What should a pregnant woman do if she has many small blisters on her hands that are extremely itchy?

Generally, if a pregnant woman develops numerous small blisters on her hands accompanied by intense itching, it may be due to hormonal changes during pregnancy leading to sensitive skin, contact with irritants, dyshidrotic eczema (pompholyx), hand fungus (tinea manuum), or pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP). It is recommended to seek medical advice promptly, identify the underlying cause, and manage symptoms safely under a doctor’s guidance. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Skin sensitivity due to hormonal changes in pregnancy: Elevated estrogen levels during pregnancy weaken the skin barrier, making it more vulnerable to external irritants, which can lead to blisters and itching. Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer daily, avoid frequent handwashing, and after washing, dry hands thoroughly and apply hand cream immediately to minimize moisture loss.

2. Contact with irritants: Exposure to detergents, metal jewelry, or other irritants may trigger skin reactions causing blisters. Wear rubber gloves with a cotton lining when doing household chores to avoid direct contact with dish soap or laundry detergent. Stop wearing rings or other jewelry temporarily, and switch to mild, pregnancy-safe personal care products.

3. Dyshidrotic eczema (sweat blisters): This condition may be triggered by excessive sweating or emotional stress during pregnancy, resulting in tiny, rice-sized blisters on the palms, accompanied by burning and itching. Keep hands dry, avoid scratching, and use medications such as calamine lotion, zinc oxide ointment, or vitamin E cream as directed by a physician—these are generally considered safe during pregnancy.

4. Hand fungus (tinea manuum): Caused by fungal infection, blisters typically appear between the fingers, accompanied by scaling and itching, and can spread through direct contact. Avoid sharing towels or basins with others. Use antifungal creams such as clotrimazole, bifonazole, or miconazole nitrate as prescribed, but only after consulting a doctor.

5. Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP): A skin condition specific to pregnancy, characterized by itchy blisters along with red papules and plaques. Strictly follow medical advice for treatment. Topical corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone butyrate cream, desonide cream, or mometasone furoate cream may be used under supervision. Also avoid spicy and irritating foods.

In daily life, consume more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, such as oranges and spinach, to help strengthen skin resistance. Wear loose, breathable clothing to prevent friction and irritation of the blisters. Maintain a positive mood, follow a regular sleep schedule, and reduce the likelihood of worsening skin discomfort due to stress or fatigue.