MissLijChristne
01-06-2005, 10:31 AM
I've been to the doctor, and he ruled it an allergy (to what?????????). He gave me antihystomines and though I take them faithfully, I still itch like crazy. If anything its getting worse. My legs are covered in scars and scabs from where I've scratched till the point of bleeding. I have to wear knee socks and long pants to cover my "wounds"... Does ANYONE have a potentail better answer for what's going on? I don't wanna be itchy for the rest of my life :(
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stasia12
01-06-2005, 09:10 PM
make sure it snot your laundry detergent. dont wear synthethic fabrics. and def go out and get yourself some hyrdocortisone cream! the stronger the better! hydro makes my skin stop itiching. see you are creating a vicious cycle cuz your skin itches also when it heals, and you are scratching to bleeding point and then scratching all over again as it tries to heal. slather some hydro on and leave it alone!!!!
try fressh aloe too that soothingm make sure you are using moisturizers but try to avouod products with too much fragrances in them-stick to aveeno or order something from paula's choice , she has products with no fragrance and non irritating ingredients.
eliminate whatever you think it might be. something you're eating could be causing it-like wheat. also, some salves with natural products work very well to soother inflamed and itchy skin-try mountain rose herbs{REMOVED} very reasonably priced excellent all natural stuff.
try fressh aloe too that soothingm make sure you are using moisturizers but try to avouod products with too much fragrances in them-stick to aveeno or order something from paula's choice , she has products with no fragrance and non irritating ingredients.
eliminate whatever you think it might be. something you're eating could be causing it-like wheat. also, some salves with natural products work very well to soother inflamed and itchy skin-try mountain rose herbs{REMOVED} very reasonably priced excellent all natural stuff.
darbar
01-08-2005, 02:01 AM
i feel your pain...if you find somethign let me know
seriousperson
01-08-2005, 06:16 AM
Just elaborating on what was said above:
Use a "fragrance free" liquid laundry detergent and give everything an extra rinse.
Use a "fragrane free" soap on your body as well.
No knee socks for you for a while--at least until you've conquered the itch. I don't know what climate you're facing, but loose clothing would be better.
If you must where knee socks: No wool.
And maybe even triple-rinse them when laundering.
And definitely no perfume (of course). And definitely don't use anything other than the unscented soap if/when shaving your legs.
And only unscented moisterizing lotions.
Ditto on using the hydrocortisone cream or lotion.
If you are prone to skin infections, use some anti-biotic ointment on the lesions.
Be sure to launder your sheets in the same manner as above.
And if/when it clears up, if you have a flare-up, give your "fragrance free" products the sniff test.
I was going nuts about a year and a half ago--itching everytime I got in bed at night-- until my college-age daughter asked me what I was using to launder my sheets.
Upon investigation, I discovered that the alleged "fragrance free" detergent I had successfully used for a number of years was scented. So was the box of "f.f." Bounce sheets. I switched to a different brand of unscented detergent, and didn't use the anti-static sheets in the dryer for about a year. I think sometimes they just get the wrong ones in the right containers.
Use a "fragrance free" liquid laundry detergent and give everything an extra rinse.
Use a "fragrane free" soap on your body as well.
No knee socks for you for a while--at least until you've conquered the itch. I don't know what climate you're facing, but loose clothing would be better.
If you must where knee socks: No wool.
And maybe even triple-rinse them when laundering.
And definitely no perfume (of course). And definitely don't use anything other than the unscented soap if/when shaving your legs.
And only unscented moisterizing lotions.
Ditto on using the hydrocortisone cream or lotion.
If you are prone to skin infections, use some anti-biotic ointment on the lesions.
Be sure to launder your sheets in the same manner as above.
And if/when it clears up, if you have a flare-up, give your "fragrance free" products the sniff test.
I was going nuts about a year and a half ago--itching everytime I got in bed at night-- until my college-age daughter asked me what I was using to launder my sheets.
Upon investigation, I discovered that the alleged "fragrance free" detergent I had successfully used for a number of years was scented. So was the box of "f.f." Bounce sheets. I switched to a different brand of unscented detergent, and didn't use the anti-static sheets in the dryer for about a year. I think sometimes they just get the wrong ones in the right containers.
MissLijChristne
01-10-2005, 02:39 PM
Thank you for your suggestions. I tried the scent free creams and what not, and if anything it made it burn miserably. I've changed detergents and that didn't help either. Maybe I'm meant to itch ;)
joe28paws
01-10-2005, 08:49 PM
Thank you for your suggestions. I tried the scent free creams and what not, and if anything it made it burn miserably. I've changed detergents and that didn't help either. Maybe I'm meant to itch ;)
You could be like me too where I itch because of thyroid issues, have you had your thyroid checked out. There are a few things that may make you itch and you don't even know it.
REMOVED-Read Posting Rules
I hope I helped some.
JC
You could be like me too where I itch because of thyroid issues, have you had your thyroid checked out. There are a few things that may make you itch and you don't even know it.
REMOVED-Read Posting Rules
I hope I helped some.
JC
MissLijChristne
01-10-2005, 11:52 PM
You could be like me too where I itch because of thyroid issues, have you had your thyroid checked out. There are a few things that may make you itch and you don't even know it.
REMOVED-Read Posting Rules
I hope I helped some.
JC
I haven't had my thyroid checked out. What would I do to go about doing that? (bear in mind I'm a poor, pennyless actress :P )
REMOVED-Read Posting Rules
I hope I helped some.
JC
I haven't had my thyroid checked out. What would I do to go about doing that? (bear in mind I'm a poor, pennyless actress :P )
ivanchin99
02-14-2005, 06:04 AM
any update on this??
coz my DARN ITCHYNESS is coming back :@:@:@:@:@
coz my DARN ITCHYNESS is coming back :@:@:@:@:@
kreid7
02-16-2005, 10:38 PM
hi - i'm new, so i'm not sure how detailed to get. you can email me directly [ please carefully review the posting rules - no emails ]. i've had similar problems. if you can tell me more, like when it started, etc. - i can offer suggestions of what i've tried at least. :)
Terihe
02-17-2005, 11:49 AM
Try adding benadryl cream along with the hydrocortisone cream. The two combined take the itch away better. Also moisturize with cetaphil cream topped off with vaseline. I have dry skin and it broke out in the itchies. Very hard to get rid of it. Also do the 2 creams every time you feel you need to scratch.
MissLijChristne
02-20-2005, 11:27 PM
hi, and thanks for your replies.
The itching hasn't gone away, and has actually gotten worse. I'm covered from head to toe, and when I shower, the rashes intensify. I've tried the benadryl and cortizone combo, and that did absolutely nothing. I've taken 3 different types of antihistamines, but to no avail. My doctor seems to be completely clueless as to what is wrong... My fiancee suggests I get a blood test, since his father showed similar symptoms when diagnosed with leukemia...
The itching hasn't gone away, and has actually gotten worse. I'm covered from head to toe, and when I shower, the rashes intensify. I've tried the benadryl and cortizone combo, and that did absolutely nothing. I've taken 3 different types of antihistamines, but to no avail. My doctor seems to be completely clueless as to what is wrong... My fiancee suggests I get a blood test, since his father showed similar symptoms when diagnosed with leukemia...
lovemythreeguys2002
02-21-2005, 11:23 PM
Itching can be from the thyroid and it can also be from underlying diseases, I would go to the Dr.
tooearlytoosoon
02-22-2005, 09:32 AM
I have been going through this for the past couple of months, & my primary care doctor said it was scabies....I felt completely gross after this diagnosis. He prescribed some cream which I've tried twice, but I'm going back today to get treated with steroids. I just use the excuse that my mother's cats scratch me. I'm so miserable though, I really don't care what most people think! I've found that applying Benedryl cream seems to soothe the sensation right away, but then it comes back. I'm also going to make sure it's not hormone-related. I'll let you know of my findings. Good luck to you, & please wish me luck too!
genster
02-22-2005, 01:20 PM
what kind of itch? Are you getting welts or wheals, raised blotches, red marks, any typical hives?
Is it confines to your legs, or do you get them on your abdomen also?
Any swelling?
Check out the allergies board, or click on my name for posts on chronic urticaria, or hives. Also check out rare disorders board.
Here are some suggestions:
Get allergy tests done if possible, even if they have been done before or you have no history. Allergies can appear at any time.
Launder all bed clothes with a detergent that is as additive/scent free as possible. As was mentioned before, rinsing twice won't hurt.
Use hypoallergenic mattress & pillow covers to reduce exposure to dust mites.
Remove dust collectors form your bedroom - this means carpets, heavy drapes, bric-a-brac, rugs, etc.
Wipe down all surfaces, make everything as dust-free as possible.
Keep a journal of every time you are itchy, what you do to treat it, and what seems to help. Keep track of severity, time of day, duration, location on your body, and appearance.
Keep track of what you eat, drink, soap/deodorant/shampoo/hair products etc you are using. if you change brands, write it down. If it touches your body, write it down. This info may help the docs with determining what the problem is.
Make friends with your pharmacist, tell her what you are experiencing, and ask for suggestions. Often they know more about the drugs available than the doctors.
Make sure your doctor sends you to an allergist, and keep asking for help until you get it.
Take Claritin or Reactine everyday. Benedryl or something similar will work for the bad itchies, but will leave you sleepy.
Use cortisone cream.
If all else fails, ask your doc about doing a course of prednisone - but only if you can take it (not recommended for diabetics), and only for a short term. Nasy side effects with prolonged use.
oh, and use the vacuum - every day if necessary, but make sure it has a really good filter on it, or it won't do anything. I think Hepa filters work best.
Good luck
Is it confines to your legs, or do you get them on your abdomen also?
Any swelling?
Check out the allergies board, or click on my name for posts on chronic urticaria, or hives. Also check out rare disorders board.
Here are some suggestions:
Get allergy tests done if possible, even if they have been done before or you have no history. Allergies can appear at any time.
Launder all bed clothes with a detergent that is as additive/scent free as possible. As was mentioned before, rinsing twice won't hurt.
Use hypoallergenic mattress & pillow covers to reduce exposure to dust mites.
Remove dust collectors form your bedroom - this means carpets, heavy drapes, bric-a-brac, rugs, etc.
Wipe down all surfaces, make everything as dust-free as possible.
Keep a journal of every time you are itchy, what you do to treat it, and what seems to help. Keep track of severity, time of day, duration, location on your body, and appearance.
Keep track of what you eat, drink, soap/deodorant/shampoo/hair products etc you are using. if you change brands, write it down. If it touches your body, write it down. This info may help the docs with determining what the problem is.
Make friends with your pharmacist, tell her what you are experiencing, and ask for suggestions. Often they know more about the drugs available than the doctors.
Make sure your doctor sends you to an allergist, and keep asking for help until you get it.
Take Claritin or Reactine everyday. Benedryl or something similar will work for the bad itchies, but will leave you sleepy.
Use cortisone cream.
If all else fails, ask your doc about doing a course of prednisone - but only if you can take it (not recommended for diabetics), and only for a short term. Nasy side effects with prolonged use.
oh, and use the vacuum - every day if necessary, but make sure it has a really good filter on it, or it won't do anything. I think Hepa filters work best.
Good luck
Zenfish
03-04-2005, 09:28 PM
You sound exactly like my daughter. She had a miserable life until age 15 when we figured out it's wheat intolerance. Simple as that. You don't eat bread, pizza, pasta, colas, cereal or anything with wheat, and your skin starts to get much better within two days, almost perfect in 2 weeks, totally gone in 2 months.
You'll need to do your own research on this, because it fools most doctors - the symptoms are similar to too many other diseases, and they don't teach it in medical school in the US. In Europe they know all about it. There's NO medicine for it, but the cure is easy.
Search the web for "dermatitus herpetiformis" and read all you can about it.
I know what you're going through, it's hell. And you'll need to educate your doctor on this.
You'll need to do your own research on this, because it fools most doctors - the symptoms are similar to too many other diseases, and they don't teach it in medical school in the US. In Europe they know all about it. There's NO medicine for it, but the cure is easy.
Search the web for "dermatitus herpetiformis" and read all you can about it.
I know what you're going through, it's hell. And you'll need to educate your doctor on this.
Mabulok
03-05-2005, 04:57 AM
I've used tea tree oil with excellent success at relieving itch. Had a skin infection that I tried what seemed like every known prescription on, and tea tree oil was the only thing that gave me relief and a cure. I have'nt used over my entire body though. There are some tea tree soaps but their effectiveness just doesn't match the full strength oil. You might try concocting your own mixture of liquid body soap and tea tree oil. Did just that with some shampoo and it works wonders on dandruff and itchy scalp.
jsm247
03-06-2005, 02:17 AM
hi, and thanks for your replies.
The itching hasn't gone away, and has actually gotten worse. I'm covered from head to toe, and when I shower, the rashes intensify. I've tried the benadryl and cortizone combo, and that did absolutely nothing. I've taken 3 different types of antihistamines, but to no avail. My doctor seems to be completely clueless as to what is wrong... My fiancee suggests I get a blood test, since his father showed similar symptoms when diagnosed with leukemia...
Morning/MissLij/There is a medication that I have used with much relief/brand name DermaZinc/with Clobetasol and without.I'am sure there are many other meds out there in your area.When you spary the meds there is a slight tingle to a burning for about 5/10 seconds.But the itching does stop/also have Cormax/this is primary a scalp application/topical solution.Hope you find some relief/soon.Also an old family doctor told me what you eat today will have an effect on your body tomorrow.Most of the members have good suggestions.Write a log/journel to find out what works what dosn"t.Also use the net to search new meds for your area. :D
The itching hasn't gone away, and has actually gotten worse. I'm covered from head to toe, and when I shower, the rashes intensify. I've tried the benadryl and cortizone combo, and that did absolutely nothing. I've taken 3 different types of antihistamines, but to no avail. My doctor seems to be completely clueless as to what is wrong... My fiancee suggests I get a blood test, since his father showed similar symptoms when diagnosed with leukemia...
Morning/MissLij/There is a medication that I have used with much relief/brand name DermaZinc/with Clobetasol and without.I'am sure there are many other meds out there in your area.When you spary the meds there is a slight tingle to a burning for about 5/10 seconds.But the itching does stop/also have Cormax/this is primary a scalp application/topical solution.Hope you find some relief/soon.Also an old family doctor told me what you eat today will have an effect on your body tomorrow.Most of the members have good suggestions.Write a log/journel to find out what works what dosn"t.Also use the net to search new meds for your area. :D
healthboarduser
05-24-2005, 01:32 AM
I had hives for 1 1/2 year. It took me an insane amount of research, and I finally solved it. Afterwards I used the same technique, so far on my count 9 people have completely gotten rid of Chronic urticaria/hives.
Do the following.... no medicine needed. The cause is "Detergent residue" and most people in their life time are not commited enough to solve it. Follow these techniques, it has not failed once.
1.) Get rid of all your clothes. Throw them away or put them in a plastic bag air tight. You'll likely never wear them again.
2.) Buy all new clothes. Preferably loose instead of tight. If you are budget strapped, buy just enough full sets of clothes for a 2 week rotation only.
3.) Buy a new bath towel. Only use this one.
4.) Get rid of your bed sheets and blankets. Buy new ones.
5.) Before you do laundry, pre rinse 1 cycle with just water.
6.) When you do laundry, don't use ANY detergent. Use BAKING SODA only. The hard part is making sure the people who share machine with you don't use detergent either!!!!
7.) Now wash everything you bought a couple times with BAKING SODA only. Towel, bed sheets, clothes.
8.) Only wear your newly purchased clothes, all cotton. No polyester.
9.) Only sleep on the bed with the new bed sheets.
10.) Exercise daily enough to sweat the existing residue off. If you can't workout and sweat, take a detox bath. Make sure the bath tub is detergent free. No trace of any chemicals etc.
11.) Wipe any furniture/couch/chair you might have very clean. Detergent residues are practically invisible.
12.) I have not met one person who was not cleared of this problem after 4-6 weeks. 4 weeks if you are committed!!!!
Do the following.... no medicine needed. The cause is "Detergent residue" and most people in their life time are not commited enough to solve it. Follow these techniques, it has not failed once.
1.) Get rid of all your clothes. Throw them away or put them in a plastic bag air tight. You'll likely never wear them again.
2.) Buy all new clothes. Preferably loose instead of tight. If you are budget strapped, buy just enough full sets of clothes for a 2 week rotation only.
3.) Buy a new bath towel. Only use this one.
4.) Get rid of your bed sheets and blankets. Buy new ones.
5.) Before you do laundry, pre rinse 1 cycle with just water.
6.) When you do laundry, don't use ANY detergent. Use BAKING SODA only. The hard part is making sure the people who share machine with you don't use detergent either!!!!
7.) Now wash everything you bought a couple times with BAKING SODA only. Towel, bed sheets, clothes.
8.) Only wear your newly purchased clothes, all cotton. No polyester.
9.) Only sleep on the bed with the new bed sheets.
10.) Exercise daily enough to sweat the existing residue off. If you can't workout and sweat, take a detox bath. Make sure the bath tub is detergent free. No trace of any chemicals etc.
11.) Wipe any furniture/couch/chair you might have very clean. Detergent residues are practically invisible.
12.) I have not met one person who was not cleared of this problem after 4-6 weeks. 4 weeks if you are committed!!!!