thread: how itchy is too itchy???

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Oct 2006
    2,525

    Question how itchy is too itchy???

    ive heard lots of stories about liver conditions relating to itchy skin... lately i have had an itchy belly on and off, i get scratch marks on my tummy sometimes from scratching too much but there isn't any skin irritations or redness should ibe worried???

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Sep 2006
    Melbourne
    260

    I get an itchy tummy too and hands and arms. I think the itchiness caused with the liver issues is much worse.

  3. #3
    BellyBelly Member

    Feb 2007
    3,734

    Noni as you prob remember ihad itchiness a few weeks back... I did ask my OB about it. The itching would have been quite severe and with a severe rash for it to be the liver prob (which is quite rare). She recommended me a sensitive skin body wash (dermaveen) and paw paw ointment and that helped me a lot.

  4. #4
    BellyBelly Life Member

    Jan 2005
    in the valley of cuddles with mountains of smiles
    2,369

    It is sometimes easy to get worried ...but great you are asking questions. Now to get the right answers.

    I had the same symptoms and I had obstetric cholestasis (OC) as did a number of other mums I now know. They can diagnose it by doing a blood test and checking your liver function. Very simple.

    My friend had it with both pregnancies was watched over a number of weeks before having her 2nd son at 37weeks, the first she had to have at 33-34wks because of it. I didn't know she had it with him.I met her later. I had my twins at 35 wks 4 days because of OC.

    It can also be general itchiness from the skin stretching - thats what the registrar told me too initally. I would ask your OB if you are worried - it can get worse ... and if the itching is unbearable or on hands/feet it can be OC -but never rely on internet advice or worry unnecessarily because it can be both normal and a sign of something else.

    I only knew about OC because of reading it on BellyBelly too .

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Oct 2006
    2,525

    thanks guys at the moment its not that often so if it gets worse or i do develop a rash i will get it looked into

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Apr 2004
    194

    hi there, i had oc too. i found the itching with my first pregnancy to be so severe that i was bleeding. especially on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. if you are at all worried mention it to your dr but i wouldnt be too concerned about localised itching on the tummy as this is probably just the skin stretching. i also didnt have any rash at all either time with the oc just the severe itching, feeling generally unwell and the blood tests revealed i had oc.

    best wishes.

    beccas

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Jul 2007
    NSW
    155

    i've been itching on my arms n legs mainly but i think it's just my dry and sensitive skin. i never knew it could be caused by liver problems. but i notice that it seems to go away once i've slapped on some lotion so it hasnt got me worried much. if it bugs u, u should check it out.

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Aug 2006
    On the other side of this screen!!!
    11,129

    Noni, I reckon the tummy/boob itching is from your skin and under-skin stretching. I have noticed itchiness around the spot that's starting to stretch a bit and there are signs that some new stretch marks could be about to pop in the same spot. The liver thingy they talk about in pg causes itchiness everywhere!

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Oct 2006
    2,525

    ok worried now i am itching all over waaaaaaaa help me

  10. #10
    Registered User

    Jun 2007
    Mitcham, Vic
    168

    Hi Noni,

    I've had itchiness on the tummy as well, and it's *always* been just before another major stretching bout. I heartily recommend Vitamin E cream from the Body Shop.
    I also got a few bouts of itchy palms/feet soles, which I couldn't do anything about except scratch. (and whinge. )

    Itching all over doesn't sound all that good- I'd be ringing your doctor about that... did it start suddenly?

    Kirsten

  11. #11
    Registered User

    Apr 2004
    194

    if you are itchy all over i would definitely be calling your doctor.

    hope all is well.

    beccas

  12. #12
    Registered User

    Oct 2006
    2,525

    i went to the dr he dosn't think i need to worry until i am itching all the time.. hadnt had it for a few days actually but this thread reminded me i think and i am scratching lol just on the belly tnite especially round the hips eek stretch mark city spose i am getting some more of those glorious things!

  13. #13
    Registered User

    Jan 2006
    Melbourne
    2,732

    Noni e that is good news

  14. #14
    Registered User

    Jul 2007
    NSW
    155

    good to hear that noni!