Urticaria in Pregnancy

Urticaria in pregnancy can be a great annoyance. Urticaria is a skin rash triggered by allergen as well as non-allergen stimuli. Pregnancy is one situation in which there is a greater chance of urticaria being developed. The condition is known as pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy, or PUPPP for short. It typically begins on the skin of the abdominal area, and it gradually spreads to other parts of the body, such as the chest, arms, legs, and neck, etc.

It is commonly believed that hormone fluctuations and other changes that occur in the body during pregnancy are the cause of histamines to be released, which leads to urticaria. In many cases, tiny welts also appear, similar to the kind that develop in certain types of eczema. The rash of urticaria in pregnancy is usually quite itchy, and extremely irritating.

Antihistamines are the most commonly used drug to cure urticaria; however, due to pregnancy, taking them is not recommended. Therefore, simple measures to soothe the rash are advisable. As there is no underlying cause, symptomatic treatment is enough. Applying calamine lotion to the affected area can relieve the itching without any risk to you or to your unborn child. Some people find it more soothing if the calamine lotion has been cooled by refrigeration. It is better to avoid any other anti-itch lotions, as they may contain chemicals not suitable for your condition. The most convenient and calming remedy is to cool the affected area of the skin with a cloth dipped in cold water. You may repeat this process as many times as you desire.

In severe cases, these remedies may not provide adequate relief. If this is the case with you, you will need to consult your doctor. It is advisable to consult your doctor before opting for any treatment for urticaria, especially when pregnant.