itchy flaky skin

[beatiebow]

It has been probably at least three years now since my problems started (maybe four). I got thrush for the first time (due to antibiotics for gum infection maybe but who knows)and around this time I also started getting itchy patches behind my knees, armpits, back of neck and groin.

The doc thought it was some kind of dermatitis and gave me steroid cream etc (can't remember exactly what). Itching behind knees stopped but couldn't get rid of the itch on neck and groin.

Over time the problem has varied in its severity but never gone away. Have just had thrush for second time (maybe due to scratching??) and had treatment for that but still very itchy at inner top of thighs, in pubic area and all around the back of my neck and top of my back. My skin is just flaking off now. If I rub the top of my back piles of flakes shed off. Flaky down below too.

Feel like I am going mad (and doc has referred me to dermatologist but not given anything to help in the meantime).

Anyone have any experience with this kind of affliction or know of something which might ease my symptoms (the itching and flaking)????

have a check of you shampoo and soap - if they contain SLS or sodium lauryl solfate - then stop using them ASAP.

SLS is an extremely harsh and drying chemical used to clean industrial oils - but it foams well, hence the reason it's in alot of bath products.

I would try switching to something without it in - Waitrose do a good 'organic' range or your local health store, but just double check the ingredients for sls and if it states 'paraben free' on the front too - even better.

then slather on loads of moisturiser - or even olive oil or similar.

hopefully that should all help

I'd suggest avoiding all cosmetics and soaps. I'd also recommend getting hold of a product called 'Oilatum' either from a pharmacy or large supermarket. It's a very simple, non-perfumed lotion/oil that you add to your bath. Ideal for whole-body application and very calming and soothing for dry/itchy/flaky skin conditions.

Until you can get to your dermatologist you could try taking a daily antihistamine just in case it's an allergic reaction to something. Vitamin E-rich foods and supplements could help... very good for skin conditions.

If you feel the problem was triggered by a yeast infection then the other dietary suggestion is to follow a yeast-free and sugar-free diet. Yeast-free lets out bread products, cheese, mushrooms, Marmite, vinegar.... And sugar-free (ie. not feeding the yeast) includes fruit as well as foods with added sugar. Some refer to this as an 'Anti-Candida Diet' if you want to Google it... and it could be worth a try.

Thanks Furball but have tried stuff like that to no avail.

Chil-doc had given me something to bathe with and I think it might have been that and it didn't help either unfortunately. Am taking antihistamine just in case.

Might try the vit e supplements next though!

Yeast and sugar free diet-how do people do it????!!!! Have seen details of this before and not sure it wouldn't finish me off before the itch did.

I only showered with the bathing stuff actually-will give it a try in the bath and maybe that will be more effective.

Thanks for all suggestions, wish these things were easier to pinpoint.

Yeast and sugar-free is not such a big sacrifice. Bread is out but you can eat rice, potatoes, pasta etc. Vinegar & marmite.. who eats a lot of that? Cheese & mushrooms... easily replaced. Sugar-free is very simple if you duck confectionery entirely and most processed foods (which tend to have a lot of sugar added to them). The 'no fruit' rule is just for the first few weeks. Other than that you can go to town on fish, vegetables, eggs, pulses, meat.... far bigger choice, really.

Once the amount of yeast in your gut has stabilised you can then reintroduce foods and, hopefully, not have problems going forward.

It is the cheese and fruit I think I would struggle with (and sugar!). I will investigate further and see if it is possible! Cheers.