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Skin Glossary · Distinguishing between conditions and causes

Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy

Also referred to as · Cholestasis during pregnancy

If you experience severe itching during pregnancy, particularly on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, with few distinct rashes, it may be necessary to check for causes such as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

Reviewed by Korean Medicine Doctor Choi Yeon-seung · Last updated 2026-08-25
01

What is intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy?

It is an obstetric condition where severe itching may occur due to the flow of bile during pregnancy. If you experience severe itching during pregnancy, particularly on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, with few distinct rashes, it may be necessary to check for causes such as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

02

How is it different from similar conditions?

Unlike general dryness or eczema, this may be a condition that requires obstetric examination and management.

03

Why is this important in skin care?

Inform your obstetrician about your gestational age, any jaundice, dark urine, and generalized itching.

04

What should be checked based on my symptoms?

Do not delay by relying solely on online self-diagnosis or Korean medicine treatment; seek an obstetric evaluation first.

Related conditions and medical guidance

Check guides where this term is used

Condition GuidancePruritus in PregnancyItching during pregnancy can occur due to stretching skin or rashes such as eczema or PUPPP. However, if you experience severe itching at night, including the palms and soles, without a rash, you must check for intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). Red papules or urticarial plaques starting near stretch marks on the abdomen and spreading to the thighs and buttocks are clues for PUPPP. If you experience severe itching, jaundice, dark urine, or decreased fetal movement, contact your obstetrician immediately.Medical Evaluation GuideItching and Skin Changes During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: What to Check FirstPlease provide information regarding your gestational age, whether you are breastfeeding, the itchy areas, the presence of a rash, whether symptoms worsen at night, and accompanying changes such as urine color or jaundice. Severe generalized itching that develops during pregnancy should not be viewed as a skin problem alone and may require an obstetric evaluation.

Comparison of similar terms

Terms to know for easier distinction

Evidence and Update Information

The definitions and safety standards in the materials below were referenced.

  1. NIAMS Atopic Dermatitis GuideInformation on itching, skin barrier, recurrent courses, and infection risks was verified.
Summary and review information for this page

Reviewing Medical Staff

Choi Yeon-seung, Doctor of Korean MedicineChief Director · Editor of Korean Medicine Atlas · BRC Researcher

Page Summary

If you experience severe itching during pregnancy, especially on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, with few visible rashes, it may be necessary to check for causes such as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

What this page covers

What is explained
What should be checked first regarding the statement: "If you experience severe itching during pregnancy, especially on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, with few visible rashes, it may be necessary to check for causes such as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy"?
What situations are covered
If you experience severe itching during pregnancy, especially on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, with few visible rashes, it may be necessary to check for causes such as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.
What distinctions are made
Meaning of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: An obstetric condition during pregnancy where severe itching may occur due to issues with bile flow.
How should this be understood
If you experience severe itching during pregnancy, especially on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, with few visible rashes, it may be necessary to check for causes such as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

Key Points

  • Meaning of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: An obstetric condition during pregnancy where severe itching may occur due to issues with bile flow.
  • Difference from similar conditions: Unlike general dryness or eczema, this may be a condition that requires obstetric examination and management.
  • Reason for checking during medical evaluation: Inform your obstetrician of your gestational age, any jaundice, dark urine, and generalized itching.

References cited on this page

Skin Terminology Glossary

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