Itchy legs and Back!

Hi All,

I am expecting my first baby this May! My legs itch a lot these days...Today morning it was really unbearable..I ended up scratching myself for two three hours...I apply Cocoa butter oil, or baby oil or moisturizer but nothing seems to work. Called my dcotor and she suggsted calamine..it did help a lil bit..Can anyone of you suggest something that would help relieve this?. Also is this itching normal? or is it something that i should worry about.

Thanks,
Lakshmi

• Wear loose cotton clothing.
• Itching may be soothed by dissolving a cup of bicarbonate of soda in your bathwater.
• Try dabbing calamine lotion onto itchy skin - especially soothing if you keep the bottle in the fridge.
• A few drops of lavender oil (in the last three months of pregnancy) and/or tea tree oil in your bath may also offer relief from itching, whether or not there is a rash. Tea tree oil has proven medicinal benefits; consult packaging and enclosed literature to find out more. If in any doubt, ask your pharmacist or a qualified aromatherapist.
• Treat sweat rashes by washing frequently in cool water, and sprinkling on non-perfumed talcum powder. Your pharmacist may be able to suggest other safe treatments.
• If a rash does not improve with these simple measures, consult your doctor. Specific anti-fungal or other treatments may be appropriate. Alternatively, she or he may prescribe antihistamine cream or tablets.

Another condition to look for:
If you experience severe itching which occurs on your arms, legs and feet as well as on your body, consult your doctor. It could be a symptom of a rare liver disease called obstetric cholestasis. Other symptoms of the disease may include loss of appetite and generally feeling unwell.

All of the above said was taken from different websites. It is not meant to scare you... but hope it will provide some insight to you.
Make sure you discuss about the cholestasis condition with your ob/gyn & test for the same if necessary. Most often it is pruritis or general itchiness caused by expanding skin, changes in hormones & is very easily controlled. Don't damage your skin by scratching & scarring. Most often you should be able to get antihistamine ointments to apply.
I'm wasn't sure about where you lived or which trimester you are in... Anyway if you can also get a good dermatologist's opinion that'll go a long way in treating it. Cetaphil moisturizer & soaps are the best ones available in U.S. markets (you DON'T need prescription for it). Hope you feel better soon.

L.

Hi Lavanya,
Thanks for the post. I live in the U.S and am in my third trimester. How do I add Lavendar oil to my bath?? I applied Calamine lotion and it feels better. The doctor has asked me to get in touch with her if the itching doesnt subside by evening or latest tomorrow morning. I do not have any rashes..I can see my skin is extra dry...though I use moisturizers! I do know why though!

Regards,
L

Hi Lakshmi

I am also expecting my first baby in March and I too sometimes get itchy skin. Mostly its on my stomach. I apply baby oil right after I take a shower when my skin is still wet and I use cocoa butter also esp. at night. Check to see what kind of soap you are using, make sure it has a moisturizer in it like Dove. And don't take very hot showers/baths use very mild water. Skin gets very dry when you use hot water. Hope these tips help. Let me know... and Good Luck with the baby....

Hi Lakshmi,
Like I said before Cetaphil products are the best as they are non-comeodogenic & have no irritants. Aveeno (oatmeal) products are helpful too. For Lavender oil, you have to get good quality - Bath & body works has good stuff. Any aromatic oils are used very sparingly. Generally bath tub is filled with hot water & depending on the amount of water couple drops to a tsp of oil is added to it. The problem with this is, the water can aromatize the oil only if its hot, but since your skin is already dry it "may" dry it even more. So may be you can get lavender shower gel (I've tried from bath & body works). You can apply a small amount & make lather & shower. It helps to relax too. Also if you tell the consultants in the shop that you are looking for something to soothe irritated dry skin, they will suggest what type of lavender or other products you can buy & how to use them.
Like your ob/gyn said, if it doesn't subside you should call. They might be able to give antihistamines to help too. Use chilled calamine lotion. Don't use anything that dries eg. sandalwood paste starts out cool but dries skin later. You can apply cream just before n' after showering... that way when you shower there's still a layer of oil. Don't be worried I'm sure its 'coz of estrogen & the bad weather on top of it, isn't helping. Good luck!
L.

Is your itching more linked to yr pregnancy or general dryness? I ask cos when we lived in London, my legs and back used to itch like mad. As u have written, I used to scratch for hours endlessly. (I was not pregeant). I used all kind of cool, soothing lotions etc, drank water, nothing worked.

Then finally my neighbour, a German doctor discovered the problem. The steam radiator used to heat the room in winter was drying my skin out. She advised me to put a dripping wet towel over the radiator in the room I sat. I dunno if this is a soln for you, maybe in US it is electric heating.

Goodluck with your pregnancy and delivery!

affly
Vidya

Hi Lavanya,
Thanks for the detailed reply! Calamine seems to working so far.....Yesterday night I was able to sleep through after applying calamine! Morning was fine till I wore my coat and socks...those portions of the body in contact with these two are itching:)...I will check out Bath and body works this weekend! Are you aware or any "nammu oooru types" remedy for itchy skin?

Thanks,
Lakshmi

Originally Posted by Lavanya

Hi Lakshmi,
Like I said before Cetaphil products are the best as they are non-comeodogenic & have no irritants. Aveeno (oatmeal) products are helpful too. For Lavender oil, you have to get good quality - Bath & body works has good stuff. Any aromatic oils are used very sparingly. Generally bath tub is filled with hot water & depending on the amount of water couple drops to a tsp of oil is added to it. The problem with this is, the water can aromatize the oil only if its hot, but since your skin is already dry it "may" dry it even more. So may be you can get lavender shower gel (I've tried from bath & body works). You can apply a small amount & make lather & shower. It helps to relax too. Also if you tell the consultants in the shop that you are looking for something to soothe irritated dry skin, they will suggest what type of lavender or other products you can buy & how to use them.
Like your ob/gyn said, if it doesn't subside you should call. They might be able to give antihistamines to help too. Use chilled calamine lotion. Don't use anything that dries eg. sandalwood paste starts out cool but dries skin later. You can apply cream just before n' after showering... that way when you shower there's still a layer of oil. Don't be worried I'm sure its 'coz of estrogen & the bad weather on top of it, isn't helping. Good luck!
L.

Wet towel may not be a solution, butI am going to get a humidifier! I always have extra dry skin. Pregnancy has made it worse I guess...I applied moisturize rabout 1.5 hours ago and my skin is so scaly now..I fail to understand why it dries out so fast:(...did u try any "namma ooru" oil ? If so please let me know...Some people say Olive oil and shorterning helps..have you tried any of that?

Thanks,
Lakshmi

Originally Posted by vidya24

Is your itching more linked to yr pregnancy or general dryness? I ask cos when we lived in London, my legs and back used to itch like mad. As u have written, I used to scratch for hours endlessly. (I was not pregeant). I used all kind of cool, soothing lotions etc, drank water, nothing worked.

Then finally my neighbour, a German doctor discovered the problem. The steam radiator used to heat the room in winter was drying my skin out. She advised me to put a dripping wet towel over the radiator in the room I sat. I dunno if this is a soln for you, maybe in US it is electric heating.

Goodluck with your pregnancy and delivery!

affly
Vidya

Thanks for the reply! I normall like to take extra hot showers:) Since yday night started taking in lukewarm water...My stomach doesnt itch that much as I Cocoa butter helps. My legs and back...legs r so totally out of control, rather was till I applied calamine..the skin is very very dry for some reason and nothing seems to work...

Lakshmi

Originally Posted by desiprincess

Hi Lakshmi

I am also expecting my first baby in March and I too sometimes get itchy skin. Mostly its on my stomach. I apply baby oil right after I take a shower when my skin is still wet and I use cocoa butter also esp. at night. Check to see what kind of soap you are using, make sure it has a moisturizer in it like Dove. And don't take very hot showers/baths use very mild water. Skin gets very dry when you use hot water. Hope these tips help. Let me know... and Good Luck with the baby....

Here's some "Namma ooru type" as you call it ... I had to smile there.
Anyway, try cream/whey from yogurt/milk before you shower. Gingelly oil or olive oil masage prior to shower also helps to increase the coating on the skin.
But remember this whatever you do to the outside will last only so long as you don't use harsh soaps & rinse them too much. Have considered changing your diet too? Include olive oil & other vegetable oils in your diet with salads etc. You don't have to consume deep fried stuff for that though. Also if you can include a dab of butter with your meal. Keep yourself hydrated, don't wear acrylics, rayon or any other synthetic material. Don't keep your house hot or extremely cold. Keep it around 75-78 degrees if you can tolerate that temperature. Whatever is said n' done antihistamines can definitely stop you from scratching. Also make a conscious effort to redirect your thoughts to prevent scratching.
L.