Why does a pregnant woman's neck itch?

The itchy neck of pregnant women is mainly caused by inflammation of the skin, such as urticaria, or it may be caused by contact with allergens. Therefore, for the itchy neck, pregnant women should apply external medication for treatment. It is best for pregnant women not to take medicine during pregnancy, and everyone should take various protective measures to provide the best living environment for the fetus and avoid affecting the fetus.

1. What causes skin itching during pregnancy?

1. High blood sugar

Expectant mothers with high blood sugar levels during pregnancy, especially those with gestational diabetes, are also prone to itchy skin. The causes of skin itching are usually the following: First, the peripheral nerve endings of diabetic patients are easily inflamed, which leads to abnormal sensation in the hands and feet and itchy skin; second, due to poor microcirculation, the function of local cells also deteriorates; third, the high sugar content in the blood causes fungal growth and invasion of the skin to infect it; fourth, diabetic patients have reduced sweat secretion, and they will also itch due to excessive dryness of the skin.

2. Poor blood circulation

The growing uterus during pregnancy can also compress blood vessels, leading to poor blood circulation. If the skin cannot get enough blood nourishment, it will cause dry skin and itching.

3. Increased subcutaneous fat

During pregnancy, the expectant mother's skin is prone to dryness and itching. The main reason is the increase in subcutaneous fat, which stretches the skin epidermis, leading to an imbalance of skin moisture throughout the body and causing dry skin.

If the skin is dry, in addition to causing discomfort such as itching in pregnant mothers, during the period when the expectant mother's belly grows rapidly, the bulging abdomen will make it easier for the elastic fibers and collagen fibers of the skin to be damaged or broken, forming stretch marks.

4. Decreased immunity

Pregnant mothers have lower immunity during pregnancy and are more susceptible to various factors such as weather, allergens, pathogenic microorganisms, and are more susceptible to various skin diseases.

5. Poor bile flow

The growing uterus can compress the internal organs, resulting in poor bile flow and causing itching. As for the poor bile flow, why does it cause itching? The explanation of the principle is rather profound and obscure, but to put it simply it is: bile stasis → high concentration of bile acid accumulates in the liver → itch-causing agents are released.

It is important to be aware that severe cholestasis may also lead to intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy! This is one of the causes of perinatal death. Itching symptoms usually appear after 30 weeks of pregnancy, mainly manifested as unexplained itching of local skin, generally occurring on the soles of the feet and palms, and sometimes spreading to the back, abdominal wall, thighs, calves, etc. The degree of itching varies, and is more severe at night than during the day. There is no rash, and it is often accompanied by mild diarrhea or even jaundice. The disease may cause premature birth, developmental failure, chronic intrauterine hypoxia, and in severe cases even unexpected fetal death and stillbirth. Therefore, if severe itching occurs during pregnancy, pregnant mothers must not take it lightly.

2. How to deal with itchy skin during pregnancy?

Although itchy skin during pregnancy is a skin problem, it is also affected by many factors. To relieve itchy skin, expectant mothers should do the following:

1. Skin Moisturization

In fact, before planning to get pregnant, you should strengthen skin moisturizing care, especially in areas prone to stretch marks, such as the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, chest, etc. This can not only relieve skin itching, but also effectively prevent the appearance of stretch marks after pregnancy. How to moisturize specifically?

①The most basic moisturizing work: apply moisturizer, such as moisturizing cream or moisturizing lotion. When choosing a moisturizer, it is recommended to use products that are specially designed for pregnant women and do not contain hormones or other additives, 2-3 times a day. Before each application, it is recommended to clean the skin with water so that the product can be better absorbed.

② Bathing: Bathing can promote blood circulation, ensure normal skin metabolism and avoid dryness. However, the water should not be too hot when taking a bath. The water temperature should be controlled at around 38℃. The bath time should not be too long. Try not to use soap or shower gel. It is best to apply moisturizer immediately after washing.

③Massage : After taking a shower or applying moisturizer, pregnant mothers are advised to massage the skin with olive oil, especially the areas prone to stretch marks. Each massage lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. Do not use too much force when massaging and keep your movements gentle. If you are experiencing threatened miscarriage or are trying to preserve the fetus, you should avoid massage.

Massage Methods

Chest: Gently massage from chest toward neck.

Abdomen: With the navel as the center, use your palms to gently massage in a clockwise direction.

Buttocks & thighs: Massage slowly from the thighs toward the buttocks. If you can't see, you can massage while looking in the mirror.

④Humidification : If the climate is relatively dry and you stay in a dry environment for a long time, the moisture in your skin will slowly evaporate, so it is recommended to use a humidifier more often and control the humidity at 40%~60%.

⑤Sun protection: Under the influence of ultraviolet rays, skin problems caused by pregnancy may further increase and worsen, so expectant mothers must pay attention to sun protection and inhibit the formation of melanin.

2. Symptomatic treatment

① Lowering blood sugar and controlling blood sugar, lowering bile acid: If skin itching during pregnancy is caused by gestational diabetes or cholestasis syndrome, it is necessary to carry out blood sugar lowering and controlling blood sugar and bile acid lowering treatment, and regularly check blood sugar levels or bile acid levels.

② Fight against pathogens: If it is a pathogen infection, pregnant mothers should go to the dermatology department for specialized diagnosis and treatment in time, usually with antifungal drugs for local treatment.

③Avoid allergens: Do not touch allergens that may cause skin allergies and itching, such as food or pollen. At the same time, pay attention to maintaining a clean environment, dry quilts frequently, and wash bedspreads.

④ Avoid excessive scratching: to avoid infection. When the symptoms are mild, you can use a semi-dry cold towel for cold compress to relieve the itching of the skin.

3. Daily life

① Exercise: Exercise can effectively promote blood circulation. Especially during pregnancy, poor blood circulation is more likely to occur, so expectant mothers must exercise more.

② Sleep: High-quality sleep is an indispensable condition for skin regeneration. Lack of sleep can also lead to dry and rough skin. Therefore, expectant mothers should ensure at least 7 hours of sleep every day.

③Diet : high in protein, low in calories, and rich in vitamins, is the basis for beautiful skin. Recommended diet for skin care during pregnancy: vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals, chicken is rich in collagen, and seaweed foods help strengthen the blood.

④ Clothing: Cotton should be used as the main material to avoid friction and static electricity caused by chemical fiber clothing to reduce irritation to the skin.

Tips from the elves:

Skin itching problems can be serious or minor. For minor itching, you can just pay attention to skin moisturizing care. But for severe itching, do not endure it silently or take medicine without authorization. You must go to the hospital for examination in time to determine the cause before symptomatic treatment.