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Itching legs

Dr i am going to go crazy. My legs start itching before i go to sleep at night. it first starts of with this really nice itching feeling in a small part at the back of my legs and as soon as i give in tot he temptation to start scratching it it gets worse. It van go on for hours. My legs start getting these red bumps from scratching looks like a severe rash. As i am typing this my one leg is going crazy. Have googled for answers cause i just can not take it anymore.  I want to go insane. I have tried using fragrance free soap, lotion and detergent but it does not help.
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Avatar universal
Please someone tell me how to stop itching! My skin feels like I have rolled around in fiberglass insulation in my attic! From my legs to my chest, arms, back... everywhere! My eyes burn/itch even! This has been going on for months.
I literally use a stiff hairbrush with plastic bristles to 'scrub' my entire body. The itching is more irritable at night. I know it's not my sheets/bedding/or clothing as my husband does not suffer at all. I use the same soap (dove) and detergent (Tide) that I have been using for over 10 yrs.
I have even developed scabs from either scratching at or from the itch itself. I am so tired most everyday because I am not getting much sleep (3-4 hrs per day). I am not on any medication, do not drink or do any drugs, legal or otherwise.
I can (with my fingertips) gently rub over my skin and feel almost fiberlike bumps on my skin where it itches. I thought I must be going mad, but my husband did it over my skin and can feel it too.
I am female, age 45. I am in menopause (have not hade a period in almost a year), rare and mild heat flashes.
I do not have any medical insurance so other than emergi-care places, I don't know where to go.

Is this due to menopause? Is there anything that can stop the itching/symptoms? What could be wrong? Ideas anyone???

Please!
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Avatar universal
Dr. Rockoff,

I have had itchy lets for many years, even before my hysterectomy. Sometimes sweating starts it, sometimes a hot shower even if I don't shave, sometimes paid medication starts it off. But it feels like I have rubbed my legs with the fiberglass insulation in my attic. It starts off with one little spot, then spreads to both my upper and lower legs. I have to put on pants to make it calm down. liquid benadryl does not help, bio oil does not help aloe gel does not help, lotion does not help. The only thing that helps is covering my legs with either long pants or a blanket. Do I just have sensitive skin and is there a remedy out there I need to try? Thanks.
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Avatar universal
Hi,

This could be allergic reactions to some unknown substance, eczema, dermatitis or skin hypersensitivity or secondary to some insect bites or cosmetic products, etc.

Are you allergic to any specific substances? Have you taken any medications for the lesions?

You should keep the areas clean, wear cotton socks to avoid sweating, use a powder to keep the areas dry , use calamine lotion at the sites. Oral antihistamine medications would help if the lesions are itchy. Wear clean clothes and maintain good personal hygiene.

If your symptoms persist it would be best to consult a skin specialist because nothing can be said with surety without a proper clinical examination.

Let us know about how you are doing and if you have any other doubts.

Regards.

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