Itchy rash on belly during late pregnancy

In the late pregnancy, the belly is itchy and small rashes appear. This is an obvious manifestation of pregnancy rashes. Pregnancy rashes are a common health problem among pregnant women. When such a problem occurs, it is still quite painful for pregnant women. If it cannot be treated in time, it will not only affect the pregnant woman, but also the development of the fetus. Below, we will introduce you to the relevant knowledge of pregnancy rashes in detail!

1. Causes

The causes of pregnancy itching may be related to the excessive estrogen content in the pregnant woman's blood and the cholestasis. Researchers believe that due to the prolonged gallbladder emptying time of pregnant women, the gallbladder swells and the tension decreases, resulting in cholestasis, increased bile acid and bile salt content, and skin itching.

2. Clinical manifestations

It often occurs in the last two months of pregnancy, especially within two weeks before delivery. The rash morphology is the same as that of early-onset pruritus gravidarum, and papules and urticaria-like rashes can also be seen, which are very similar to erythema multiforme. The rash often first occurs on old stretch marks (atrophic marks) on the abdominal wall, and then quickly spreads to the whole body, with severe itching. Secondary rashes such as scratches, blood scabs and lichenification can be seen due to scratching. The disease will disappear on its own 2 to 3 weeks after delivery, leaving temporary pigmentation.

3. Treatment

1. Instruct patients to live as regularly as possible, take showers frequently, keep their skin clean, and avoid eating spicy and irritating foods.

2. Glucocorticoids have a good effect on severe pregnancy pruritus and can reduce the occurrence of stillbirth. Pregnant women should use medication for a short period of time as much as possible, and prednisone is often used to shorten the course of treatment as much as possible. After the symptoms are significantly alleviated, the dosage can be gradually reduced and maintained until the medication is stopped. Glucocorticoids should not be used after delivery.

3. To relieve itching, local skin application is feasible. The drugs that can be used include glycerin/sodium chloride (compound glycerin) lotion (glycerin, 95% ethanol, distilled water), antipruritic tincture (liquefied phenol, mint, salicylic acid, 75% ethanol added to 100ml), calamine lotion (calamine, zinc oxide, glycerin, 100ml calcium hydroxide solution), etc.

4. Use antihistamines, usually diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, etc.