7 Best Home Remedies to Cure Itching During Pregnancy

Itchiness during pregnancy can be quite a pain. As the body changes and increases in size, stretching the skin and packing on more weight, there’s a sort of tightness that takes over your body. Couple that with the constant change in your hormone levels and your body responds to all that with itchiness all over the skin. Thankfully, there are certain natural remedies for itchy skin during pregnancy which can be quite beneficial in soothing that prickly, irritating feeling and providing you with much-needed relief.

Causes for Itchy Skin During Pregnancy

Pregnancy, a unique physiological state, brings with it endocrine and immunologic changes which may contribute to pruritus or itching. Although most cases of pruritus can be attributed to itchy, dry skin, there are conditions unique to pregnancy that involve pruritus as a leading symptom. These conditions are associated with severe pruritus and some might be associated with adverse fetal outcomes. Clinical history and physical examination are the most important diagnostic clues when evaluating pruritus in pregnancy.

The following are a few reasons why you may have itchy skin during pregnancy.

• The skin on your abdomen stretches and becomes quite taut, which could lead to itchiness.
• An increased supply of blood to the skin can be a cause for a mild itching sensation.
• It’s possible that you may be afflicted with a condition known as obstetric cholestasis, which leads to a buildup of bile salts in the body. This, in turn, leads to itchiness (primarily in the hands and feet) in different parts of the body.
• You may also be suffering from a non-threatening condition known as prurigo, which is characterised by marks on the skin that look like insect bites or like they’ve been scratched.

7 Home Remedies for Itchy Skin During Pregnancy

Here are some home remedies to relieve yourself of the itchy sensation that comes about during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester.

1. Using a Cold Compress

What You Will Require

• A single ice pack

What You Should Do

• Take the ice pack and place it on the itchy areas for a few minutes.

How Many Times You Should Do This

• You can apply ice packs as and when you need quick relief.

Why This Remedy Works

Applying an ice pack to the affected areas helps relieve any inflammation of the skin and provides relief from itchiness. The cold ice instantly soothes the area, offering you relief.

2. Using Juniper Berry Lotion

What You Will Require

• Some olive oil, sweet almond oil or any other oil
• A little beeswax
• Few juniper berries
• Some ground cloves

What You Should Do

• Heat the oil you would be using on a low flame in one pan.
• In another pan, take the beeswax and allow it to melt over a low flame.
• Pour the melted wax into the oil and mix them together properly.
• Add cloves to this mixture and stir well.
• Pour this mixture into a glass jar and allow it to cool.
• You can apply this substance to the affected areas.

How Many Times You Should Do It

• You may apply the substance up to two times a day on the affected area.

Why This Remedy Works

Juniper berries contain strong anti-inflammatory constituents. Cloves, on the other hand, are known to have eugenol, an aromatic and oily substance. When these are mixed together, they form a substance that can be a pretty strong cure for the itch.

3. Using a Paste Made Out of Gram Flour

What You Will Require

• Some gram flour, also known as besan
• Oil
• Water

What You Should Do

• Take some gram flour in a bowl, add oil and water to it, and mix it properly to form a nice paste.
• You can use milk instead of water for extra moisturising.
• Use this paste on the area that is itching and let it dry for some time.
• Later, wash it off.

How Many Times You Should Do It

• Apply this paste up to two times a day on the affected area.

Why This Remedy Works

Besan has been observed to keep the skin fresh and extremely soft. Since it has these inherent properties, using it as a paste allows the skin to be moisturised, and reduces itchiness.

4. Using Calamine Lotion

What You Will Require

• A small amount of calamine lotion

What You Should Do

• Apply the lotion and massage it till it covers the entire area.

How Many Times You Should Do It

• Apply this lotion at least two times a day on the affected area.

Why This Remedy Works

Women suffering from a condition known as polymorphic eruption of pregnancy (PEP) get itchy skin and red rashes all over their bodies. When it comes to itchiness on the stomach area during pregnancy, calamine lotion is the best bet. It reduces itchiness and stops any irritation or inflammation from appearing again.

5. Using Coconut Oil

What You Will Require

• Some extra virgin coconut oil

What You Should Do

• Make sure your skin is clean and dry.
• Take a few drops of the oil and apply it on the affected area.
• Massage it over the area for a few minutes until the oil has been completely absorbed by the skin.
• Keep it as is and do not wash it.

How Many Times You Should Do It

• Apply the oil on the affected area up to two times a day.

Why This Remedy Works

Coconut oil has the capability to permeate through the skin and reach the skin cells that are dry. Providing them with fatty acids that are necessary helps reduce itchiness and irritation. The antimicrobial properties of the oil also deal with any skin infections that might be causing the irritation or inflammation.

6. Using Aloe Vera Gel

What You Will Require

• A leaf of the aloe vera plant

What You Should Do

• Take the aloe vera leaf and cut it sideways.
• Collect and store the gel that is present in it inside a container that is airtight.
• Apply the gel on the area that is itchy and massage the area well.
• Keep the remaining gel in a cool place.

How Many Times You Should Do It

• The gel can be applied to the affected area up to two times a day.

Why This Remedy Works

The aloe vera plant is very well known to provide health benefits and treat various skin conditions. Its anti-inflammatory properties and inherent hydrating constituents give the skin the moisture it requires, making it soft, and soothing any itchiness as well.

7. Using Oatmeal During Bath

What You Will Require

• One cup of oatmeal
• Some warm water

What You Should Do

• Take the oatmeal and add it to the bathwater.
• Immerse yourself in this water for about 10 to 12 minutes.
• Later, rinse off with clean water.

How Many Times You Should Do It

• Use oatmeal in your bath up to two to three times a week.

Why This Remedy Works

An oatmeal bath is highly recommended for the treatment of itchy skin. With the soothing properties it has, it provides relief to the affected areas.

Itchiness can become quite an irritating problem throughout the pregnancy journey. However, with some quick natural remedies that can be done at home, you can find yourself relieved of this problem. However, if your condition is not alleviated over a period of time, consult your doctor for proper treatment.

Also Read: Vaginal Smell while Pregnant – Causes & Remedies