Hands and feet itching in pregnancy: what to know

Dry skin, heat, stretching skin, eczema, contact with a new soap, or an allergic rash can all cause itch. Atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis often bring redness, scaling, or irritated patches; hives tend to appear as raised, changing welts. A scabies infestation can be intensely itchy and may affect close contacts. See related information on Atopic Dermatitis, Contact Dermatitis, Hives, and Scabies.

Itching concentrated on the palms or soles, especially without an obvious rash or when it is worse at night, can occur with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. This condition needs assessment by your maternity team, who may arrange blood tests and monitor you and the baby.

Tell your obstetrician, midwife, or maternity unit about new or persistent palm-and-sole itching. Until you are advised, use a fragrance-free moisturiser, keep showers lukewarm, choose loose cotton clothing, and avoid scratching with bare nails. Do not start an oral medicine, herbal product, or medicated cream without checking that it is suitable in pregnancy.

Contact your maternity team promptly for itching of the palms or soles, widespread itch without a rash, or symptoms that disturb sleep. Seek urgent help for yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, severe abdominal pain, facial swelling, breathing difficulty, or a noticeable change in your baby’s movements.

Ask whether your symptoms need liver-function and bile-acid testing, which treatments are pregnancy-appropriate, and how your baby’s wellbeing will be checked. Mention when the itching began, where it is strongest, whether a rash is present, and any new products or medicines.