Tips for Dry Skin and Rash While Pregnant

Pregnancy can bring many changes to the body—some expected, some surprising. One of the less common but challenging ones is dry skin and rashes. If you're experiencing this, you're not alone, and we’ve got some helpful tips to soothe the itch and find relief.

Some moms may be diagnosed with Pregnancy Induced-Eczema, sometimes called "the itch that rashes," which can feel relentless. The constant itch-scratch cycle can interrupt sleep, damage skin, and leave you feeling miserable.

While they can’t pinpoint exactly why pregnancy can trigger eczema, we’ve learned a few tricks that help soothe the itch, heal the skin, and prevent serious damage. Although pregnancy-induced eczema (also known as "atopic eruption of pregnancy") isn’t extremely common, there are still resources out there. It can feel isolating when no one in your circle has experienced it though. We want to help share tips and let you know that you are not alone!

What Is Pregnancy-Induced Eczema?

Eczema isn’t like a cold or broken bone where the cause is straightforward. It’s different for everyone, and identifying triggers can take some trial and error. Some people develop contact dermatitis, which is a reaction to specific things like soaps, fragrances, or synthetic fabrics. Others have atopic dermatitis, which can be set off by food sensitivities, allergens, weather changes, or, in the case of pregnancy, hormonal shifts.

Tips for Dry Skin and Rash While Pregnant

If you can’t identify a specific trigger, the focus shifts to how to help ease the discomfort — ideally without the use of steroid creams or medications, which often have side effects and aren't recommended long-term, especially during pregnancy.

Avoid Irritants

Even if irritants aren’t the root cause, things like laundry detergent, bath soap, lotions, or even certain foods can still have big effects. Switching to fragrance-free and gentle products may provide some relief. Try our gently nourishing and effective soaps like Honey and Oatmeal Soap Bar, Whipped Body Butters, Earthley's all-natural Laundry Detergent and Dishwasher Detergent!

Soothing the Itch

• Massage Instead of Scratching: Lightly massage itchy areas to relieve discomfort without breaking the skin.
• Use a Washcloth: If massage isn’t enough, gently rubbing with a rough washcloth can help without causing further irritation.
• Wet Clothing Therapy: Try dampening cotton pajamas or gloves. The cool moisture can calm the skin and help lock in hydration.
• Baking Soda Baths: Soak in a baking soda bath to soothe the skin and moisturize right afterward.
• Oatmeal Baths: Some find relief with colloidal oatmeal baths.
• Herbal Baths: Soothe and relax with herbs! Try our Soothing Herbal Bath or Herbal Detox Bath!
• Smooth Fabrics: Avoid rough fabrics like fleece and opt for 100% cotton to prevent further irritation.
• Sunlight: Brief sun exposure can help heal eczema, but be careful not to overdo it.
• Salves: Use a soothing salve to ease the discomfort and itch. Try our All-Purpose Salve made with castor oil and olive oil with extracted lavender buds, chamomile flowers, and calendula flowers!

Rebuilding Your Skin Barrier

It can break down your skin’s natural barrier, leading to dry, itchy skin. Here are some ways to help repair and protect it:

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough filtered water can support healthy skin, but hydration isn’t the sole solution. Moisturizing your skin is key. It is important to keep electrolytes balanced also! Try our Electrolytes Powder Mix!
• Moisturize Regularly: Use natural, gentle moisturizers that won’t sting. Avoid lotions with alcohol, which can irritate broken skin. Look for products with pure oils, shea butter, or beeswax. Try a soothing and nourishing cream like our Soothing Skin Balm, made with apricot oil, mango butter, and extracted calendula flowers!
• Pumpkin Seed Oil: Some people find that pumpkin seed oil helps restore the lipid barrier. Great for the insides and the skin! Try our Gut Health Oil made with pumpkin seed oil, coconut oil, cloves, and calendula flowers (take orally and apply topically too)!
• Shorter, Cooler Showers: Hot water dries out the skin so stick to short, warm showers and moisturize right afterward. Looking for something light? Try our Calendula-Rose Body Oil (doubles as a natural lubricant when needed too)!
• Electric Razors: These can be less irritating than traditional razors, and you can avoid using soap that might worsen dryness.

General Support

Your body is working hard making this beautiful little human and extra support is what you need!

• Immune Support: Vitamin D is important for regulating immune cells, supporting respiratory health, intestinal barrier linings, promoting T-cell homing, and promoting immune responses. We recommend our Cod Liver Oil or Vitamin D Cream.
• Liver Support: The liver does a lot of work for the body! Storing and detoxifying the harmful substances we come in contact with is no easy task! Your liver needs extra TLC to support it! Try our Liver Love, made with supporting herbs that help your liver keep on task and get that tender lovin’ care!
• Digestive Support: Getting the nutrients we need starts in the digestive tract to ensure your body is breaking down food and using it all efficiently. Try our Digest-Ease to make sure your stomach gets the support it needs!
• Stress Support: Every day can feel stressful sometimes, and that goes double for when you are carrying and growing a little one! Try our Adaptogenic Immunity for not just general wellness and immunity support but also stress support!
• Want to learn more about gut health and why it matters so much? Check out our Gut Health Support and Protocol!

Wishing you and your baby the best—and relief from the itch!