Itchy Skin/allergies - natural antihistamines??

[flower gal]

hey...

I have chronic itchy skin and am trying to get pregnant. My dermatologist said he can't find the cause for my itchy skin but it gets worse if anything comes in to contact with my skin. It is called Symptomatic Dermographism (it's like hives under the skin). I have been taking antihistamines everyday, but can't take them when I'm pregnant, and the dermo said to stop taking them when trying to get pregnant too. I am unontrollably itchy when I don't take them.

Does anyone have any thing they use for allergies/itchy skin while pregnant that are safe for use during pregnancy?

I am obviously using all the allergy-free body lotions, body wash, other skin care and washing powder that the dermatologist recommended me to use. I have also tried several elimination diets with no success.

[EsSjAy]

Hi...

I know horse radish and garlic are excellent for treating allergic rhinitus HOWEVER it has been said that garlic and horse radish in the system also helps relieve allergic rashes... I haven't used it myself for that but my son who suffers from allergies takes it and i have found not only has his allergic rhinitis reduced but his 'eczema' is being relieved also...

I don't know whether you have used 'colloidal' oatmeal but it is excellent for itchy skin and can help keep it at bay... You can buy products for the shower/bath or in between such as creams etc...

Just a few thoughts...

x ♥

[flower gal]

Thanks, yes colloidal oatmeal is good - I use a skin cream with it in.

i might try garlic & horseradish...have heard of using it for hayfever but not other allergies

Cheers

[youngones]

Maybe try to get a referral to an allergist? Derms might be good, but an allergist might actually be able to find out the cause (or not). There are some antihistamines that are ok to take during some stages of pregnancy, but you should refer to the safe list of drugs. I think I took Polaramine at one stage, but I also know it isn't recommended during at least one of the trimesters, but I can't remember which one.

Another friend of mine took Polaramine all through her preg, on advice from her OB, so maybe do some googling of different antihistamines - check out claratyne, zyrtec and polaramine.

Good luck.

[flower gal]

Thanks young ones

yeah...my doctor said polaramine was ok to use as it's one of the more traditional antihistamines. I would prefer not to take any if possible, but if I really have to I will take it.

Cheers

[Josie36]

Hi I am a Naturopath and I'd love to share some natural treatment options for you.
Oatmeal skin wash is a great remedy (just place rolled oats or oatmeal in the end of a stocking or musslin and wash your body with this. There are also oat based skin washes on the market available from chemists but I believe going au naturlae is the best treatment option to try first.
The skin is the largest elimination channel of the body and Naturopaths see skin rashes as a natural process (Google Herring's Law of Cures) of elimination; physical, emotional and spritual.
Other natural safe antihistamines during pregnancy include Vit C (try Blackmores 1000mg 1 three x per day) and Quercetin (a bioflavonoid) available in tablet form from health food stores/ naturopaths.
Quercetin is also found in fruits and vegies such as apples, quinces, onions, garlic, shallots and the pith of citrus. Vit C and bioflavionods also help with tissue integrity helping to reduce the possiblility of stretch marks,vaginal tears during birth,varicose veins, spider veins, heamarriods, constipation, miscarraige and wrinkles!
There is also a homeopathic treatment for the symptoms you have described called Urtica urens (stinging nettles)which can be prescribed by a homeopath.Drinking Nettle Tea is also suggested for any skin rash to assist in elimination of wastes through the skin and nettles are a great herb to take throughout pregnany due to their high mineral content especially iron, magnesium and silicia.
I have also found Greenridges Chickweed Gel (available fron health food stores and some pharmacies)to be excellent for all skin rashes as it is soothing, reduces inflammation and also contains aloe vera gel. A visit to a Naturopath is also suggested to accertain in depth treatment and advise.
Hope this helps.

[flower gal]

Hi josie

Thanks so much for your reply and for all the info!!

I have seen a few naturopaths who have tried herbal tonics and homeopathy with me with no success and have spent alot of money with no results.

I have not tried nettle tea though or a few of the other things that you suggested so I am going to give them ago.

Thanks again!

It is really great to get advice from a naturopath who is not going to charge me a fortune! I am happy to pay people but when I don't have any results it can get a little frustrating after a while.

You're an angel :angel: