Health & Parenting

Skin sores or blisters and itching during pregnancy

Skin changes are common during pregnancy. The cause of these skin changes is not fully understood, but rising levels of pregnancy hormones are the most likely cause. Most skin changes that occur during pregnancy are not serious and go away after delivery.

Many women will develop redness on the palms of the hands (palmar erythema) during pregnancy. In some women, the red areas are also itchy. Palmar erythema is thought to be caused by increased levels of estrogen during pregnancy. The problem is not serious and usually goes away shortly after delivery.

Dry, stretching skin tends to be itchy. Your growing belly is likely to be the most itchy part of your body as your pregnancy progresses. To manage itchy skin, do not take hot showers or baths. After bathing, pat your skin dry and put a moisturizer on your skin before it has fully dried. Do not use drying soaps, skin products with alcohol, or heavily chlorinated water. These may make your skin even drier. If you live in a dry climate, use a humidifier at home. Talk to your doctor if your itchy skin is severe or ongoing.

Blisters may appear with a viral infection, such as chickenpox or shingles, or after an insect bite.

There are several types of skin bumps that affect pregnant women, such as pemphigoid gestationis, pruritic urticarial papules, prurigo, and pruritic folliculitis. Most of these skin changes are mild but it is important to talk to your doctor if you have skin sores or blisters and itching. A more serious condition may be present if you also have:

• Shaking chills or fever.
• Muscle or joint aches.
• A moderate to severe headache.
• A vague sense of illness (malaise).
• Belly cramps.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Diarrhea.