What medications can pregnant women use to relieve eczema?

Generally, pregnancy eczema is an inflammatory skin condition triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy, skin sensitivity, and other factors. Common symptoms include skin itching, erythema, and papules. Under a doctor's guidance, pregnant women may use medications such as calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream, mometasone furoate gel, loratadine tablets, and calcium gluconate injection to relieve symptoms. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Calamine Lotion

Calamine lotion is a topical antipruritic medication primarily composed of calamine and zinc oxide, which can soothe and protect the skin, alleviating itching caused by eczema. It can be directly applied to affected areas and is considered relatively safe as it is not significantly absorbed through the skin. It is suitable for non-abraded, itchy areas in cases of pregnancy-related eczema.

2. Hydrocortisone Cream

Hydrocortisone cream is a mild topical corticosteroid that suppresses inflammatory responses in the skin, reducing erythema, swelling, and itching associated with eczema. A 2.5% concentration is considered gentle, and short-term localized use poses minimal risk to the fetus. It is suitable for mild to moderate eczema in pregnant women, but prolonged or extensive application should be avoided.

3. Mometasone Furoate Gel

Mometasone furoate gel is a medium-potency topical corticosteroid formulation with anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, and antipruritic effects, capable of rapidly alleviating eczema symptoms. It should be used only when a doctor determines that the benefits outweigh the risks. Strict control over the application area and treatment duration is necessary, and it should not be applied to broken skin.

4. Loratadine Tablets

Loratadine tablets are antihistamines that block histamine-induced allergic reactions and alleviate severe itching associated with eczema. Safety data regarding its use during pregnancy are relatively comprehensive, and it is categorized as a Pregnancy Category B drug. It should be taken according to the recommended dosage under medical supervision, and self-medication or dosage increases should be avoided.

5. Calcium Gluconate Injection

Calcium gluconate injection can be administered intravenously to supplement calcium, reduce capillary permeability, alleviate skin inflammation and edema, and relieve eczema symptoms. It is suitable for severe eczema in pregnant women or when oral medications are ineffective. This treatment must be performed by professional medical staff in a hospital setting, with close monitoring for adverse reactions.

Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits is important. Avoid contact with allergens such as dust mites and animal fur; choose loose, breathable pure cotton clothing to reduce skin friction; and avoid consuming spicy, irritating foods and allergenic foods such as chili peppers and crabs, which may worsen eczema symptoms.