Why is my skin so itchy?

Question

It's all over my body, it's constant. There's no redness, soreness or oedema but my skin is itchy, mainly the arms and the legs but also my shoulder blades; even whilst writing this, I've had to stop to scratch seven or eight times.

Answer 1

The medical word for itchiness is "pruritus". Persistent itchiness should be assessed by a physician because some serious medical conditions can have pruritus as a symptom. In the meantime, increase the humidity in your home (even a simmering pot of water on the stove), try over-the-counter hydro-cortisone creams (not petroleum based), some oatmeal based bath soaks, and if going nuts from it, some Benadryl (follow directions on the bottle . . .usually 50 mg dose) will help. See your physician soon. RN

Answer 2

This sounds very much like an allergic reaction of some sort... How long has it been happening? Try taking an antihistamine like Benadryl.

Contact dermatitis from soap or laundry detergent is a definite possibility. You should think if there were any possible triggers: Did you change soaps, eat something you've never eaten before, etc?

Answer 3

I'd go see a doctor to be honest.

My mum had an itchy skin condition. She ended up in hospital for a week to be treated for it with special creams. I had to visit her frequently.. and the ward had quite a few other women with similar conditions. It was a bit strange talking to these women patients (friendly) who were constantly scratching themselves. They'd torn their skin in many places though scratching. They said it was a living hell they'd endured for years.

I hope your condition is nothing as extreme... but I would advise seeing your doctor... if nothing else.. doctor may know how to stop it getting worse through early diagnosis. Good luck.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

you are probably taking too many hot showers.
I have the same problem from that, taking too many showers dries your skin up, making it itchy

Also maybe your soap as well. I think some people have itchy skin due to chemicals in soap. Try to find an organic soap.

Answer 6

You may want to try my recipe for body lotion. Take 8oz. of vitamin E cream, 8oz. of petroleum, and 8 oz. of pink baby lotion. It has to be the pink lotion that was what I was told. You can buy the off brand it works just as well. I use this at night, be sure to wear socks if you put it on your feet.
If you don't get any relief you should go to your dr.

Answer 7

Try using Body Butter from the body shop, it's more greasier than other creams and might help with the itching (:

Answer 8

definitely try using dye/fragrance-free detergents. white dove. i've been using cetophil instead of regular lotion. it's a bit expensive, but the stuff is amazing. lay off on really hot showers. if a rash does show up, check with your doctor.

Answer 9

have you changed the washing powder or soap or somthing like that?
or have you eaten something out of the ordenary?
go to the docter & have some test done

Answer 10

Its DRY DRY DRY! Use lots of cream 3 times a day.