Itching in the face during pregnancy

Hormonal changes can make skin feel more sensitive, while dry air, hot water, fragranced products, cosmetics, or a new cleanser can disturb the skin barrier. Contact dermatitis may appear where a product touches the face; atopic dermatitis can flare with dry, itchy patches. Hives may cause raised, shifting welts. Facial itching alone does not identify one diagnosis, so the rash pattern and any new exposure matter.

Use lukewarm water, a fragrance-free cleanser, and a plain moisturiser after washing. Keep showers brief, use a cool compress, and avoid scrubbing, exfoliating acids, essential oils, and newly introduced cosmetics until the skin settles. During pregnancy, check every cream, antihistamine, or acne product with your obstetric or primary-care clinician before use; some ingredients are unsuitable. Take a photo if the rash changes.

Get emergency help for swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, breathing difficulty, faintness, or rapidly spreading hives. Contact your maternity team promptly for intense itching without a visible rash, itching on the palms or soles, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or pale stools. Arrange a skin review when the rash is painful, blistered, infected-looking, persistent, or affecting sleep.

Which moisturiser and medicines are suitable at my stage of pregnancy? Does the distribution suggest contact dermatitis or atopic dermatitis? Do my symptoms require pregnancy-related blood tests or an urgent review?