Itching....

M&S thermal vests are supersmooth and very thin. Could you wear one under an itchy jumper? I actually have several including a polo necked one which I couldn't do without as a sort of 'liner' for outer garments. I have ridiculously sensitive skin!

You're not the only ones!
I'm just the same and I don't think taking antihistamines will make any difference.
I bought two very fine cotton long sleeved polo necks (they're not tight around the neck) from Peacocks for about £6 each, and they're brilliant for wearing under wool or cashmere (I was so disappointed to find cashmere itched too).

I can't wear anything remotely 'wooly' feeling, and only wear cotton. As I am a hot person, I can't bear an extra layer underneath.
The other problem is the labels, which I have to remove, which can sometimes be difficult to do without damaging the fabric. I am always relieved when a garment has the info. printed inside instead.

I have eczema on my chest and can only wear cotton. It's difficult to find cotton tee shirts that are 100% cotton but aren't too low at the front. I can't wear anything woolly or anything made of polyester. Viscose is a definite no no. I was interested to hear about M&S vests and might try one.

To add to the general itchiness I have a nickel allergy so most bras are out because of the metal parts

I also have trouble with labels on the back of tops because they prick my neck and set off the eczema.

Bon Marche do 100% cotton tops that are a nice fit.

I spend ages in shops and charity shops trying to find the label and hoping that it says 100% cotton. If I've forgotten my reading specs., I have to ask an assistant to read it for me - oh the joys of getting older.

The same for me! I can't wear anything woolly against my skin, either. My arms break out in a rash and the itching then starts and the rash takes ages to go.

I am also itchy. I have patches of eczema on my ankles, wrists and in a ring around my neck. When that flares up I look like I have a necklace allergy. I would wear polo neck tops but I don't like them any more. I bought two from Cotton Traders in the Autumn and feel as if I ' m being choked when I wear them, consequently they have been consigned to the back of the drawer. I use hydromol ointment on my arms and legs, it's very sticky but it relieves the itching. I've stopped showering so much too, only alternate days, to see if that helps. I'll let you know later.

I can't wear necklaces now because of the nickel allergy.

The doctor said not to wear anything around my neck except platinum funnily enough I don't own any platinum necklaces.

Have to be careful with tee shirts that are described as cotton but have lace or sparkly embellishments which set me off itching.

I use hydrocortosone cream for the eczema but only when it's really bad.

Cotton Traders have some v neck tee shirts I think which are more comfortable than polos.

The pools I bought stand away from your neck-I hate the choking sensation too, but these are fine!

loopylou With those pools, you won't need to wash your neck at all.

Take back your mink.
Take back your poils.
What makes you think
I am one of those goils?

(Guys and Dolls)

DH and I both found that bio detergent made us itch. I am sure that is not the sole cause for those who have a medical conditin but if you have, it might be worth while using non bio.

Yes I do use non bio and it does help a lot.

I wonder why these allergies have developed as we have become older. I think they were probably always there but our immune systems were better able to cope with them.

I sometimes start to itch when I get into bed. (The bed is definitely clean!)

They are random itches that can not be put down to touching something washed in the wrong detergent. The worst is in the middle of my back where I can't reach.

This is why scratching an itch makes it worse all over

'Why does scratching an itch only make it worse? As it turns out, a brain-signalling chemical released in response to scratching has some unintended effects, scientists say.

Scratching an itch provides a bit of relief at first. It works because scratching causes mild pain, so the neurons in the spinal cord transfer pain signals instead of itch signals up to the brain.

But then the brain releases a neurotransmitter called serotonin to dampen the pain, and in a new study, researchers found that this serotonin release also activates certain neurons in the spinal cord, which creates more itching sensations. '

So if you can avoid having more than a quick swipe at it, you should be ok. One scratch per itch - it does work.

I have developed quite dry skin, dry patches on face, last few months, nothing to do with reaction of clothes wash powder or showers etc, but looking back now, since I have been on my own, I have eaten very very little fat, scraping of butter, no fatty foods, etc so I am just wondering if I need more fatty foods in my diet (the right kind of course).maybe some fresh salmon or go down the tablet route, cold liver oil etc.

I've been worried about my diet since my DH passed away two years ago. I try to eat healthily but sometimes can't be bothered.

I will get myself some Cod liver oil or omega etc see how it goes. I must say I have lost weight over the last 8 months, slowly which I suppose is good, so I will try and keep it off,I suppose one of the reasons is I have to walk places now (weather not always good for bike) so I am getting more excersise than what I used to, that coupled with not eating c**p...

What about those pure silk undergarments that always seem to have a whole page ad in the weekend newspaper mags? (Patra? something like that)

Ooooh silk will definitely look for silk.

Walking is good exercise. I've lost 6lbs since I've moved to a new area because of a fairly long walk to the shops.

Keep walking Falconbird maybe silk undergarments will make you walk faster! lol I daren't wear any or I'll' slide off my saddle

I had some silk pyjamas once and slid slowly down the bed every night. I had to stop wearing them.

I've just come downstairs after having yet another little cry as it would have been DH birthday tomorrow...... switched laptop and logged onto GN and Falconbird have made me (which I don't do much these days, so thankyoufalcon ) you have brightened my morning!

I think we should have a "silkie" day where we all wear something made of silk (underwear etc) and see if it makes us feel any better..hope that doesn't sound pervy !

I itch/get bad rash if I'm in the sun too long....even managed to get all itchy on my chest walking around St Andrews at Easter one year. It wasn't even that sunny! Doc gave me very posh name for it....polymorphic light eruption, I have to use complete sun block from April onwards on arms/chest and stay covered up or else I'm using steroid cream to get rid of the itching. Not good.

Thanks Bikergran.

I'm feeling blue myself today because I've got a bad back and can't get about as much as I would like.

On lonely days I go to my local park which is lovely with a small churchyard beyond, but today my back is a bit dodgy so resting up and it's quite boring.

It takes a long time to get used to this new life. It's hard when birthdays come along and you realise how much you've missed.

My Dh would have been 70 last August. I heard nothing from my sons so I e mailed them. One replied that he was aware of it but hadn't like to say anything. Their grief is very different to ours. I lost my dad when I was 20 but I had my whole life left to live with my DH who at that time was my fiancee.

What make of bike do you own?