I’ve always had delicate, fair skin. I burn easily, never achieve a tan, and practically everything triggers hives. Now at 33, I’ve become accustomed to these quirks. I know which irritants to steer clear of, and I’m diligent about applying sunscreen! However, my skin has taken a dramatic turn lately due to pregnancy hormones, leading to an all-new skin condition: Pruritic Folliculitis.
Pruritic Folliculitis is just a fancy term for an incredibly itchy form of “acne.” It’s not true acne since there’s no bacteria involved. This condition is caused by hormonal changes in the latter half of pregnancy and poses no health risks. It’s simply an annoying issue that will persist until I give birth.
While some people radiate that beautiful pregnancy glow, I’m dealing with this instead. The itchiest spots are my chest, neck, and entire back. I know scratching a rash is a no-no, but honestly, I can’t resist. It brings back memories of having chickenpox as a child. Poor Adam, my husband—every time he gets comfortable in bed, I start wriggling around trying to reach an itch. I’m constantly asking my six-year-old daughter to scratch my back… like, all the time.
Oh, and it’s also on my face! Having sensitive skin has taught me a thing or two about concealers and other products to mask blemishes. But alas, my old tricks aren’t working this time.
I can’t expect the bumps to disappear with makeup, and it’s only a temporary color fix anyway. Once I give in to that oh-so-tempting scratch, I smudge everything and end up red again.
So, what’s the solution for this delightful new skin irritation? Waiting until the baby arrives! Ugh! Four long months of relentless itchiness lie ahead. I can take antihistamines and apply lotions, but they only provide temporary relief before I’m back to scratching like a madwoman. Thank goodness it’s winter coat season! I can only imagine the judgmental looks I might receive while grocery shopping from some overly concerned shopper. They might think I have something contagious, and if I scratched, I’d probably be reported to a manager!
I suppose this is just another oddity that can occur during pregnancy. If you’ve never heard of Pruritic Folliculitis before—you’re welcome! And just so you know, there’s a 1 in 3,000 chance you might get this annoying itch too, so keep an eye out!
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Summary:
This article discusses the author’s experience with pruritic folliculitis, a rare and itchy skin condition that can occur during pregnancy. While the condition is not harmful, it causes significant discomfort and can be challenging to manage. The author shares insights into coping with the irritation and offers resources for others navigating similar situations.
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