I was convinced my cats were causing my terrible, itchy eczema and cough..

[GetStuffezd]

I moved out of my last house in July. Since about February I had developed really bad, itchy eczema everywhere - all up my arms and legs and up my stomach and chest. It never stopped itching. (Not flea bites!) I also had a terrible dry cough, day and night. It was physically exhausting me to cough so much. Stupidly I didn't go to the doctor as I was afraid he'd tell me to get rid of my cats.

However, since moving to a new house, both these symptoms have almost immediately disappeared. I still have some itchy skin, but not nearly so much, and the cough has totally vanished.

So what on earth was causing these symptoms? My cats now go outside for most of the day, so perhaps they're not shedding so much indoors? Who knows?!

[orangeandemons]

I think the fact that they are outdoors most of the day, and the fact that you haven't been there long are both factors. I am badly allergic to cats, and it only ever gets worse for me, not better

[GetStuffezd]

Thanks, Orange. I'm hoping the symptoms will stay away as the months go by. Incidentally, there is now a MASSIVE advert on the side of my page saying "NO MORE ITCHING" - for some kind of anti-itch spray. I had no idea MN ads worked that way. Wonder if it works for other words....

Flash kitchen cleaner
Fish food
Swingers Clubs

[cozietoesie]

I don't think it's possible to tell without medical advice and tests, Get. It could well have been some environmental pathogen particular to your previous house or your way of living in it.

This time, if it returns, get thee to a doctor right away.

[GetStuffezd]

or your way of living in it.
I wasn't living in a shit hole, Cozie, I promise!!

Yessssssss I knoooooow....I will go to the doctor if I need to.

[cozietoesie]

No, No !

I meant - let me give you an example - say you lived in a small flat with no washing machine and had to get a service wash at the local laundrette. What washing powder might they have used?

That sort of thing. In other words, not just the fabric of your former house but ways in which your way of life might have changed. That's all.

[shcolton85]

Too many factors that could trigger an eczema, but I still think it is genetic. Have you tried organic products?

[Cailleach]

Was your last house damp? Could it have been mould that was triggering your allergies? Believe it or not mould spores can cause skin irritation, as well as nasty respiratory reactions...

Sometimes mould is hard to spot as it can be under your bath / wallpaper / tiles / floorboards.

[RandomMess]

Less carpet and curtains in your new place?

Getting rid of all carpets, curtains and getting a leather sofa hugely improved my allergic reactions.