Calamine in pregnancy

Itching during pregnancy | Pregnancy Birth and Baby

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Mild itching is common in pregnancy because of the increased blood supply to the skin. As your pregnancy progresses and as your baby grows, the skin of your abdomen is stretched and this may also feel itchy.

Mild itching is usually nothing to worry about, but if the itching becomes severe it can be a sign of a serious liver condition called obstetric cholestasis. This affects fewer than 1 in 100 pregnant women, but needs medical attention.

Mild itching

Wearing loose clothes may help prevent itching, as your clothes are less likely to rub against your skin and cause irritation. You may also want to avoid synthetic materials and choose natural fabrics such as cotton that allow the air to circulate close to your skin. You may find that having a cool bath or applying lotion or moisturiser can help to soothe the itching.

Some women find that products with strong perfumes can irritate their skin, so you could try using plain lotion or soap.

Serious itching: obstetric cholestasis

If you’re worried about your itching, or if you have severe itching, it’s important to see your midwife or doctor.

Obstetric cholestasis (OC), also called intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, is a serious liver disorder that affects a small number of pregnant women, usually in the last 3 months of pregnancy.

Causes of obstetric cholestasis

The cause of OC is unclear, but it’s thought the rise of pregnancy hormones later in pregnancy may slow the normal flow of bile — the digestive fluid made in the liver that helps your digestive system break down fats. In OC, bile salts build up rather than leaving the liver, eventually entering the bloodstream, which can make you feel itchy.

OC seems to run in families, although it can occur with no family history. It is also more common in women of Indian and Pakistani origin. If you have had OC in a previous pregnancy, you're more likely to develop it again in a subsequent pregnancy.

Babies of women with OC are more likely to be born prematurely or to be stillborn, or to have lung problems from breathing in meconium. Because of these complications, your doctor may consider inducing labour before you are due.

Symptoms of obstetric cholestasis

The classic symptom of OC is itching without rash, usually on the palms and soles of the feet, but it may be more widespread. The itching can be non-stop or unbearable, and worse at night.

Other symptoms include dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), and pale bowel movements (poo).

The itchiness usually goes away within a few days after giving birth.

Treatment of obstetric cholestasis

OC is diagnosed through taking a medical and family history, and blood tests that check your liver function (liver functions tests — LFTs). Once OC is diagnosed, you will have regular LFTs until your baby is born, so that your doctor can monitor your condition.

Creams, such as calamine lotion, are safe to use in pregnancy and can provide some relief from itching. Your doctor may prescribe a medication to reduce bile salts and ease itching.

OC can affect your absorption of vitamin K, which is important for healthy blood clotting so you may be offered a vitamin K supplement.

If you are diagnosed with OC, your midwife and doctor will discuss your health and your options with you.

Sources:

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Last reviewed: November 2020

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Using Calamine Lotion in Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings about many changes in a woman’s body, but not all of them are favourable changes. These changes can range from expected changes such as mood swings and breast tenderness to the less acknowledged (but common) ones such as itching. Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause skin elasticity to reduce, allowing depletion of skin moisture, while accommodating the belly growth. This can cause the skin to flake, itch and become uncomfortably dry around the tummy area. Dry skin is also noticeable around the thighs, breasts, and arms during pregnancy. In order to appease the itchy and dry skin, some mums-to-be consider using calamine lotion. Calamine lotion is known to relieve mild rashes and skin irritation, but should it be used during pregnancy? Let’s try to find out!

What Is Calamine Lotion?

Calamine lotion is a medication which predominantly consists of zinc oxide mixed with 0.5% ferric oxide. It is formulated through the addition of other elements like calcium hydroxide and phenol. It is used to treat mild rashes and minor skin conditions. This lotion also has drying properties, i.e., it is used to dry out rashes. It is also used to treat acne; it may help treat acne in some people but it doesn’t prevent breakouts. Since it has drying properties, using in excess quantity can cause irritation. Hence, it should be used sparingly or with a moisturiser.

Why Use Calamine Lotion While Pregnant

Calamine lotion is used topically to treat mild irritation, mosquito bites, and dry skin. It won’t address the underlying skin condition but it can provide relief from the itching experienced during pregnancy. Some pregnant women feel that products with a robust fragrance, too, can irritate the itchy skin more. But calamine lotion is mildly fragrant and is not known to be an irritant during such times. Hence, you can use it while pregnant. There are no known side effects of using calamine lotion during pregnancy.

It is a perfect fix for mild itching during pregnancy owing to two of its properties:

1. Counter-Irritant and Astringent Effect

Calamine lotion is effective for providing relief from itching during pregnancy because after applying it on to the skin, the calamine evaporates, leaving a coolness that soothes the skin and provides relief. It works the way astringents work on the skin. This effect is also a reason why it is used on sunburns.

2. Antiseptic

Calamine lotion can prevent infections and pregnancy rashes caused by scratching. The presence of the active ingredient zinc oxide an antiseptic properties helps avoid infection.

Things to Consider Before Applying Calamine Lotion

Although calamine lotion is considered safe for expectant mothers, it would be prudent to consider certain known risks before choosing to use it.

1. Allergic Reactions

Before applying any cream or lotion on your face do a patch test to check for adverse reactions. Once you do a patch test, you can safely apply the lotion if your skin has not reacted for some time after application. It is advisable to consult a doctor if you suspect that you may be allergic to any specific ingredient used in the product. Reading the directions of use and the list of ingredients would help get a better understanding of whether it contains any potential irritants.

2. Interaction With Food and Other Substances

It is considered judicious to speak to your doctor to check if applying calamine lotion can interact with certain foods you eat. Calamine lotion should be applied well before or after mealtimes to avoid any chance of unpleasant reactions. Tobacco and alcohol are known to have an adverse interaction with calamine. While smoking and consumption of alcohol during pregnancy is not recommended during pregnancy, if one does smoke or drink alcohol, it can have adverse effects on the health. And applying calamine lotion can interact with them.

3. Interaction With Other Medication

Your doctor should be made aware of all prescribed medication or non-prescription drugs that you are taking when you plan on applying calamine lotion. Certain medicines cannot be used with calamine lotion. There are, however, other medicines with permissible interactions. Your doctor would be able to alter the dosage of such medicines as required.

How to Apply Calamine Lotion When Pregnant

Calamine lotion is intended for external use only. It should not be ingested at any cost as it can cause vomiting. Avoid contact with the mucous membrane, like the nose, eyes, mouth, genitals, and anal area. And follow the below-mentioned instructions before use:

• Shake the bottle sufficiently before using.
• Apply the lotion on a pellet of cotton to moisten it.
• Apply moistened cotton on the itchy area, spreading it gently.
• Let it dry on your skin. The calamine may leave a thin film on the skin after it dries.

The Lowdown

Calamine lotion may help provide relief from itchy skin during pregnancy, but as its use during pregnancy has not been studied well, it’s prudent to consult a doctor before using it. Itching, especially on the stomach, is a common pregnancy symptom and can lead to discomfort. You can use calamine lotion, if your doctor gives a go ahead and if you are not allergic to it. But if you have doubts about using it, look out for other remedies, better yet consult a doctor. And don’t forget to drink water – it will keep your skin hydrated!

Also Read: Is Using Almond Oil in Pregnancy Safe?

composition, indications, dosage, side effects

This drug is used in the treatment and prevention of various dermatological diseases.

The main medicinal substance is calamine (so-called zinc carbonate). This component is one of the most important elements, since it is involved in a wide range of physiological functions of the human body. According to experts, almost 10% of human genes are encoded by proteins that are capable of binding zinc.

A particularly important role of zinc in the physiology of human skin is played by zinc-containing metalloproteinases (MMPs), including those that determine the structural organization, as well as the regeneration of both the dermis and epidermis. Preparations containing zinc produce astringent, decongestant, local regenerating, as well as moderately analgesic and hemostatic effects. It also has the ability to dry, soothe and cool the tissues at the site of application, disinfect and prevent the development of the pathological process.

The main active ingredient of the drug is calamine (zinc carbonate).

Produced in the form of a lotion, in 100 ml bottles.

This drug is used worldwide for the treatment of certain dermatological diseases, skin manifestations of systemic diseases, including those of an infectious nature.

In particular, the drug is used when itching needs to be quickly relieved, for example, in postoperative sutures.

Most often this therapeutic lotion is used for chickenpox, eczema, psoriasis, insect bites, dermatitis and acne.

The drug in question is contraindicated for use in cases where the patient has severe hypersensitivity (allergy) to the main or to one of the auxiliary components.

Do not swallow, Calamine Lotion is for external use only. Avoid contact with eyes, mucous membranes such as the mouth and nose.

The drug can be used in pediatrics on prescription.

This drug is not intended for the treatment of women.

This preparation is intended for topical use.

The amount of the drug substance used and the duration of therapy are selected individually by the attending physician.

Shake the lotion bottle vigorously to use. Using a cotton pad, apply lotion to areas of skin with pathological symptoms (itching, rash), let dry.

If necessary, you can repeat the procedure several times a day.

In patients with impaired renal or hepatic function, no change in dosing regimen is required.

Do not exceed the prescribed dosage.

Overdose may cause skin irritation. Accidental ingestion can cause mucosal burns, as well as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

In case of drug poisoning, gastric lavage should be done, enterosorbents should be taken.

Discontinue the drug and apply symptomatic supportive treatment.

This drug is generally well tolerated.

Long-term use of this drug may in some cases cause allergic reactions, intolerance reactions. In particular, there may be:

- allergic urticaria;

- itching, redness, rash;

- angioedema.

Shelf life - 3 years from the production date indicated by the manufacturer.

Keep out of the reach of children and/or infants to avoid poisoning.

Storage temperature - no more than 25°C.

Rosacea ointments: effective and proven remedies

Treatment of rosacea with ointments - is it necessary? Together with an expert, we have prepared tips and recommendations for the prevention and treatment of pityriasis rosea.

Maria Grishchenko

Deputy Chief physician for medical part "Clinic Maria Popova"

Description of the disease of Zhiber

Causes of pink

Characteristic symptoms

Features of the treatment of pink

Effective ointments for the treatment rosacea in a child

During pregnancy

Summary of treatment of rosacea with
ointments

Description of Zhiber's disease

Zhiber's disease is a disease that occurs against the background of hypothermia, after illnesses, a decrease in immunity, a maternal plaque develops. Against the background of a normal skin color, a spot appears, redness with peeling. a few days of maternal plaque, then around it all over the body or on a limited area of ​​​​the skin, small child rashes may appear. The disease is not contagious in any way, most often it does not bother at all, there is no itching, nothing. If there are complaints, then we prescribe antihistamine and external hormonal ointments. There is no seasonality for this disease. It has to do with human immunity. But it is worth noting that now cases of the disease have become more common. I think this is due to the modern lifestyle, frequent nervous breakdowns, stress, poor immunity.

Causes of pityriasis rosea

The most important thing is a weak immune system. After illness, hypothermia, stress and so on. But dermatologists always do an analysis for syphilis to rule it out. It is difficult to confuse Gibert's disease, it is always classic. But if there are suspicions, for example, of a fungal infection, then we prescribe additional tests, scrapings.

Characteristic symptoms

The most important thing, as I said, is the presence of a maternal plaque on the skin, then a rash around it. Most often, in terms of complaints, it proceeds without any symptoms at all, but there may be itching. Especially after water procedures, rashes may intensify.

Peculiarities of lichen rosea treatment

First: limitation of water procedures. If there is itching, then these are any antihistamines and external use for 5-7 days with any hormonal ointment.

Effective ointments for the treatment

In general, pink lichen clears up on its own in a few weeks - without any ointments. The main thing is not to irritate the skin. But there are some ointments that will help relieve itching and other symptoms. You can find a lot of recommendations on the Internet. Let's try to figure out which of the ointments are really suitable.

Akriderm

I would not recommend this ointment. The fact is that there is a combined composition. Yes, there is a hormone for the treatment of Zhiber's disease, but at the same time, there are also antibiotics in the composition. It is better to use purely hormonal ointments.

Aciclovir

This ointment is not the right place at all. Acquilovir is an antiviral drug. In this case, it will have no effect at all.

Gistan

This ointment can be used. The drug without unnecessary components. This ointment has an anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effect. Suitable for this disease. In principle, the price is also not so high.

Clotrimazole

Clotrimazole is not suitable for Gibert's disease. This is an antifungal drug.

Lorinden

This drug can be used. It is also hormonal. Like other hormonal ointments for external use, it relieves swelling, itching, redness, and soothes the skin.

Oletetrin ointment

Firstly, this drug is now rarely used at all, and secondly: in our case, it is again not suitable, because it is not a hormonal ointment, but an antibiotic.

Prednisolone ointment

The most suitable agent. A good hormonal ointment, cheap and cheerful, as they say. Proven reliable remedy for redness, inflammation, itching.

Salicylic ointment

Not recommended. This drug will dry the skin very much, which is absolutely not recommended for irritation. This ointment is more antibacterial, and with Zhiber's disease, the skin dries anyway, it is not worth aggravating.

Sinalar

This medicine can be used. It also relieves itching, redness, softens the skin. It can be used for most skin conditions.

Uniderm

Can be used. The composition is similar to the previous ointment, and the effect will be similar.

Flucinar

The drug is suitable for this disease. It is prescribed for diseases of the skin. Also hormonal ointment, anti-allergic. Relieves itching and redness.

Zinc ointment

Zinc ointment for Gibert's disease should not be used because of the strong effect of drying the skin. This can only make the situation worse.