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Original poster

Itchy skin hell

33 replies

RachelRasper · 05/03/2023 06:25

About two weeks ago my upper body started itching. There’s no rash but after I’ve scratched it my skin feels goose bumpy. it’s bleeding and has burning sensation. Nothing on legs. Arms and back the worst. I’m putting E45 on twice a day as I thought it was dry skin. Any ideas please?

OP posts:
frozenyoghurtyurt · 05/03/2023 06:26

Have you taken an antihistamine?

Original poster
RachelRasper · 05/03/2023 06:30

I did and after two days it got a bit better but after I’d finished the packet it’s got worse. Maybe I should take another course?

OP posts:
Hooklander · 05/03/2023 06:37

Have you tried Fexofenadine? You can buy 120 mgs over the counter or get 180s prescribed by your GP surgery. I much prefer it to Piriton for skin itchiness.

grayhairdontcare · 05/03/2023 06:37

Itchy skin was a sign of menopause for me.

Original poster
RachelRasper · 05/03/2023 06:43

I went through menopause a very long time ago so it can’t be that for me.

OP posts:
Original poster
RachelRasper · 05/03/2023 06:44

Thank you - I’ll try that. Do you take a course of it and then stop or are you permanently taking it?

OP posts:
Hooklander · 05/03/2023 06:52

RachelRasper · 05/03/2023 06:44

Thank you - I’ll try that. Do you take a course of it and then stop or are you permanently taking it?

I'm currently taking it every day, @RachelRasper and have been for a while. I'm the 'wrong' side of middle-age and everything seems to make my skin itchy.

I also use emollients like Epimax and Doublebase (I'm not a fan of E45 - find it a bit claggy). And I have gone back to non bio laundry liquid!

Thea91 · 05/03/2023 06:53

I would go to your GP they might be able to give you a different cream and stronger antihistamine.

Do you have any other symptoms or just itchy skin?

Original poster
RachelRasper · 05/03/2023 07:39

Thanks Thea91 I think I’ll ring 111. No other symptoms except fatigue but that could be because the itchiness wakes me.

OP posts:
Original poster
RachelRasper · 05/03/2023 08:26

Thank you. I’ll get some of the cream you suggest as I think we’re in the same age group and dry skin is an issue.

OP posts:
belimoo · 05/03/2023 08:29

I would try your pharmacist first. They're usually good with rashes and easier to see than a GP.

Original poster
RachelRasper · 05/03/2023 08:31

belimoo · 05/03/2023 08:29

I would try your pharmacist first. They're usually good with rashes and easier to see than a GP.

Yes it opens at 10.30 so I’ll be there. Thanks

OP posts:
Thea91 · 05/03/2023 10:30

The only reason I mention the GP. Is I work with blood cancer and itching is one of the main symptoms that many people aren't aware of. Always best to get it checked if it doesn't settle. Obviously 99.9% of the time it is not that but always worth speaking to the GP (who might also not be aware ).

PillBoxes · 05/03/2023 10:35

As a pp mentioned, it's worth checking out with GP when you can. Not to frighten you but itching without rash can (CAN not necessarily IS..) also be a symptom of kidney and liver issues. Worth a blood test if creams etc. don't seem to work.

Original poster
RachelRasper · 05/03/2023 11:32

PillBoxes · 05/03/2023 10:35

As a pp mentioned, it's worth checking out with GP when you can. Not to frighten you but itching without rash can (CAN not necessarily IS..) also be a symptom of kidney and liver issues. Worth a blood test if creams etc. don't seem to work.

Yes I’ll give it to tomorrow and if no better I’ll ring GP. Thanks

OP posts:
Original poster
RachelRasper · 05/03/2023 11:33

Thea91 · 05/03/2023 10:30

The only reason I mention the GP. Is I work with blood cancer and itching is one of the main symptoms that many people aren't aware of. Always best to get it checked if it doesn't settle. Obviously 99.9% of the time it is not that but always worth speaking to the GP (who might also not be aware ).

I didn’t realise the possible link to cancer. I’ve just taken Allevia and got the cream you recommended so thank you!

OP posts:
GingerPigz · 05/03/2023 11:57

Don't worry about taking an antihistamine long term if required - I've been on fexofenadine for 13 years. I've tried to wean myself off it on several occasions but just can't cope with the itching (chronic urticaria). Have had allergy testing done but not conclusive results.

Original poster
RachelRasper · 05/03/2023 16:17

GingerPigz · 05/03/2023 11:57

Don't worry about taking an antihistamine long term if required - I've been on fexofenadine for 13 years. I've tried to wean myself off it on several occasions but just can't cope with the itching (chronic urticaria). Have had allergy testing done but not conclusive results.

Thanks for that reassurance. I bought the 120mg - can I ask what dosage you’re on a day please?

OP posts:
Gwenhwyfar · 05/03/2023 16:27

I have the same thing at the moment and putting it down to the air being too dry because of central heating at home and air conditioning in the office. I've put water on the radiators at home, but am not sure what to do in the office.

Oblomov23 · 05/03/2023 16:51

I've had this. 3 creams and 2 tablets from GP and it's not got much better.

Original poster
RachelRasper · 05/03/2023 16:57

frozenyoghurtyurt · 05/03/2023 06:26

Have you taken an antihistamine?

Yes - I’ve just got some Allevia today 120mg so hoping that’ll sort me out.

OP posts:
GingerPigz · 05/03/2023 17:14

@RachelRasper - I'm on 180mg... tried to go down to 120mg but it wasn't strong enough for the winter months. I've even 'doubled up' (well - 180 + 120 mg - under the GP's guidance) when it's been really bad (recently discovered I was allergic to penicillin and was an angry, itchy red mess!)

Felicity42 · 05/03/2023 17:51

Do you wash your hair in the shower? Sometimes they change the formulas of stuff or you can develop a reaction.
Wash your hair over the bath instead and use only gentle baby products for the shower.
Funny it's only upper part of body.
Where you'd be under the shower or wearing a top. I guess you considered washing powder for tops you are wearing.

Original poster
RachelRasper · 05/03/2023 18:36

GingerPigz · 05/03/2023 17:14

@RachelRasper - I'm on 180mg... tried to go down to 120mg but it wasn't strong enough for the winter months. I've even 'doubled up' (well - 180 + 120 mg - under the GP's guidance) when it's been really bad (recently discovered I was allergic to penicillin and was an angry, itchy red mess!)

Gosh it sounds like you’ve got it bad. Hope you are managing it well and roll on summer!

OP posts:
Original poster
RachelRasper · 05/03/2023 18:40

Felicity42 · 05/03/2023 17:51

Do you wash your hair in the shower? Sometimes they change the formulas of stuff or you can develop a reaction.
Wash your hair over the bath instead and use only gentle baby products for the shower.
Funny it's only upper part of body.
Where you'd be under the shower or wearing a top. I guess you considered washing powder for tops you are wearing.

I read online that a stress rash appears only on top half of body so it might be that. I also think it could be new fabric conditioner I’m using so I’ve stopped using it. It’s so difficult to know what to cut out/stop doing so I’ll just keep trying things.

OP posts: