What causes postpartum breastfeeding skin itching?

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on September 22, 2024
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During the postpartum breastfeeding period, some mothers may experience skin itching, which mainly depends on the cause. It is generally due to changes in physical constitution and other factors, such as sweat rash, prickly heat, and unexplained papules and hives. During breastfeeding, the most common cause of skin itching is sweat rash. Sweat rash occurs when the body sweats after childbirth, and patches appear in the skin folds, sometimes merging into a large area. At this time, it is important to keep the skin dry and topical antibiotics can be used for local application. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
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How to treat dry and itchy skin?

For dry skin accompanied by itching, which is diagnosed as dry eczema, it is necessary to enhance skin moisturizing care, drink more water, and timely use medical skin care products such as soft moisturizing cream after bathing with warm water. It is encouraged to drink Ophiopogon japonicus, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and a moderate amount of nuts, avoid spicy, stimulating, and fried foods, and take oral medications such as cetirizine tablets, moisturizing and anti-itch capsules, vitamin B1 tablets, and vitamin E. For itchy areas of the skin, topical application of dampness-removing and itch-relieving cream, heparin sodium cream, and other medications can be used. The key is to strengthen the daily repair of the skin barrier and reduce the use of alkaline substances. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Zhang Jian Bo
Dermatology
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What should I do if scratching itchy skin causes more bumps?

Skin itching and bumps can increase with scratching; treatment can include oral antihistamines, traditional Chinese medicine, and topical creams. Skin itching and bumps are generally caused by allergies, which could be urticaria or eczema. Patients can take oral antihistamines such as mizolastine sustained-release tablets, loratadine tablets, chlorcyclizine tablets, etc., and combine them with traditional Chinese medicines such as Skin Disease Blood Poison tablets and Heat-Clearing Dampness-Removing granules. While taking medication, topical corticosteroid creams such as Compound Dexamethasone Cream and Fusidic Acid Cream can be used. Patients with skin itching should avoid spicy, greasy foods, and fishy foods to prevent exacerbation of symptoms.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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What should I do if I have itching all over my body during pregnancy?

Itchy skin during pregnancy is a relatively common phenomenon, but when dealing with itchy skin, it is important to identify the cause of the itchiness. The causes can include various rashes that appear during pregnancy, pruritic urticarial papules, and skin conditions caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy. To treat itchy skin, it is necessary to address the underlying causes and use medications to relieve itchiness in daily life. It is advisable to wear loose, breathable, cotton clothes. If sweating occurs, try to dry the skin thoroughly and minimize the use of disinfectants or soaps that could irritate the skin. If itchy, one should avoid scratching to prevent skin infections, eat a light diet, and ensure adequate sleep to help alleviate the symptoms.

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Written by Zhang Ji Qing
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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How to deal with dry, itchy skin during menopause?

Menopause-related issues such as dry heat and itchy skin should be actively treated, for instance, by taking antihistamine or other anti-itch medications. Clinically, some may also opt for supplemental hormonal treatments. As menopausal skin itching varies in reason and severity, for some women, combining traditional Chinese medicine with good living habits may be beneficial. It is crucial to maintain a healthy life attitude and ensure overall physical and mental well-being to alleviate menopausal itchy skin symptoms. Menopause is a natural stage everyone goes through. Thus, it is important for menopausal women to foster good daily habits to better navigate their later years.

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Written by Gan Jun
Endocrinology
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How to treat high blood sugar and itchy skin?

Skin itching caused by high blood sugar requires a clear understanding of the cause of the itching. On one hand, it is mainly associated with elevated blood sugar levels, and on the other hand, it may be related to peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes. A third consideration is secondary fungal or bacterial skin infections caused by high blood sugar. For these conditions, the first step is to test blood sugar levels. If a significant increase in blood sugar is found, it is important to adjust the existing sugar-lowering plan promptly to bring blood sugar levels within an ideal range. At the same time, medications that nourish the nerves, including cobamamide and vitamin B2, can be taken. For patients with secondary skin infections, appropriate antibacterial or antifungal ointments may be given. It is also important to maintain skin cleanliness and avoid eating spicy and irritating foods. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a physician.)