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What Causes Itching Sensation On The Skin During Pregnancy?

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Posted on Mon, 24 Oct 2016
Question: hi

I am 30 week pregnant .I am feeling itching whole body specially palm and feet . please advice me
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Answered by Dr. Scott Rebich (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Gall bladder disease, hormonal changes, dry skin, eczema, or polycythemia

Detailed Answer:
Hi there,

Pregnant women generally itch for a couple different reasons: Gall bladder disease, hormonal changes, dry skin and eczema, or too many red blood cells. If you aren't have any right upper quadrant abdominal pain or jaundice (yellowing of the skin), then it is more likely caused by too many red blood cells, which is also known as polycythemia, or eczema. The red blood cells release too much histamine which causes itching, especially after showers.

I would highly recommend seeing your doctor who can run some basic labs. I would also recommend getting screening for gall bladder disease at the same time. Treatment is usually removing the red blood cells. There is also medication that can help.

In the meantime, I would recommend avoiding salt. I would also recommend a low fat diet. Try to avoid hot showers. Use moisturize twice a day on the itchy areas.

The itching goes away with delivery of your baby.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Scott Rebich

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2015

Answered : 283 Questions

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What Causes Itching Sensation On The Skin During Pregnancy?

Brief Answer: Gall bladder disease, hormonal changes, dry skin, eczema, or polycythemia Detailed Answer: Hi there, Pregnant women generally itch for a couple different reasons: Gall bladder disease, hormonal changes, dry skin and eczema, or too many red blood cells. If you aren't have any right upper quadrant abdominal pain or jaundice (yellowing of the skin), then it is more likely caused by too many red blood cells, which is also known as polycythemia, or eczema. The red blood cells release too much histamine which causes itching, especially after showers. I would highly recommend seeing your doctor who can run some basic labs. I would also recommend getting screening for gall bladder disease at the same time. Treatment is usually removing the red blood cells. There is also medication that can help. In the meantime, I would recommend avoiding salt. I would also recommend a low fat diet. Try to avoid hot showers. Use moisturize twice a day on the itchy areas. The itching goes away with delivery of your baby.