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Itchy skin...And How to relieve It?

(15 Posts)
Trevor47 Thu 24-Jul-14 14:20:14

For as long as I can recall I have had a problem with Itchy Skin.
It's a frustrating feeling in that it can really intensify when I get into bed at night like last night for example.
so I hardly slept cause of the Itching ; 0 (
And I'm not sure if the warm weather can make it worse?
I don't know if it is a dust allergy or whatever?
My Gp has given me various tabs to take to relieve the itching but they rarely work and just leave me feeling drowsy for days after.
I was given something called Loratadine recently But I'm reluctant to try them for fear I'll just feel drowsy again and don't get any relief from the Itching?
This Morning I decided To get up and make myself a Cup of camomile Tea in the hope that somehow it would help calm my skin!
of course it didn't work!
I'm really Tired of this problem and Wish I could find an answer somehow.
Can Anyone Help?
Thanks.

Anne58 Thu 24-Jul-14 16:38:20

From what you have said on another thread re anxiety etc, there's a strong chance the two could be related. Stress related eczema is a recognised condition.

It would seem likely that your GP has given you some sort of anti histamine, you might be better off with something used topically.

Trevor47 Thu 24-Jul-14 16:44:58

phonenix,
Thank you.
I think you may be right about my itchy skin being stress related?
I have had since I was a little boy
and it has caused me no end of torment and discomfort and frustration.
Last Night was particularly tormenting for me.

NanKate Thu 24-Jul-14 17:35:21

I too have itchy skin Trevor and I tried some cream my grandson has been prescribed for his eczema.

It is called Dermol 500 Lotion and can be bought off prescription at Lloyds Pharmacy. You just have to speak to the Pharmacist and explain the problem. A big bottle of it cost me about £9.00 (can't remember exactly) but it will last ages and takes the itching away very quickly.

I would suggest you put it at the side of the bed and when you have a bad itchy moment just slather it on.

Hope it helps you like it helped me. smile

thatbags Thu 24-Jul-14 18:14:57

I solved my itchy skin problem by avoiding all products (soap, shampoo, washing powder, etc) containing perfume. You can get them all fragrance free. Worth a try perhaps, Trev?

Anne58 Thu 24-Jul-14 18:19:50

bags have you also tried the oats in a bag in the bath thing? 9Do let me know if I'm getting too technical ! grin

Anne58 Thu 24-Jul-14 18:20:13

Bugger, 9 when I meant (

Agus Thu 24-Jul-14 19:52:28

When dealing with eczema it is also important to keep your skin moisturised as the drier your skin is, the itchier it will be. A good way to do this is by putting a small amount of olive oil into the bathwater.

jinglbellsfrocks Thu 24-Jul-14 20:01:23

Trevor Take the Loratadine. It won't make you drowsy. It will probably help, but it can't if you don't take it.

Swallow the flippin' pill. Now!

hildajenniJ Thu 24-Jul-14 20:21:05

Keeping your skin hydrated is important I have a type of age related ecxema which affects people in their 60's and 70's. I have hydromol ointment which helps, but Avon's royal jelly hand cream is marvellous, takes the itch away quickly.

thatbags Thu 24-Jul-14 21:50:21

I never have a bath, phoenix and anyway, I don't need to do the oats thing because I've solved the problem by avoiding perfumes.

I did have some horrendously itchy ant bites last week and that was even with taking antihistamine tablets and rubbing on antihistamine cream for about five or six days! vicious Scottish ants!

harrigran Thu 24-Jul-14 22:04:56

I use Aveeno body lotion on arms and legs and it really works, has no perfume to irritate.

annodomini Thu 24-Jul-14 22:35:27

Ants don't just bite- it's more like an injection of formic acid. So far, they haven't got me this summer, but I've seen them around!

seasider Fri 25-Jul-14 06:29:43

Avoid biological washing powders and I find Cetreben emollient cream the best. It is available without prescription in pharmacies.

mygrannycanfly Fri 25-Jul-14 07:32:14

Oh good I'm glad it's not just me scratching madly. I've resigned myself to no skirts or dresses this year due to hideous scratching scars. It's really embarrassing as I'm in the skincare business.

The things I find help (besides the products sold by a pharmacist or on prescription)

Lavender - either essential oil added to any oil, gel or lotion, or a posh lavender lotion massaged in generously. (Insects hate lavender so it doubles as a mild insect repellent)

Glycerine added in to any gel, oil or lotion. It's amazingly softening. Just add a drizzle into a small quantity of lotion a bit like adding balsamic vinegar to salad dressing.

Sudocrem rubbed in generously - the zinc aids skin healing.

A good oil quality food supplement - bought by the bottle rather than a jar of capsules and ideally containing Norwegian fish oil.

Drinking more filtered tap water - I've no idea why extra water hydrates the skin more than other drinks but it does (improves the saggy skin on the backs of hands as well!)