Constant itching and scratching

[Essexmate]

Posting for traffic and for help/advice.

Almost 2 years ago, out of the blue, DH started feeling itchy. Can’t remember where on the body it started but up to present day it has resulted in DH literally gashing his skin day and night. It is constant day and night, his hands are always going. And I mean literally, sometimes I get woken up at night the bed is shaking because he’s gashing away so violently. He draws blood but still scratches, he can’t help it. He has wounds all over his body and it’s now dictating what he wears as he wants to hide it.
He gave in to my badgering and visited GP who said it was eczema and prescribed cream. It soothed the skin but not the itching so he went back and GP curtly told him he had to take an antihistamine each day and nothing else can be done. I’ve tried to get DH to go back to GP but he refuses.
Has anyone had any experience with this? Almost 95% of his body is gashed up really badly. We hadn’t changed any washing powder, shower stuff etc it really started just like that.

He could try changing to E45 shower cream, which is non lathering (so no SLS) and unperfumed and Oilatum emollient cream.

He needs blood tests. There are a few medical things that cause itching, including liver problems, anaemia and other blood problems called Myeloproliferative Disorders (though in that case they are usually worse after showering are often accompanied by weight loss and night sweats) you can usually see track marks if it’s scabies.

Cut wheat and dairy, change washing powder to a sensitive skin one, bathe in oats and get his liver checked

This happened to me once. I was itching head to toe. My nails were smooth after it. In the end I realized I was allergic to the Christmas tree! Some things let off fine dander. He's allergic to something in the house. Have a GOOD look around where he spends most of his time. Change any washing powder, soap etc. You may find the cause is hiding in plain sight. Anti itching cream helps... But it's no cure for the misery. He's allergic to SOMETHING, OP.

I had the exact same thing, started two years ago and paid to see darmatologist. Initially out down to anxiety however after blood tests realised I have anaemic which can cause itching, as can a couple of other deficiencies. Definately worth a visit to go and request for blood test, and to rule out anything more serious. In the meantime I found the menthol medicated skin cream helpful.

Have he tried a process of elimination,

After years of itchy skin I finally realised I had become allergic to fabric conditioner.

Definitely needs GP/ANP appointment. Depending on what there is to see he might benefit from an emollient wash (stop using all soaps/shower gel) and a better antihistamine (prescription only). Or even a steroid cream but needs face to face assessment. Is there a nurse practitioner at the surgery? They usually are pretty good with things like this. But definitely needs bloods.

Thank you for all the advice. I have shown DH the comments (he knew I was making the thread) and he is going to ask to see a different GP. If no luck there then we will pay for blood test/demonologist or both depending on what GP says.

Really surprised so many others have dealt with a similar issue but pleased to hear that there are solutions!

I agree that he needs bloods doing. First thing that came to mind was liver.
Then for eczema he needs to use Ecover ( or similar) washing liquid and conditioner only on all his clothes/bedding/towels. No smelly conditioners and powders, Chuck them out.
Cotton clothes and bedding. As much cotton as you can get.
Then Elena’s nature collection for his skin. It worked miracles on my DC.

www.coeliac.org.uk/information-and-support/coeliac-disease/dermatitis-herpetiformis/

See if this is of any help.

I recently found out that a nickel allergy can cause this sort of thing, too. Worst of it is, nickel is in almost everything but you can pick and choose foods that have lower nickel levels. I don't get rashes but I get insanely itchy sometimes, often with a painful stomach. Look up SNAS. Nickel allergy is far more common than people realise