Hello Lactnetters,

Had a stumper of a question today.  Would appreciate any thoughts you all may
have to offer. TIA

Mom called with baby number three (first two brestfed for 7 & 8 months - no
problem) who is currently breastfeeding approximately every 3 hours during the
day and once at night at 7 1/2 months of age.  Mom enjoys it and baby is
thriving. Positive family support.
There is a problem, however.  Mom's lower forearm itches.  It begins about 30
minutes before breastfeeding and ends after breastfeeding when she ices it for
about 10 minutes.  She also reported that sometimes the itching is on the
upper arm, and last night along her panty line.  She says there is nothing
visible on her skin - no rash, nothing shiny, no pimples or blisters...
This has been happening since the baby was one month old.
She has no hx of contact dermatitis, and is not allergic to anything that she
knows of.  She has a Dog, no cat.
She did report outgrowing asthma at the age of 10.
She herself was breastfed for five months.
Mom has history of oral herpes (on her lip - outbreaks about 2x/yr.)
Mom reported her mother has hyperthyroid condition and her grandmother has
hypothryoid.  She has not been tested.
She "just" started her first period after giving birth.
She is a swimming instructor - swims frequently during the week in outdoor
pool.
What else.....   she says "it feels like it's under the skin, in my blood "
Drives her nutz !!!
The only thing that stops it is icy wet compresses.
Pedi has never heard of such a thing !!!!
MD Sg: it was diet related so she ruled out chocolate and caffeine.
So she calls the Lactation Consultant !!!  : )

She has tried:  OTC hydrocortisone cream 1%
                             Caldecort
                        First Aid spray w/ anti itching ingredient
                             Ice - which works.

She scratches it until it welts up - gets red - and inflamed looking.
Her question:  Is this related to hormones of breastfeeding? why does it
happen just before breastfeeding - even during the night.

My thoughts/suggestions:  I don't think this is breastfeeding related.
                  The hormone levels are NORMAL when breastfeeding !
                    Change shampoo & deodorant to hypoallergenic kind
                        Try hypoallergenic shower wash - try neutrogena stuf
                      Get a thyroid scan done

Gosh, ya'll... do you think it could be related to breastfeeding?  I don't
think so...
Please send ideas.
Karen Evon IBCLC