Itchy skin

A few years ago, I started itching, couldn’t work out why, no change of wash powder or anything.

Went to the GP, (this was when it was easier to get appointments). He hardly looked at me, but prescribed a steroid cream which sorted the problem out swiftly.

My husband has suddenly from nowhere developed eczema.
He used to swim 3 times a week before and always used anti chlorine bodywash and after-swim cream.

He can't swim at all anymore it's taking a lot to control it.
Definitely try to knock if on the head if you can.
Please don't hang about with it!

Stay out of chlorinated water and see your GP.

You have my sympathy Rosiebre, I have the sort of skin that’s permanently irritable and ready to react to anything. I use Zerobase cream as a shower gel and body lotion. When my skin is bad I shower with it, apply it to my skin after a shower while my skin is still slightly damp, wait ten minutes and then smooth in another layer. Time consuming but worth it. If it doesn’t resolve quickly I think
a visit to your GP would be a good idea.

pools are science experimants
biologyinsights.com/how-dirty-are-public-pools-a-look-at-the-science/
www.bbc.com/future/article/20250630-how-hygienic-are-public-swimming-pools-really

I have a very itchy skin caused by kidney failure. I use an anti itching cream from the chemist but most of all moisturise every day after my shower with a non perfumed cream. That keeps it at bay.

An astute doctor many years ago suggested a blood test when I complained about the itching which led to the diagnosis of kidney disease.

NotSpaghetti

My husband has suddenly from nowhere developed eczema.
He used to swim 3 times a week before and always used anti chlorine bodywash and after-swim cream.

He can't swim at all anymore it's taking a lot to control it.
Definitely try to knock if on the head if you can.
Please don't hang about with it!

Not "from nowhere". Almost certainly, from the pool water.

read Dotpockas link.

This is the reason I no longer swim in heated public pools and would not be seen dead in a public jaccuzzi or hot tub.

A couple of years ago I suffered from terrible itching all over my body and was diagnosed with gallstones. Once these were removed ( a very easy procedure) the itching stopped and I haven’t had it since.
It can also be a symptom of diabetes so I would strongly recommend a visit to your GP.

Have you got any spots RosieBee?

I agree with previous comments regarding chlorinated public pools, and stop myself thinking too much about the "soup" consistency of them.

Over the years I've become more sensitive, and my skin is comfortable when using a moisturising skin wash (QV Wash - prescribed and can be bought) and also as another comment Zerobase as a moisturiser (prescribed and can be bought) they sink into skin, are not greasy and skin feels "normal". If still itchy I apply more moisturiser which usually eases it.

Much as I love my fragranced shower gels and lotions my skin always starts to itch. I use fragrance free (Green People/Balmonds etc on my face) to keep skin comfortable and stops me itchy/scratching.

Hope you find relief soon

Thanks all. I'm going to go all out with the E45 for a week and if it persists, try to see a doctor. I swim at a hotel health club where the staff are frequently taking samples of the water for testing and I rarely use the jacuzzi. The pool is used for swimming lessons for babies and toddlers every day so I would assume it's ok. I hadn't thought about the kidney/gallstones angle. I did have a small kidney stone removed a few years ago. I'm 74 now and I can see the skin on my arms seems thinner. Started to assume the itchiness was an age thing with changes in hormones etc. I'll try drinking more water and make use of the cream. Thanks again.

butterandjam he's been doing this for six years with no problems ever.
Has always used swim shower stuff and moisturiser after swimming.

So yes, it seems from nowhere. L

His GP says it's more common than you think - might be fabrics, food, plants or whatever...

Rosiebee do see your doctor if this doesn’t resolve in a few weeks.
Some conditions unrelated to the skin itself can manifest themselves in severe itching. Blood tests will quickly rule these in or out.
Personally I find that I itch more at this time of year, perhaps because of central heating and being bundled up in layers of clothing. Having said that, it’s on limbs and trunk, not ears!

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Dd gets itchy skin from swimming at the local pool. She reckon’s it’s the chlorine in the water and always makes sure to have a thorough shower to wash it off.

She’s also allergic to some washing powders/liquids. When she lived at home I could never use Persil. Still don’t

Have you tried Anthisan cream?

Perhaps the water at your health club is heavily chlorinated .
I find our local pools irriate my skin and make my eyes water .
As we get older our skins thin and become irritated more easily.
And once you start scratching !
Another vote for Zerobase .
I also like Aveeno .
Hot water and soap ,
heavy winter layers and central heating are also detrimental.
As your ears are itchy I wonder if it isnt due to an underlying cause.
Visit your GP if you can get an appointment!

I have had an itch under the top of my right arm, (not the arm pit). It usually starts at night, drives me nuts.
I was worried it could be the result of something else. Nothing has shown up in general blood tests.
Skin isn’t dry, or broken. I just apply a cream which helps.
When I’ve googled itching under the arm (below pit), it brings up armpit 😩
Does anyone else itch in this area.

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I agree with others who say do check the itching is not a symptom of something else. I have two suggestions that have worked for me. One, try some hayfever pills, this worked for me during menopause for itching. A more long term solution is to add a few drops of castor oil into your body moisturiser. Castor oil is anti inflammatory and also very thick, it creates a barrier between your skin and whatever is irritating it.
This has worked on my skin anyway.