Itchy feet and hands while pregnant: what to know

Look at the skin as well as the timing. Scaling between the toes can occur with Athlete's Foot; redness after a new soap, shoe, or detergent can fit Contact Dermatitis; and tiny intensely itchy blisters on the sides of fingers or feet can fit Dyshidrotic Eczema. These conditions often have visible skin changes.

Itching that is strong on the palms or soles, especially without a rash, can be a sign of cholestasis of pregnancy, a liver-related condition. It may be worse at night and can spread beyond the hands and feet. A clinician can assess your symptoms and arrange pregnancy-safe tests if needed.

Use lukewarm rather than hot water, apply a fragrance-free moisturiser after washing, and choose loose breathable footwear. Keep feet dry, change damp socks, and avoid scratching because broken skin can become infected. Do not start a medicated cream, antihistamine, or herbal product in pregnancy without checking with your maternity clinician or pharmacist.

Record when the itching began, where it is strongest, whether a rash is present, and any new products or medicines. If a fungal infection is suspected, ask whether Topical Antifungal Treatment is suitable during pregnancy.

Contact your maternity team promptly if itching is new, persistent, severe, mainly on the palms or soles, or disturbing sleep, even when the skin looks normal. Seek urgent help for yellowing of the skin or eyes, very dark urine, pale stools, facial swelling, breathing trouble, or a rapidly spreading blistering rash. A painful, hot, swollen area or pus also needs prompt review.

Ask: Could this be a pregnancy-related liver condition? Do I need blood tests? Which moisturiser or medicine is suitable for me? What symptoms should make me call the maternity unit today?