Pharmacological interventions for generalised itching (not caused by systemic disease or skin lesions) in pregnancy

Abstract

Generalised itching (not caused by systemic disease or skin lesions) is quite a common symptom in pregnancy. However, there is no evidence from randomised controlled trials to guide practice in terms of the effectiveness and safety of pharmacological interventions for treating this condition.Well-designed randomised controlled trials are needed in order to evaluate the effectiveness of topical and systemic pharmacological interventions as well as any adverse effects of the interventions. Such studies should consider important outcomes such as relief of itching, women's satisfaction, sleep disturbance, and adverse effects.

British Association of Dermatologists’ guidelines for the investigation and management of generalized pruritus in adults without an underlying dermatosis, 2018

“…These guidelines do not cover primary dermatological pruritic conditions, localized pruritus or pruritus in children . Also, the management of pruritus associated with pregnancy is not covered, as there has been a recent Cochrane review of this topic …”