Okay freaking out right now

[JordieC]

I just peeled some potatoes about 10 mins ago and since then my fingers (particularly in the webbing) are very red and itchy. I mentioned to my DH that this happened last time I peeled potatoes. So I decided to google it: itchy fingers, peeling potatoes.

This is what came up: pregnancy related cholestasis

I read about it and it could be quite harmful to baby .ie premmie baby or still birth because it's related to the liver. Am I overreacting or should I get checked out? It's only when I peel potatoes! So after all these years am I suddenly allergic? Any other ideas?

[MamaPan]

hmm thats an interesting one - how many weeks are you now honey???
from memory i think this comes up at about 28 wks (ish) - i was tested for it with Noah as i suddlenly got v ithcy all over my chest...
did the stuff you read say why potatoes are linked? i never heard this???
sorry not much help, may be worth calling health line or your gp tomorrow to see if you need to be tested or something?

[CrazyLady]

I got really bad dermatitis during pregnancy that only really flared for brief periods and after using dish detergent. i had been using the same detergent for years and it's ceased post pregnancy. try to relax until you can get it clarified, could be sensitivity from change in hormones?

[Nelle]

There's something in potatoes and pumpkin that draws moisture out of your skin - whenever I make pumpkin soup I try to wash my hands straight away, otherwise the skin goes really dry and stretched. I think I remember googling it and it has something to do with the starch in it? Not sure.
Maybe try give your hands a good wash, and then moisturise them a lot, I'm guessing the itchiness will be because your skin is so dry now.

[Junglemum]

If washing and moistureising doesn;t fix it, then i would guess it is possible that you have developed an allergy. WIth allergies you can be fine and then all of a sudden a reaction can develop. If you search for potato allergy symptoms, it does say contact dermatitis and itching is a symptom.

I am no expert, but i think itchiness related to cholesstais is general itching, not related to something specific like peeling potatoes iykwim....

But if you are worried, no harm in asking an expert.

[Ozziehoffy]

I had shocking skin issues with my last pregnancy... dermatitis things and rashes. There's a lot to be said for the hormones raging around our bodies to make things which don't usually bother us actually bother our bodies. Like has been said though if you are worried then check it with your doctor or midwife to ease your mind.