Insanely itchy legs when skin is wet… Help.

[Bucksfar86]

Sorry if this is in the wrong thread…

Since having my first daughter in 2020, whenever I have a bath or shower, swim, apply creams, sweat.. basically anything that means my legs are in contact with anything wet they become instantly insanely itchy and it can last for over an hour at times.

I was able to keep it at bay with anti itch creams and just manage the last 4 years …
It stopped during my pregnancy last year however once my baby came in January it’s came back with a vengence!
Now, nothing helps atall, I’ve tried cooler temperature water, topical anti itching creams, applying moisturiser when my skin is still wet, anti histamines, sensitive shower gels.. EVERYTHING.

it starts as a tingling sensation then turns into itching and then becomes quite a painful itch with a sort of burning sensation.
Once my skin is dry again the itching can continue for a good hour!

Saw a DR recently who seemed shocked that the itching stopped during pregnancy as apparently itching can worsen during that time, he ordered blood test to rule out problems with my liver or kidneys, but they’ve all came back as normal?!

I just don’t know what to do, I need to wash but don’t want too because of the aftermath, I’m over weight after having my baby and struggling to lose weight as when I sweat it happens and I’m just at my whits end, it seems to be taking over my life.
I have to dedicate nearly two hours at a time just to wash - which isn’t easy with a 4YO and 4 month old.

It’s usually only my legs but past few weeks the tops of my arms have been beginning to start itching a lot too!

Has anyone else got any experience with this?

I have something similar I’ve had it for at least 25 years. I really was loosing the plot with it at one point 😭. Through trial and error the way I have managed to get it under control in the past year is. Taking hot baths not showers and taking one every day never missing or the itching comes back. Using really moisturising body wash on my legs a washing them twice. Then putting a thick layer of moisturiser on while I am still in the bath right at the end and then getting out and drying my legs. If the itching is bad piriton helps. It took a few days for the itching to go completely. I don’t know why it’s gone but I’m happy it’s gone !!!!

I had insanely itchy skin that only went when I stopped using liquid products
I switched to solid shampoo, conditioner and soap as well as powered laundry detergent and getting rid of fabric softener.
I also switched to showering every 4-5 days instead of 2 days, where possible, and only use soap on my torso and smelly bits leaving my arms and legs unless they are dirty.
I also have a histamine intolerance and follow a fairly low histamine diet to manage this.

W

Hi! Yes I have this too. It’s called aquagenic pruritus and it’s like torture. You must try taking beta alanine 30 minutes before bathing. It’s a life saver! There’s also a Facebook group with lots of other people with this condition where you can get tips and tricks from others but generally we all agree beta alanine is the most effective treatment. I hope you can find some relief soon!

I’m so sorry I’ve only just seen your reply!
I’ve had a little look around but struggling to see dosages for this, as when I’ve looked I’m only seeing the pre workout dosage.
Might sound really silly but how exactly do I use this?

Have you tried prescription anti histamines?

I have the same thing but when I’m exposed to the cold. It starts with a tingling usually in my little finger or my toes and then it spreads until I could claw my skin off with itchiness. It’s called Cold Urticaria but you can also have it for warmth, sweat, water etc. The over counter anti hists did nothing but the doctor put me on fexofenadine (prescription strength) and I take it every morning. I’ve had no trouble since.

There are cooling topical creams. I find them invaluable when menopause dry skin starts its horrible itching..

I saw the dr a few weeks back who put me on fexofenadine prescription strength twice a day and also prescribed me amitryptaline as that can apparently help with nerve blockers and is also sometimes used as an antihistamine, gave me cooling creams and also a course of steroids to see if they work. As even though my inflammatory markers were normal on blood tests he thought it was worth a try if it gets unbearable as id have nothing to lose if they didn’t work!
The fexofenadine and amitryptaline stopped the itching for a few weeks but it’s slowly coming back again, sporadically - not as bad as it was but I fear this is the beginning of it all again.
The DR did a dermatology referral which I’m waiting for too.
Nothing seems to work at the moment so I’m hoping once I get an appt with the dermatologist I may have some answers.

Hi! You start off really small so only 1/8 of a teaspoon mixed with a little water. It’ll feel a little weird but that’s normal. Wait at least 30 minutes and try some water on your skin. You can gradually increase the dose over time. The most I’ve ever taken is 1/4 teaspoon. You should be ok to shower on just 1/8 tsp but if that doesn’t work try a little more the next time. Good luck!!

Brilliant Thankyou!