Relief for constant itching?

[Gloria42]

Hi

DP has terrible itching on his skin (mainly torso and back) related to coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis. It's mainly diet controlled and should go away if he sticks to the gluten-free diet, but in the meantime I wondered if anyone had some kind of solution for the itching symptoms? He's got emollient cream etc, but that's not working that well.

I have big sympathy as the itching from dermatitis herpetiformis is horrid (I have it too). Best thing is 0.5% menthol in aqueous cream - the pharmacist can make it up. Or the E45 anti itch cream is pretty good too.

Best thing, of course, is being strictly gf - especially till it's under control

Agree with CMOT about the aqueous with menthol. It's very good. Really cooling and works fast.

I guess he'd need a prescription for that?

No, you can buy over the counter. It is expensive though. I've got a large pot at the moment (dreadful pregnancy itch) and it costs £20.

In that case I might get him to ask the doctor, due to the coeliac diagnosis he's got a prescription season ticket so it wouldn't cost anything extra