What should be done if a pregnant woman's feet are peeling, developing blisters, and very itchy?
Peeling skin and itchy blisters on the feet during pregnancy require treatment based on the underlying cause. Common causes include insect bites, skin allergies, and athlete's foot (tinea pedis).
1. Insect bites
When a pregnant woman's feet are bitten by insects, the insect's toxic secretions remain in the affected skin. These secretions can trigger symptoms such as peeling skin, blisters, and intense itching. Applying topical agents like mosquito repellent lotion or calamine lotion to the affected area may help relieve these symptoms.
2. Skin allergy
If the individual is allergic to materials in socks, this may also lead to peeling skin, blisters, and itchiness. As directed by a physician, anti-allergic treatments such as mometasone furoate cream or desonide cream can be applied topically. Additionally, switching to loose-fitting, pure cotton socks is recommended.
3. Athlete's foot (tinea pedis)
If the feet tend to sweat excessively and are confined in non-breathable footwear, fungi can invade and multiply in the skin, leading to athlete's foot and causing the aforementioned symptoms. Topical antifungal medications such as compound fluticasone ointment or triamcinolone acetonide cream can help alleviate peeling and itching.