Managing Pruritus in Pregnancy: Evaluating Safe and Integrative Treatment Options

Pruritus is one of the most frequently reported and distressing dermatologic symptoms during pregnancy, affecting the quality of life and sleep in expectant mothers. With traditional therapies sometimes offering limited relief or posing safety concerns, there is growing interest in integrative and holistic modalities that are safe for both the mother and the developing fetus.

A recent review, based on an extensive literature search across databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, and MedLine, assessed both traditional and complementary approaches to pruritus management. While conventional strategies such as antihistamines, phototherapy, and immunosuppressants remain cornerstones of therapy, the evidence supporting integrative treatments is increasingly promising.

Table 1: Summary of Safe Integrative Therapies for Pruritus in Pregnancy

Key Takeaway:

A combined approach integrating safe, evidence-based complementary treatments with conventional therapies may offer enhanced symptomatic relief for pruritus in pregnancy without compromising fetal safety. Modalities like acupuncture, topical vitamin C, and N-acetyl cysteine present promising options and warrant consideration in clinical practice.

Source: Ahuja, K., &Lio, P. (2024, February 1). An Integrative approach to treating pruritus in pregnancy. Published in Journal of Integrative Dermatology. https://www.jintegrativederm.org/article/92162-an-integrative-approach-to-treating-pruritus-in-pregnancy