itchy pregnancy

[gator422]

Hi,  I am 6 weeks pregnant and for the last week have had an unbelievable time itching.  At first I thought I was having an allergic reaction to jelly beans.  After much searching on-line, urticaria fits my symptoms exactly. Especially "dermographism".  I have been told by a family member that is an OB that it is because of high estrogen and progesterone levels from the pregnancy. I have my  first doctor visit tomorrow.  Can this last the whole pregnancy?  I'ld rather have morning sickness then this!
Thanks

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

What medications has your dermatologist advised?

You should discuss all that your skin specialist told you in detail with your OBG too.

Follow up with your skin specialist for a review.

Let us know how you are doing and if you have any doubts.

Regards.

[gator422]

The dermatologist does not think it is the antibiotic. I have been off of it for two weeks and it should be out of my system already.  He thinks it is pregnancy induced urticaria. Even though I am only seven weeks along and most women don't develop it till the third trimester.  I have to switch to all fragrance free products and see if that helps, keep a log and talk to my ob again on Monday to see about taking meds/lotions the derm recommended.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Do not panic - the symptoms will resolve in some time. It is good that you are reviewing with your skin specialist.

Talk to him/her about the response to medications, and whether a change in dosage is required.

Keep us posted about how the appointment goes.

Regards.

[gator422]

It's my entire body that itches.  Some areas are worse then others.  I made an appointment with a Dermatologist for in the morning.  Thanks

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Well the exact time span aout the itching sensation resolving cannot be predicted. You should continue with the medications as prescribed and also review with your doctor in case any aggravation of symptoms.

Keep the area clean and wear lose clothes.

What are the sites that you have the itching?

Let us know how you are doing and if you have any other doubts.

Keep us posted.

Regards.

[gator422]

Thanks.  I have some Aveeno lotions, caladryl, and Benadryl that help.  My biggest question now is... How long am I going to itch??? I started antibiotics 3/10 for 10 days.  It was a few days after I stopped taking them (3/24 or 3/25) that I started to itch.  I'ld rather have morning sickness then go through this.  It's AWFUL!!!!!  

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Glad the post was of some help. Congrats on being able to find out the cause of your symptoms.

Reaching the correct diagnosis is most important for the correct management.

Ask your doctor to prescribe some lotions nad also review with your doctor in some time.

Let us know about how you are doing and if you have any doubts.

Regards.

[gator422]

My appointment went well. Thank you. I am having a severe allergic reaction to Amoxocillin that I was on two weeks ago for an ear/sinus infection.  I had taken a pregnancy test before I started it and it was negative. The week after it was positive! She said I can take Benadryl (but to try and stay away from it) and stick with lotions.  Come to find out, my mom said I had an allergic reaction it as a small child- I got really hyper.  Theythought at the time it was the dye or flavoring.  I'll keep you posted!  Thanks!

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

You should relax and discuss your symptoms with your doctor.

Nothing can be said with surety for now, but a detailed clinical examination would help in reaching a diagnosis.

If it in fact is severe you would be prescribed some antiallergic medications that can be taken safely in pregnancy.

You could apply calamine lotion at the sites of the lesion to help soothe the itching.

Let us know how your appointment with the doctor goes and what is advised.

Post us about how you are doing and if you have any other doubts.

Regards.