Stretch marks are itchy and pimples

After a woman becomes pregnant, she will find that there are many lines on her belly, waist, thighs and other parts, and the color of the lines becomes darker as the belly grows. These are actually common stretch marks, which are caused by the stretching of the skin and the breakage of skin fibers. However, many pregnant women have a common feeling, that is, stretch marks appear bumpy and itchy. What is going on? How to deal with it?

Why are there red bumps and itchy bumps on stretch marks?

The red bumps and stretch marks on the belly are a type of prurigo gravidarum, which is more common in multiple pregnancies and is widespread all over the body. The rash is light red or normal skin color papules, the size of mung beans, and is extremely itchy. It occurs in the early stage of pregnancy between 3 and 4 months, and in the late stage 2 months after delivery. If the itchy stretch marks of a pregnant mother refer to the small red raised patches on the stretch marks that are very itchy, it is likely to be pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy, also known as "polymorphic eruption of pregnancy." The rash may also spread from the stretch marks to other areas like the thighs, breasts, and arms, and because the rash usually occurs when a woman is gaining the most weight, it seems to be caused by the stretching of the skin.

Usually the symptoms of itchy stretch marks will improve in about a week, but they may not disappear completely until the baby is born. Although stretch mark itching isn't harmful to you or your baby, you should still see a doctor because other pregnancy-related itching may require treatment.

If your stretch marks are very itchy, your doctor may prescribe topical calamine lotion, dexamethasone lotion, or steroid ointment. You can also take antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, which can have the side effect of making you drowsy, so they may help you get a good night's rest. Don't worry, this type of medicine will not affect your pregnancy or endanger the health of the fetus.

How to prevent stretch marks

Experts say that although 70% to 90% of pregnant women will develop stretch marks, if prenatal care is strengthened, the chance of developing stretch marks can be greatly reduced, or at least the impact of stretch marks can be minimized.

1. Balanced diet: Rich vitamins and minerals should be supplemented during pregnancy. Since collagen fibers themselves are made of protein, you can consume more protein-rich foods. Avoid consuming foods that are too oily, sweet (which can cause obesity), or too salty (which can cause edema).

2. Weight gain: In terms of the extent of weight gain during pregnancy, the monthly weight gain should not exceed 2 kg, and should be controlled between 11 and 14 kg throughout the pregnancy.

3. Use a belly support belt: it can bear the gravity burden of the abdomen and reduce excessive stretching and pulling of the skin.

4. Pay attention to physical exercise. You can use professional stretch mark repair cream for massage and insist on cold water baths to enhance skin elasticity. At the same time, you should also pay attention to nutrition and eat more protein-rich foods to increase skin elasticity.