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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Severe Itching On Left Shoulder And Back

Hi, I am experience severe itching on my left shoulder/back, down my arm, especially at night. I am 36 weeks pregnant and have never had this symptom before. I made an appointment with the dermatologist but am considering it might be something a bit more serious. It is effecting my sleep and am concerned it is effecting my baby.
Wed, 26 Nov 2014
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Dermatologist,  's  Response
Hello,

I can understand you concern for the severe itching on left shoulder and back 36 weeks pregnancy.

Let me reassure you that your itching related to abnormal weight gains in the mother. As the weight gain occurs in third trimester so it can occur any time after 28 weeks. It occurs most commonly in first pregnancy because of excessive abdominal distension which acts as a trigger for the skin changes.

It remains till the delivery of the baby and gets relived and so is the distension and therefore the itching too.

I suggest my patients to apply a topical emollients or bland moisturizer for atleast 10-15 times a day after mild cold compression.

In case if the itching is not reduced then I prefer to give Loratadine (Claritin) for one to two times a day. This is antihistamine tablet which is safest in pregnancy.

All the best.
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Suggest Treatment For Severe Itching On Left Shoulder And Back

Hello, I can understand you concern for the severe itching on left shoulder and back 36 weeks pregnancy. Let me reassure you that your itching related to abnormal weight gains in the mother. As the weight gain occurs in third trimester so it can occur any time after 28 weeks. It occurs most commonly in first pregnancy because of excessive abdominal distension which acts as a trigger for the skin changes. It remains till the delivery of the baby and gets relived and so is the distension and therefore the itching too. I suggest my patients to apply a topical emollients or bland moisturizer for atleast 10-15 times a day after mild cold compression. In case if the itching is not reduced then I prefer to give Loratadine (Claritin) for one to two times a day. This is antihistamine tablet which is safest in pregnancy. All the best.