Skin irritation during pregnancy is not uncommon. Your skin goes through changes due to hormone fluctuations. This brings on conditions such as dry skin, discoloration and stretch marks. The itching may also be unrelated to your pregnancy. It may be coming from an external source such as an allergy or eczema. Talk to your doctor if you are running a fever or if there are signs of infection.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is often itchy and flaky. As your pregnancy progresses, your skin stretches and this leads to dryness. Initially, you may notice the itching in the stomach area first, but it can appear anywhere, including the legs. Apply a moisturizer regularly to help relieve the itching. If necessary, rub an over-the-counter anti-itch cream on the affected areas to relieve the dryness and soothe the irritation. Take showers when possible and avoid soaking in the bathtub. Hot baths will dry your skin further.
Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques - PUPP
PUPP is a rash-like condition that often comes hand-in-hand with dry skin. PUPP presents as red patches on the skin that itch intensely. As with dry skin, they begin on the abdomen, but can appear on the thighs as well. Treatment is the same for both dry skin and PUPP. The goal is to diminish dryness. Taking a bath in a commercial oatmeal soak may help with the itching.
Stretch Marks
Skin is made up of a network of connective tissue. Stretch marks appears when the skin is pushed outward due to weight gain or a growing baby. Indentations form between the fibers in the network. Ninety percent of pregnant women will have stretch marks somewhere on their bodies, according to the American Pregnancy Association. You may experience stretch marks on the legs that are more typically found on the thighs. Dry skin is often a complication of stretch marks and part of what will be causing the itching.
Allergic Reaction
Being pregnant does not make you exempt from other medical problems. Food and airborne allergies can both present as itching skin rashes on any area, including the legs. Skin reactions due to allergies produce tiny red dots. Eczema is a chronic condition that allergies may trigger. With eczema, you develop blisters that itch and eventually break. The most effective treatment for an allergic reaction is to avoid the trigger. You may use an over-the-counter hydro-cortisone cream. Your obstetrician may prescribe an antihistamine, as well.
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