Question: What are the causes of hives in pregnancy?
Answer:
Causes of Hives During Pregnancy
Itching or development of hives during pregnancy is a normal condition. This is attributed to the excessive stretching of the skin which occurs as the size of the uterus expands to accommodate the growing fetus. Further, studies have shown that change in the balance of female hormones and liver enzymes during pregnancy are also one of the common causes of breaking out of hives during pregnancy.
How to Treat Hives During Pregnancy
Here are a few tips to treat hives during pregnancy:
- Apply plenty of moisturizer.Apply moisturizer immediately after a hot shower or bath to avoid drying of the skin. Apply moisturizer when the skin is still wet. This will aid the skin in absorbing more moisture and will prevent excessive itching.
- Use mild soaps which would prevent excessive drying of the skin. Alternately, use of soothing products including oatmeal has been found to provide potential relief from hives and itching during pregnancy
- Local application of coca butter on the abdomen has also been useful in preventing stretch marks and alleviating itching.Also, local application of vasline or calendula ointment has also been found to be beneficial. Calendula also offers significant anti septic properties.