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Allergic reaction

(19 Posts)
MrsPickle Mon 09-Feb-15 15:11:15

Thankfully, I have suffered very few allergic reactions, but think I have an itchy allergy rash all over my back and in one place on my right leg, which is most odd.

The only thing I can put it down to is a change of shampoo. I recently bought some Herbal essences shampoo and conditioner, but my scalp is unaffected by the itching and rash. So could it be responsible for the itching/rash on the rest of my body?

Trying to get an appointment with my docs nigh on hopeless! I'm trying Clarityn in the hope that it will help.

Anybody experienced anything like this please?

rosequartz Mon 09-Feb-15 15:23:12

It could be affecting your back if you shampoo in the shower, as it is being rinsed off your head.
I was itchy recently on hips and shins for a few weeks, it was very odd. I put it down to a different bath gel I used.

durhamjen Mon 09-Feb-15 15:24:13

I always have Loratadine handy particularly when my GP changes any medication, because I have had allergic reactions to a couple of new ones.
So far, antihistamines have worked.
Have you been to talk to the chemist? They are as useful as the GP about allergies, because they see more.

Mishap Mon 09-Feb-15 15:27:35

I am allergic to nickel and it first came to light when I had similar symptoms to yours after washing my hair in the shower. The combination of having worn a necklace with nickel in it combined with the shampoo seemed to be what did it. My neck and shoulders would be burning and covered in a lumpy rash.

MrsPickle Mon 09-Feb-15 15:29:46

Good idea, Durhamjen thank you.

hildajenniJ Mon 09-Feb-15 16:02:51

I have been very itchy for quite some time. I finally got round to changing Surf washing powder for Fairy non bio liquid and bingo, itching stopped. I have also stopped using the Lenor fabric softener. When DH was first diagnosed with morphoea he was advised to use non bio washing liquid as his skin patches were very sensitive. Since the condition is now in remission he went back to biological powder. I don't think I'll use it again though.

Gagagran Mon 09-Feb-15 16:21:55

I can't use Fairy liquid at all as it brings my hand out in dermatitis. Nor can I use bio laundry detergents. I use Aldi's own non-bio and I am fine with that. Like many on here I can't wear polo necks, or wool. Makeup is difficult too so I don't often bother and I NEVER wash my face - I use sensitive face wipes then E45.

We learn what suits us and adjust accordingly!

soontobe Mon 09-Feb-15 16:41:45

I stopped using Surf washing powder because it bleached some towels.

soontobe Mon 09-Feb-15 16:43:22

Have you found out the answer MrsPickle?

anneey Mon 09-Feb-15 17:27:13

Only this morning I had an appointment with my G.P.
I wish I had gone sooner.
For the last 2 months I have had sore itcy shins.
I have broken skin and have to be careful as it could lead on to ulcers.
Sorry I dont want to scare you all.
I have only myself to blame. I used to bake myself in the sun.
We didnt have such warnings in our youth.

loopylou Mon 09-Feb-15 17:32:50

Do you think it may be stress-related MrsPickle? The reason I ask is because that's what caused a very unpleasant rash I had.....

crun Mon 09-Feb-15 18:05:54

I've got itchy spots on my arm and leg, I think that's stress.

I'm allergic to underarm deodorant, I made myself allergic decades ago by using it on broken skin.

JessM Mon 09-Feb-15 18:14:41

Allergies can be tricky to nail down. Once had to take a friend to A and E as she was covered in hives and breathing restricted - but she had no idea what triggered it. I think your scalp would be reacting too if it was the shampoo MrsPickle but you might never know what it is.

FlicketyB Tue 10-Feb-15 07:41:36

It could be that the shampoo is being very thoroughly rinsed out of your hair but not so thoroughly off your body.

I have a very sensitive skin (I hate that phrase, but it's true.) and I have lots of problems with different toiletries. I now use organic products without parabens, but even then a product I am using successfully will reformulate its product and the new version will bring me out in a rash or leave my skin uncomfortably itchy and I have to look for a new product.

The problem is that it is often difficult to identify exactly what ingredient is causing the problem or whether it is my skin developing another sensitivity.

kittylester Tue 10-Feb-15 08:32:22

I itch when I eat gluten! sad

J52 Tue 10-Feb-15 08:44:08

Since using organic shampoo the flakey scalp, that I suffered from for years has disappeared. Try some you can't make it worse. (hopefully!) x

Falconbird Tue 10-Feb-15 09:31:50

In my later years I've become allergic to a lot of things including gluten. I only use baby cream and shampoo and have my hair dry trimmed.

Mishap - I'm allergic to Nickel as well. I started with a necklace I bought from a Charity Shop. My neck area is now prone to ecema and unfortunately I can't wear jewellery around my neck any more. Used to love necklaces.

Oh the joys of getting older.

annodomini Tue 10-Feb-15 10:01:21

Once, many years ago, I heard a dermatologist on the radio recommending that people with scalp problems should use carpet shampoo, on the grounds that if it didn't harm your best Axminster it shouldn't do you any harm either. No, I didn't try it. hmm

Katek Tue 10-Feb-15 11:31:12

My DH suffered a lot from dermatitis in his 20's/30's and an elderly dermatologist told him to use Selsun shampoo as a body lotion. Worked a treat and we have a bottle on standby for occasional flare up.