skin to stretch, which can lead to dehydration and moisture loss, and this too can cause
itching. Many moms-to-be find that their feet have become flattened, as if they've grown in size and don't fit into
their usual shoes. And it's not the swelling - it's relaxed ligaments in the feet. A wider surface of stretched skin can
cause feet to become drier or, conversely, sweaty, which can lead to itching.
Sometimes certain skin conditions may first appear or worsen during pregnancy. For example, psoriasis, an
autoimmune skin condition that causes itchy red or silvery patches, can worsen while carrying a baby. Although
pregnancy often causes relief from the condition, scientists at Ankara University indicate that in about 10-20% of
women, pregnancy worsens the course of psoriasis.
Another skin condition that can occur during pregnancy is PUPPPP (pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of
pregnancy). PUPPPP is not considered serious or harmful to the baby, but it can be a very uncomfortable
condition. It usually appears as an itchy rash on the abdomen and can spread to the thighs, arms, and buttocks.
Typically, this disease doesn't affect the ankles, but it can't be ruled out completely - it happens too.
What you need to know about pregnancy cholestasis
Cholestasis, also known as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy or obstetric cholestasis, is a liver disease that
affects about one or two out of every 1,000 expectant mothers, and is responsible for one in four cases of jaundice
in pregnant women, according to scientists at Bashkir State Medical University. It is also a major serious cause of
itching during pregnancy, especially if you experience itchy feet and hands.
Diagnosis of cholestasis includes blood tests and a physical examination. Treatment includes medication; if it
doesn't work, early delivery may be required.
Cases of itchy feet during pregnancy that are not related to cholestasis usually respond well to home remedies as
well as topical medications. Remedies such as warm or cool water baths, cold compresses, and frequent changes
of socks should be tried first. Dry feet can cause itching, so moisturizers can help. You can use a moisturizer with
anti-itch ingredients, such as calamine lotion.
If cholestasis is diagnosed, however, correcting the underlying cause will reduce the itching. Your doctor will
most likely prescribe a medication called ursodeoxycholic acid. Itching from cholestasis can be reduced with
warm baths, moisturizers and antihistamines, but you can not give up on treating cholestasis itself - everything
else is just auxiliary methods. Of course, you should coordinate any medications you plan to use with your doctor.
In some cases, itching and painful sensations in the legs can be caused by varicose veins, also quite common in
pregnant women.