momintexas
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 23391
posted
My mom is having a really hard time. I have posted about her before and awhile back had posted about her having very swollen, itchy lower legs.
She described it as an intense itching coming from inside under her skin that is now all over her body.
It seems to be at its worst at night and comes in flairs. There is no cycle to it.
She has tried benadryl, topical steroids, lotions, etc. The only thing that seems to provide minimal relief is raising her legs up and putting ice packs on them.
But, now it's all over her body.
She was (and it kills me to even type this) put on high dose steroids for about 2 months late summer/ early last Fall.
Ever since then, things have gotten really bad. We are currently waiting on a new round of tests to come back.
She has not been diagnosed with Lyme, although it's strongly suspected.
We are on a waiting list for an LLMD.
Has anyone ever experienced the itching like this and if so, what did you do for it and what causes it?!
Any advice would be very much appreciated.
Posts: 1408 | From Tx | Registered: Nov 2009
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steve1906
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16206
posted
There are many reasons why people itch, Isolated or whole body. I hope the test she is waiting for can explain why this is happening.
Read each page on this site below, it may help explain some of here itching.
-------------------- Everything I say is just my opinion! Posts: 3529 | From Massachusetts Boston Area | Registered: Jul 2008
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steve1906
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16206
posted
Treatment of Body Itch To address the causes of body itch a Doctor may recommend one or more of the following approaches:
•Tranquilizers
•Oral Antihistamines can help to bring some relief. One side effect in a few products is tiredness, so check package labels if using the product during the day (Kirkland AllerClear or other products such as Claritin that contain Loratadine are a good choice for a low cost non-drowsy anti-itch antihistamine.
An alternative are products with Ceterizine, which is the active ingredient in Zyrtec.) Do not use Benadryl (diphenhydramine) as the active ingredient could cause an allergic reaction in some people.
•Corticosteroids Itch creams and lotions can help to reduce skin inflammation and itching from problems such as poison ivy. good for application to small or localized skin areas. (Make sure they contain camphor, menthol, phenol, pramoxine, diphenhydramine, and a “caine” derivative, which is an anesthetic) . When applied to the face do not buy products that are more than 1% hydrocortisone (a good choice is Aveeno).
A doctor may prescribe an oral corticosteroid for more severer or widespread skin conditions. Do not use on infants without the advice of a Doctor due to bloodstream absorption.
•Hydrocortisone creams/lotions (These only help “if” the itch is responsive to cortisone. Additionally, many are too weak to make much difference.)
•Ice packs - ice slows down the c-fibers, the pathway the body uses to signal an itch.
•Cold showers. Avoid using hot water and do not bathe for long periods of time. Use a small amount of soap and pat dry. Some relief may be available with the use of a moisturizing lotion after bath that is additive free (additives may result in skin reactions).
•Facecloths (Interrupts the itch cycle)
•Hot water (Kills the itch temporarily, but it will return even worse. Not highly recommended)
•Natural remedies such as Itch Dr. for general itching (contains ingredients such as Vitamin E, aloe and tea tree oil), Anal Itch Assist and Hive Away can all help to relieve itching using gentle herbal and natural ingredients.
• Motrin IB ibuprofen - an anti-inflammatory
•Oatmeal based topicals such as Aveeno
•Cortaid 10 (hydrocortisone 1%) – anti-inflammatory that handles itching and swelling/redness. Takes longer to work than topical anesthetics.
•Dermoplast Spray (benzocaine 20%, menthol .5%) – virtual instant relief for surface itching and pain.
•Mycitracin Ointment (polymyxin B 10,000 IU/g, bacitracin zinc 500 IU/g, neomycin sulfate 5 mg/g) – Good to prevent infection.
•Ignore the itch - try distracting yourself with a video game. There is some scientific basis for this approach.
•Itch a location that doesn't each - try itching the opposite area of the body (e.g; if the itch is on the left arm, itch the right arm). This approach confuses the brain and may help reduce the desire to itch.
-------------------- Everything I say is just my opinion! Posts: 3529 | From Massachusetts Boston Area | Registered: Jul 2008
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Jane2904
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15917
posted
So sorry your Mom is having a hard time.
Maybe try an oatmeal bath. Aveno makes one.
Good luck and hope it stops.
Posts: 1357 | From Massachusetts | Registered: Jun 2008
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- Of course I was wondering the same thing! I had horrible itching from candida. Tell her to cut out anything that resembles a starch or sugar, including artificial sugars.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 95822 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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manybites
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33750
posted
shishtosiomasis cause it , blood itching .
Posts: 1379 | From disable | Registered: Aug 2011
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quote:Originally posted by manybites: shishtosiomasis cause it , blood itching .
- Please check the spelling of that. I'm unable to Google it.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 95822 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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steve1906
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16206
posted
(Schistosomiasis)
This site below does not mention itching with (Schistosomiasis) – I did found this on another site-Initial invasion of the skin may cause itching and a rash (swimmer's itch). In this condition, the schistosome is destroyed within the skin.
posted
I have a similar itch. Like momintexas's mom, it's not the skin. It's occuring beneath the surface. I scatched until the skin was raw. Then it burned like crazy - both the skin and underneath. Trying my best to ignore it and hope it goes away. Thankfully, I don't have it all over. Hope your mom finds relief!
Posts: 14 | From Minnesota | Registered: Mar 2012
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TerryK
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Member # 8552
posted
Allergy to medication or yeast both come to mind. Could possibly be a food allergy.
Terry
Posts: 6282 | From Oregon | Registered: Jan 2006
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momintexas
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 23391
posted
I really think it's from yeast.
Her results just came back and she tested very high for yeast.
Have a follow up appt coming up.
Thanks for the replies.
Posts: 1408 | From Tx | Registered: Nov 2009
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posted
Could this also come from parasites? My husband has same itch. It comes and goes. Some days are worse than others.
Posts: 182 | From North Carolina | Registered: Apr 2011
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Tammy N.
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 26835
posted
Is she gluten free and dairy free? I would definitely avoid those 2 food groupings immediately and completely. I have a friend who had constant sores and discomfort all over her legs. My LLMD suggested going gluten and dairy free, and all of her symptoms went away. Completely.
Also, just to cover all bases, go to a good allergist for a full work-up.
Not everything has to be disease related. Some things can sometimes be simple to fix. I hope this is the case with your Mom.
Good luck.
Posts: 2238 | From East Coast | Registered: Jul 2010
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