My whole body itches, help me soothe it before I rip my skin off

[IntentsAndPorpoises]

Started about a week ago and it has gradually got worse and now covers my whole body. A bit like hives/red bumpy rash, constant itching.

Been to Dr and they are investigating as it it might be related to a medication I take. But until they work it out what else can I do. It is driving me mad, I can't sleep and feel like ripping my skin off!

GP gave me an antihistamine (cetrizine) but it barely makes any difference. I've got base cream to mouisterise. I've tried oat bath.

What else can I do????

Blood tests have come back normal for lithium level and thyroid. Apparently they also did a HBAC 1 test, which Google seems to suggest is blood sugar?

Got an appointment later to see what else it could be and beg better drugs and creams. Thanks for all the suggestions, I will be taking a list.

I get really itchy excess and have found E45 Itch Relief cream to be really good.

Excema not excess

There are different antihistamines so try a different type. Have a shower a bit cooler than you're used to.

I'd suggest if it really starts to bother you you try distraction techniques - go for a walk, brush your teeth, chew some gum, try a sudoku, cook a nice meal.

Have you changed shampoo or conditioner? Conditioner with silicones makes the back of my body itch like CRAZY but only after a few days of use and it took me ages to connect the two. I can still use it once in a while, but I'm sitting here wriggling right now because I used the fancy one that I can't bear to throw out this morning!

It;s mostly likely to be your medication, but there might be something even simpler causing it.

Make sure you don't have the heating on too high and definitely don't use an electric blanket.

Loose cotton clothing, piriton, and try putting whatever lotion you choose in the fridge (or on a cold window sill) as cooling your skin down should help.

All blood tests clear. GP has given me treatment for scabies. She's not sure that's what it is, but it won't hurt apparently.

I think the over the counter versions of piriton etc are usually 10mg, which I find is fine for hay fever, but not much else. I had horrific itching over various parts of my body for two years (not a side effect of medication or an allergy) and was prescribed a much stronger anti-histamine, Fexofenadine, which was 180mg, and worked a treat.

@IntentsAndPorpoises how are you getting on? Did the scabies treatment work?

Honey in your bath water will help to sooth the itch and inflammation.
Also try canesten cream or the pharmacy own brand one. It sounds silly, but it can help.