Skin changes are common during pregnancy. The cause of
these skin changes is not fully understood, but rising levels of pregnancy
hormones are the most likely cause. Most skin changes that occur during
pregnancy are not serious and go away after delivery.
Many women
will develop redness on the palms of the hands (palmar erythema) during
pregnancy. In some women, the red areas are also itchy. Palmar erythema is
thought to be caused by increased levels of estrogen during pregnancy. The
problem is not serious and usually goes away shortly after delivery.
Dry, stretching skin tends to be itchy. Your growing belly is likely to
be the most itchy part of your body as your pregnancy progresses. To manage
itchy skin, do not take hot showers or baths. After bathing, pat your skin dry
and put a moisturizer on your skin before it has fully dried. Do not use drying
soaps, skin products with alcohol, or heavily chlorinated water. These may make
your skin even drier. If you live in a dry climate, use a humidifier at home.
Talk to your doctor if your itchy skin is severe or ongoing.
Blisters may appear with a viral infection, such as chickenpox or
shingles, or after an insect bite.
There are several types of skin
bumps that affect pregnant women, such as pemphigoid gestationis, pruritic
urticarial papules, prurigo, and pruritic folliculitis. Most of these skin
changes are mild but it is important to talk to your doctor if you have skin
sores or blisters and itching. A more serious condition may be present if you
also have:
- Shaking chills or fever.
- Muscle or
joint aches.
- A moderate to severe headache.
- A vague
sense of illness (malaise).
- Belly cramps.
- Nausea or
vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
