Natural Remedies for Itching During Pregnancy Part 2

1. Coconut Oil Massage

Properties: Coconut oil can quickly and effectively soak into our skin. This helps to make our skin more hydrated, improve its flexibility, and relieve itching.

Instructions To Use: Warm the coconut oil and apply it to the itchy areas. Massage it until the oil is completely absorbed into the skin.

2. Neem Leaves Bath

Properties: Neem has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties that fight itching and skin irritation. It provides a cooling and soothing effect on the skin.

Instructions To Use: Boil one cup of neem leaves in water. Let it cool, and then use it for bathing. Bathing with this water can help reduce itching and prevent skin infections.

3. Turmeric Paste

Properties: Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antioxidant properties that can relieve itching.

Instructions To Use: Mix turmeric powder with water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the itchy areas and leave it for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off. Taking turmeric as a supplement or adding it to milk and tea can also help manage itchiness.

4. Sandalwood Paste

Properties: Sandalwood has antiseptic, antimicrobial properties that is useful in treating redness, itching, and inflammation, and other skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis.

Instructions To Use: Mix sandalwood powder with water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the itchy areas and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing off.

5. Aloe Vera Gel:

Properties: Aloe Vera has more than 90% water content, which is rich in essential vitamins like Vitamin C and E. It keeps skin hydrated and nourished and reduces itching.

Instructions To Use: Extract fresh aloe vera gel from the leaves and apply it directly to the itchy areas. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes before washing with water.

6 Oatmeal Bath:

Properties: Oatmeal creates a protection layer on the top of skin which lock the moisture inside, avoiding dryness and relieve from itchiness.

Instructions To Use: Add finely powdered oatmeal to a bathtub filled with warm water and soak in it for 15-20 minutes.

Other Tips for Relieve Itching During Pregnancy

In addition to these remedies, making some lifestyle changes can help relieve itching during pregnancy:

- Wear loose, and clothes made of natural fabrics like cotton.
- Keep the skin well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
- Avoid hot water bath and choose to bath with lukewarm water to prevent further drying of the skin. Hot water can remove the natural oils of skin, leading to dryness and increased itching.
- Use gentle, fragrance-free soaps or hypoallergenic products and avoid harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin.

Precautions

When using natural remedies, it is important to perform a patch test to ensure that the ingredients do not cause any adverse reactions. Additionally, if the itching is severe or accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice.

Source:-
1. Stefaniak, A.A., Pereira, M.P., Zeidler, C. et al. Pruritus in Pregnancy. Am J Clin Dermatol 23, 231–246 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-021-00668-7

2. Gopinath, H., & Karthikeyan, K. (2021). Neem in Dermatology: Shedding Light on the Traditional Panacea. Indian journal of dermatology, 66(6), 706. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijd.ijd_562_21

3. Prasad S, Aggarwal BB. Turmeric, the Golden Spice: From Traditional Medicine to Modern Medicine. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 13. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92752/