Stretch marks can itch for more than one reason. The majority of women complain of itchy abdomen during the later part of their pregnancy. This can be from dry and stretching skin.

However, around 1% of pregnant women develop itchy, red bumps and even larger patches of a hive type rash on the abdomen during the second half of pregnancy. This rash is commonly called pruritic urticarial papules, plagues of pregnancy, and polymorphic eruption of pregnancy. This rash normally first appears on abdomen close to or even on stretch marks, it then spreads to the thighs, the buttocks and in some cases the arms. This condition is not harmful to you or your growing baby. If this does develop, your health care practitioner can prescribe a topical ointment to give you at least some relief. If you do develop a severe case, you may be prescribed an oral steroid. Most of the time, this does not occur with subsequent pregnancies.

Another reason for itchy skin could be a skin condition known as prurigo of pregnancy or prurigo gestationis. This is seen less often that the one previous mentioned. It looks like tiny bumps that are similar to bug bites. They can occur anywhere on the body. Most of the time they are noted on the hands, feet, arms, and legs. They can be very itchy but will not cause any harm to you or your baby. This condition happens normally in the second half of pregnancy.

In some very rare cases, a pregnant woman can develop itchy eruptions that first look like hives and then change into large blistering lesions. This rash is known as pemphigoid gestationis or herpes gestationis. Do not let the name scare you; it has nothing to do with the herpes virus. This condition begins in the third trimester, is usually seen on the abdomen, and can spread to the arms and legs. It is common to have this condition with other pregnancies and even after birth.

One of the most dangerous problems that can develop with itchy stretchmarks is intrapepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. This is a liver problem that affects around 2% of pregnant women. This can be very dangerous for your unborn child. This condition begins in the third trimester and is explained as severe itching. The itching is brought on when bile does not flow properly into the small ducts of your liver. This causes bile salts to accumulate into your skin, which can make you itch all over.

You should first talk with your health care provider to ensure that your itchy stretchmarks are a normal condition then there are a few remedies you can try to ease some of the itching.