incredibly itchy skin after shower/shaving- pls help!

Hi:

I know itchy skin doesn't sound like a big problem, but my legs and arms itch like they were about to fall off everytime I take a shower.  I don't have dry skin and I use Aveeno body lotion everyday to make sure I get enough moisture.  The itching is like an intense tingling only on my arms and legs (mostly on my legs) and it's so bad that sometimes I just want to run yelling into the street.  The itching usually goes away within an hour after taking a shower, but it happens all of the time.  I hope that someone can give me some advice as to how to fix this problem...itching can drive a person crazy!

Thanks everyone.

[ryn21]

There may be an issue with the soap or clenser you use while showering.  I have extremely sensetive skin myself and had to resort to baby lotion and shampoos to keep me from overdrying my skin.  Many lotions make the skin oily rather than truly moisturize.  Cetaphil is a good lotion, but I use Aveeno baby lotion.  It seems to do the trick.  

What soaps do you use?  Dial AB or Dove, ?? ?

[Radak]

Also make sure the water is not too hot.
Lukewarm at most.
Keep your showers as short as possible.
In the winter, shower only when necessary.
See if this helps.

[Teresainpain]

Ya that's a good idea.  I could lower the temperature of the water, although i don't use very hot water to begin with.  I'm going to try some different soaps but I really don't know if that is going to help.  It seems to start itching when I shave...I don't know. It doesn't seem like I can really fix it.  But I will certainly try those suggstions.  If you have anymore, keep them coming!  Thanks a lot!

Teresa

[foxy1220]

I don't have an answer, I just wanted to say that the same thing happens to me when I shave my legs, it takes a long while (hour or so) for it to go away.

[melissaMN]

Hello, I have suffered with this for years and have found exactly WHAT it is. It's called Aquagenic Pruritis. Here is the link:
http://home.tiscali.nl/aquagenic_pruritis/

I have searched and searched. I could NOT take a shower without taking a Xanax (thanks mom) about an hour before going into the water! See your doctor/dermatologist. I have been taking asperin and iron supplements, but everyone is different. There is also a Yahoo! group for this disorder, which is usually hereditary. Hope this helps!!

[Dapper937]

I have the same problem, scratching at this very moment... We stayed at a Super 8 about 6 months ago and I had the best shower experience I can recall. No itchy skin whatsoever. I believe they have a water softning system that made the difference. We are currently renting a townhouse, but also home searching. My first investment when we move will be a water sofner system.
Hope this helps.
Dapp

[Joanie68]

i just had this happen a few weeks ago - i thought i would lose my mind!  i think the water was too hot.  i also shaved my legs without putting enough soap on them - OMG - horrible.

good luck

[Joanie68]

i just had this happen a few weeks ago - i thought i would lose my mind!  i think the water was too hot.  i also shaved my legs without putting enough soap on them - OMG - horrible.

good luck

[kadin0017]

I personally have been suffering from this for almost 10 years now. I am a healthy 25 year old female with no children. My biggest health problem is the fact that I have Psoriasis. The only area that affects however is my scalp, I have had no problems elsewhere. When this problem first occurred I had no idea of what it could be. I was a teenager and my parents looked at me like I was insane. I went to the Dr. numerous times, was prescribed several lotions to put on 3 or 4 times a day, but they made my problem worse. I am happy that some of you have found out your triggers, and know how to avoid them. I on the other hand, have had a problem determining what my trigger is. Sometimes I have the problem after I shower, sometimes it's just something that hits during the day. I can't wear shorts because if I do I may come in contact with something that will start the reaction. My boyfriend has gone through the worst of it. When an itching spell comes over me I literally have to shut myself in a room away from him because I get sooooo irritated that I begin to lash out on him for just trying to help me. I've tried everything that could be related to "Aquagenic Pruritis" however it just makes it worse. The only relief I get is placing cold compresses over the worst areas. I have also tried to figure out what the cause of it was. I go back to when I was younger and was told that after shaving, if you put rubbing alcohol over razor burn it would make the razor burn go away, however being the clever teenager I was I would just wipe rubbing alcohol over my whole legs hoping to beat the razor burn. Shortly after this is when I first noticed my problem, however it wasn't because I had dry skin. The Dr.'s I went to told me that my skin was healthy and didn't understand why that alone would bring on this effect. For me, I notice a dramatic change when I'm cold. It's usually the heat and humidity that brings on the itch, but when I get cold, or goosebumps it seems to help. It feels as though my leg hairs and trying so hard to push their way through the skin on my legs. My next attempt at relief is to get laser hair removal to see if maybe it is mostly from my leg hairs. I'm not against trying anything and everything. As I stated I've lived with this for about 10 years and I am so ready to be done with it. I would love to wear shorts again, or go on water rides at amusement parks or SHOWER without fear.     I hope that someday soon someone figures this out and fixes it. I am happy to know that I am not the only one and that I am not going crazy or that it's not all in my head, but I am also sad to hear that I am not the only one. I hate to know that there are others that feel as badly as I do. This is not something I would wish on my worst enemy. The nights I try to fall asleep but can't because I just feel like ripping my skin right off the muscle, the days I am afraid to go work out in fear of sweating and causing the itch, the times with friends I am afraid to go to the pool or to the beach even.. which is horrible because I live in Florida.. oh and B.T.W. I saw somewhere people were trying to figure out if it was a location thing. I grew up in Ohio and lived in a house with a water softener and still had this problem.. I've been to hotel rooms and showered.. still have the problem.. I've had the problem in most every place I go. I apologize for the lengthy post, it's just this is the first time I have felt as if others feel the same as myself.

-Heather

[greedytree2000]

I just began to itch on my lower legs after a showers and about at the same time I had a over growth of a natural fungi called Candida 'mainly on my scrotum'.  I'm running my own test to see if the 2 are related.  It makes good sense that they are after all the research I've done on the fungi.  If you have the will power try to eat vegitarian for 3 weeks and see if that helps.  Cut out all sugar ,  this will starve out the candida and I hope cure a few other problems im having.

[MarkinWaterloo]

I have had a problem withis in the past as well, although not as severe.  I now use a water softener and olive oil based soap (can't remember the name).  Hope this helps.

[MarkinWaterloo]

The name of the soap is  neolia.  Made a big difference.

[ipost]

Hi Heather...I have been dealing with the same problem for about 8 yrs.  I have recently found relief with Neurontin.  I was told that I probably will never know the root cause of my illness but that somehow my nerve cells in arms and legs have been damaged.  They inturn send the wrong signal to my brain.  Until recently I had been living with ice baths, ice packs, fear of showers, etc.  This drug is not 100% effective all the time but it sure has given me my life back.  Hope this helps.
Ida

[Collegestudent22]

I also suffer with itching after a shower. It usually occurs in the winter time for me. I am in Phoenix, AZ so when its hot I am ok, when the weather changes my skin goes bizarre. I also think that since in the winter the hot water seems to go by quicker, as I am taking a shower the water begins to get cold, it triggers the itch. I itch horribly, I have scratched my legs with plastic butter knives , toothpicks, pretty much anything to discontinue the itching. It is not only my legs that itch but my arms,my back, my neck... everywhere.  I thought that my skin was just extremely dry after the water turned cold in the shower so I began to put on baby oil gel right before I got out of the shower to lock in the moisture, it only worked for a while and then I began to itch really bad all over again. I tried different lotions, I only use dove unscented soap, no arftifical fragerances or anything, and I still itch? Has anyone had this similar problem with winter itch or maybe itching if the water goes from lukewarm or hot to almost freezing cold?
-desperately looking for some solutions (Collegestudent22)

[annieoakley]

I don't want to alarm you but there is a disease that is called polycythema vera ..one of the questions that is asked when this disease is suspected do you itch from a shower or bath..it has to do with your rbc ..u have too much blood,,have a through blood counts done.
ANNIE

[jk51515]

i have been suffering from itchy skin after i shower for years and just read an interesting article tonight about the fact that sodium lauryl sulfate causes itching in most people (41%). i just went into my bathroom and checked my aveeno soap which i thought was mild and saw that ingredient. i have a feeling this could be causing all my torment with itching immediately after showering. here's the link i just read:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/389060/what_causes_skin_itching_after_your.html

good luck, i'm going to try an experiment and not use products for a few weeks that don't contain sls and see what happens.

[marysdog]

I recently moved from Oregon to Oklahoma. Loved my long hot showers in Oregon. Now I still take those long showers but suffer horrible itching from them. We have a brand new house and had a water softner unit installed because the water here is very hard. According to what I read online this softner unit should releive my itching problem but it doesn't. I also use Dove. From what I read here from all of youI I guess I'll have to give up my long hot showers and I hate that. I have tried various lotions and vasaline but itching on my back drives me nuts and I can't apply lotion there. Just letting you all know I'm going nuts in Oklahoma. I hope I will eventually happen on to the answers I need. Good luck to all of you..... Been there -done that... Mary

[desthebest817]

I would just like to say I suffer from this exact problem. I remember the severe itching since the sixth grade and, now being 21 years old, I still have this problem. After showering, shaving and sometimes sweating, my skin becomes extremely irritated and itchy and I feel like screaming and ripping my hair out. It is even more frustrating when people say "there's nothing wrong" and don't believe it because it isn't visible. It is nice to know that this is more common then I thought. I have found that moisturizing afterwards provides temporary relief, but isn't good enough. I want to get rid of it!!!!!! Also, I love to shower at my friends' houses and my boyfriends because it doesn't occur, but hate and dread using my own shower! (this can create problems...) I remember I stayed in a hotel in Florida, took a shower and sat on the bed afterwards scratching my skin for an hour, so I noticed it could be the water. Typically I use either dove soap or shower gels and exfoliate. I was wondering if anyone else seems like they may have psychological problems also, like I refuse to use a "dirty" shower, I have to remove myself from the bathroom to find cooler air and sometimes even afraid to bathe. I appreciate all the attempts of diagnosis/treatment comments and will try the advice suggested.

-Des

[desthebest817]

Also, I haven't switched much of my cleansers, but noticed that for shaving the perfumed gels make the situation much worse, along with the alcohol content. So I switched to Aveeno therapeutic shaving cream which barely gives me any problems. It really is a great product line, I also enjoy the lotions very much. Hopefully this will help.

[looking4cure]

Might be Polycythemia Vera ; "A classic symptom of polycythemia vera is generalized itching particularly after exposure to warm water(after taking a warm shower), which may be due to abnormal histamine release or prostaglandin production" but "the median age at diagnosis is 60 years" athough "Polycythemia vera occurs in all age groups (including children), the incidence increases with age".
Get a Complete Blood Count (C.B.C) done to rule it out.
You can read more on Polycythemia Vera here; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycythemia_vera

As For Me: I also get severe itch ONLY ON MY LEGS but only RIGHT AFTER I bathe/shower with COLD water.

[mrsmarty]

I really have to find out the answer to this. I am starting to dread taking baths and showers. I itch like crazy for at least 30 minutes. Just in case it is psychological, I really try hard to find distractions and other things to think about. Other that I just itch all over my body...arms, legs, back, neck, feet, ankles, face. Lotion doesn't help at all. Once I scratch one itch, two more pop up in a different area. Sometimes I have so many itches, I don't have enough hands to scratch them all. If I don't scratch, I just jump up and down like crazy. I have to find the answer. I can't live like this.

[snoopysan]

I am a female, age 42.  I've had this same intense itching, first in just my legs but now in the arms as well, for the past 10 years or so.  Mine starts about August/September and continues until about January.  (I know, wierd.)  Asked the doctor about it when I first started the problem and he acted like I was nuts since there was no rash present.  Lotions, water temp make no difference.   We moved 6 years ago, but I still have the same problem.  One thing I also experience and haven't seen posted anywhere is hair loss (from the scalp) during the same time period.  So, I not only have to deal with the feeling of wanting to rip my skin off after a shower, I have to comb and dry my hair over the garbage can so I don't leave hair all over the bathroom!  Also, I noticed my itching is slightly less intense if I shave my legs in the shower.  So, maybe my problem is hair related?  Here's more bad news:  my 15 year old son has now experienced this for the past 2 years, same time of year.  He hasn't noticed the hair loss thing, though, thank God!  

[mrsmarty]

I THINK I MAY HAVE FOUND THE ANSWER! I urge everyone with (after-shower) itchy skin to try this soap: Cocoon baby body wash.

http://www.****.***

I used to use it all the time because I had sporadic issues with ecxema and it is very mild and has organic ingredients. But I stopped using it because it was a little expensive. But when I started back using it, I found that the itching stopped immediately! I was so relieved and it is definitely worth the cost to stop the itchiness.

After my shower, I finished up with the body lotion, which is very light.

http://www.****.***

I think the key is that they don't contain harsh chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate, which is known to cause skin irritation and itching.

Good luck!

[Slucoops]

I live in the caribbean and I have this problem. After a shower I feel as if my skin has tiny needles....I itch on my arms, and legs and that lasts for about half an hour. I usually feel it coming when I stay a long time in the shower and I notice it comes on when the weather is damp and the water is cold. I have changed my soaps, tried using lotions nothing works!!!

thanks for the info...knowing I am not the only one!!!

[completelyconfused10]

i have the same problem, but i am allergic to lotion. and it only makes it itchier...

[toohotphoenix]

I have the same problems I itch 4 about 30-45 min after a shower the tingling drive you crazy puts me in tears itch mainly just my arms and legs.I feel as if its never gonna stop and that 30 min or so never felt so long.I will try all your suggestions.I hope it works I really hate to take a shower now and i used to love it.This has only been happening to me for about 6 months and i'm 33yrs old.  thank you STACEY (toohotphoenix)

[allergicskin]

I had a similar case of itchy skin after showering a week ago.  I recently went to my dermatologist and found out that I have developed an allergy to the soap, shampoo, and shaving gel that I had been using.  It appears my skin is allergic to fragrances. After moving to non-fragrant soaps, my skin no longer itches after a shower.  Easy way to test this is to take some of your soaps and put one sample on one band-aid and leave it on your back for 2 days.  Obviously, don't shower that spot.  If you see a reaction to the soap, then you may want to try a different type.  Hope this helps.

[walkthewalk]

I have this same problem. Mine start just this year. I thought it was the water or something in it but when I went on vacation I had the same problem. Even getting in the pool was really bad. I tried all kinds of soaps and found that Lever 2000 original works the best. When I first tried it, it worked great for about 3 days and slowly the tingling came back, but no where near as bad. Strong soaps like Dial and Irish Spring was like putting gas on fire.

[rika92]

maybe i just find the answer to the problem on this website http://pbcers.org/itching.htm

Itching in PBC is unlike any other type of itching, and the exact cause is still unknown. The PBC itching is thought to be due to the retained bile salts deposited in the skin. The bile salts have an irritant effect on the skin which can be mild to severe.

Almost all those diagnosed with PBC will eventually experience the PBC itching. The most common itching spots are the ears, palms of hands and soles of the feet.

Some experience only occasional itching, while others the itching is so severe that it affects their daily life. Usually the most severe itching takes place in later stages, and in some transplantation is the only cure. It has also been observed that as the liver fails, the itching improves.

Comments and helpful tips from some of our PBCers who experience the PBC itching.

Many with PBC find the itching increases:

At night sleeping or resting.
In the sun
Hot humid temperatures
After eating fatty foods.
After eating salty foods.
After exercise and perspiring.
After taking hot showers or baths.

[r2eyes]

OMG!!! I have had this problem for almost a year but slowly it has incresed to the point were I can't take it anymore.. i have changed my laundry detergent number of times now.. it's all over my body to my scalp ..When I shower I have to stay away from the water until  I rinse off.. I also itch more after I tan so I belive it has t do with heat . The other day I was leaving my house and it was soo cold out and i actually felt a little relief.. I feel like i am going to loose my mind this about to drive me crazy...

[Tk21]

Wooooooooow. I would have never thought that there would be sooo much people out there with the same problem i face, though i havnt read them all my itchy skin problem seems a bit worse. though im almost just 16 im suffering with the problem for about 3 years now. i grew up in Jamaica (in fact i only just moved here to new york couple months ago) my itchy skin actually startedin the summer so i doubt it has anything to do with hot or cold for me. ive tried swithcin soaps, hot water, cold water even using bleach when i shower (that was themost effective though my skin did still itch but not as severe). I hesitate every time i plan on taking a shower and when i do my WHOLE BODY ITCHES. my legs, arms, torso, even my rear end occasionlly my face and even sometimes between my toes. whenever this happens i just want to SCREAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and burn my skin off!!!!!!! [i was real close to doin it too] But when i go to the pool or beach swimming or anything it doesnt itch just when i shower.

[suemack]

I have the same problem.  It's everything I can do not to just peel my skin off when it really gets going.  It's more like fire than it is itch.  I've recently started trying to go gluten-free to see if that helps.  My itching died down in about a day, but it may have just been coincidence so I'm going to test it for a while before I declare it a fix.  Also, for everyone who has itching with no rash, everything I've been able to find has said to go to a doctor for a blood test because it is often a sign of a systemic disease.  I guess I'm heading to the doctor finally.

[apple01]

It's the same for me - too long to remember when it even started but at least 10 years. It is unbearable at times but sadly I feel like it is something I will have to learn to live with and manage for the rest of my life. No part of my legs are spared from itching - from ankle to upper thigh. It seems to be getting worse. My legs are a complete disaster. I chase the scabs and scars with oils, creams and polysporin. I went to a naturopath who told me I had food allergies but I didn't quite believe that. It just didn't make sense to me. Other doctors and a dermatologist told me it is folliculitis and all of them just shook their head with a look that there isn't much you can do. I've been prescribed creams that have been little help. As Heather mentioned, I can feel the pain of the the hair trying to break through every follicle and the only relief is when the skin breaks. It's such a vicious cycle.  The only thing I tried recently was to stop shaving entirely for over a month and it seemed to alleviate the itching 'fits' although it was still itchy. It gave my legs a bit of a chance to heal. A dermatologist DID recently tell me that laser hair removal should help (makes sense - no hair to break through the skin). Unfortunately it is so expensive but it is encouraging that may be a solution. I may even go into my retirement savings to fund it and do a bit each year. I don't know. Some days I give up and others I want to keep trying to find a solution. Even though I don't think it's a food allergy, maybe there are foods that aggravate it?  I am interested in everyone's experience and can't believe how many people are suffering from this.

[suemack]

I posted my original remark about trying to see if gluten is an issue for me about a month ago.  I know I don't have Celiac disease because I don't have any of the symptoms, but I have to tell you that since I've essentially stopped gluten, my itching has become almost unnoticeable.  It's still there most days, but I can ignore it it's so mild.  I'm sure there are a lot of reasons why people's legs itch, but I'm pretty convinced at this point that that was my problem.  It's possible that it's just a natural part of the cycle (coming and going), so I'll still experiment and see what happens, but I'm getting closer to a 'diagnosis.'

[Armygirl68R]

OMG!  I don’t feel crazy anymore. Well like the majority, I started with this issue when i was 10 and it is just getting worst. I went from a mild itch on my upper thighs to a horrible itch everywhere. It is so painful! I am actually at the point to where i cry after my showers. I used to shower with only cold water and immediately i had to evacuate the bathroom. Now, cold water makes me itch worst and what I am now doing is taking hot showers and right before I get out, I rinse one last time with freezing cold water, then i apply my lotion. I have to fall asleep right after...or else i will suffer for approximately 1hr (sometimes up to 2hrs) with itchiness. My family, friends, as well as my fiancé would tell me that it couldn't possibly be as bad as I said it was...and for a long period of time I believed it was in my head also. Now, I know that I am not the only one. My three little brothers also have that itchy feeling after they shower but it is not as bad as mine, yet.
The only difference with mine is that I also itch every time I expose my legs to the air. I cannot wear shorts when I go to sleep or when i go out because I will also itch. It is not the shaving creams or even shaving. I have eliminated unnecessary shaving. I only shave my legs once a month and it itches just like any other day. I use hypoallergenic liquid soap and shampoos, as well as laundry detergent. I don’t know what else to do. My condition has gotten a lot worst and i am due to deploy soon!
I don’t know which one is worst deploying or this itch. If any one has anymore suggestions please share!!!!
I am trying all of the things I read above and I am also going to look up all of the conditions mentioned.
BUT IF YOU HAVE ANY REMEDIES THAT HAVE WORKED FOR YOU PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!!!!!!!!

[Armygirl68R]

I just looked up Aquagenic pruritus and it sounds a lot like what I am experiencing. I will set up an appointment with a dermatologist.
But please let me know of any temp. relief remedies for right now.

here is link explaining what this condition is:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquagenic_pruritus

Thank you

[Justinef]

I too suffer from intense itching episodes on my legs and arms after showering. The best temporary solution I have found is using  extra strength gold bond lotion after showering. Instead of rubbing the lotion onto the skin i just lather the lotion on and let my skin absorb the lotion. From my personal experience it is soothing enough to let me make it through the day without any worries. I hope this temp solution helps others

[MommaDuck]

I have the same problem with itching after a bath or shower.  It started a few years ago after showering so I switched to baths after reading that itching can be a shortage of moisture in the skin.  It recommended sitting in clean water with no soap to let your skin drink in the moisture it needed.  That actually helped... for awhile.
Then I actually started itching while I was in the water!  I starting taking a bath only every 2 or 3 days thinking I was bathing too often.  That didn't help but I still can't stand the thought of getting in water so I have stuck to that practice.  I started using really expensive french soaps with oils...that helped to lesson the severity of the itching somewhat...but again, the relief didn't last long and the terrible itching, burning fire sensation returned quickly.
I itch when I get out of bed in the morning...my arms will start burning as soon as my body starts to change temperature (usually waking to a cold house kills me!)  I itch when I get into bed at night on cold sheets.  It takes me about 2 hours for the itching to die down when I go to bed at night.  Lost sleep and an irritated husband....also losing sleep while I literally rip my skin off and squirm.  UGH.
My son developed this condition about a year ago.  He is 10.  I was so worried that I had his pediatrician treat the entire family for scabies thinking we all had something living on us.  It didn't help at all.  He still itches and almost cries when I ask him to take a bath.  It's sheer torture for both of us.
I have no idea what this is....... I live in fear when I hear stories of liver failure, etc...   I had been diagnosed with elevated liver enzymes...has anyone else had the same problem?  They told me that I was probably taking too much tylenol or advil.  Really???  Could it be that?  My son doesn't take those meds and he is still itching that same as me.

I DID FIND ONE PRODUCT ...
(out of hundreds that I've tried) that will stop the itch once it starts.  It doesn't do anything to prevent the next episode but it is my emergency fix when I'm at the point of losing my mind.  
It is a product by BAND-AID   ...it's in a clear tube with a green lid.  It says ANTI-ITCH GEL on the label and under that it says EXTERNAL ANAGESIC.  That stops it dead in seconds.  None of the other external anagesics I tried stopped the itch and pain.  This one does.  It's made by Johnson& Johnson.  I have no idea where I got this from and I'm about out so when I find it again I'm buying a case.  I try to only put it on the worst parts because I worry about overdosing myself (can that happen?)  But it works...that's the good news.

In the meantime I'll keep doing research, fighting with my doctor and reading these posts.  I've got to find an answer to this.  It's eating me alive!   Good luck everyone!

[johnny562]

After many years of itching problems,I finally found a CURE called Phototherapy-the use of UVB narrow band light.
Good Luck Everybody

[BostonClem]

Have any of you tried using antihistamines before showering? The overproduction of histamines can cause itching and urticaria.

When the body is allergic to something, it can trigger the release of histamines. However, the histamines may not be released until the allergen is gone. For example, if someone is allergic to water, the histamines might not be released until afterwards... which would explain itching after a shower.

Taking an antihistamine before showering might prevent this allergic reaction. I certainly don't know what the problem is, but I do know that this is how histamines behave and that everyone's descriptions seem like something that might benefit from a trial of antihistamines

I had cold induced urticaria (an extremely rare allergy to cold temperatures) and I had to take antihistamines before I went out into the cold. However, if I forgot to take the anithistamines, the itching wouldn't start until I got inside from the cold because the heat stimulated the release of the histamines.

Best of luck to all

[lola112]

Hello all:
I have recently developed the same thing.  When I get out of the shower, within minutes, I develop such severe itching all over my body, that I almost go into a complete panic attack.  My twin sister had gotten it years ago, and I thought she was just having an allergic reaction to her soap or laundry detergent (all the while I was considering myself lucky b/c I didn't have it and she did!).  Needless-to-say, over the past couple of weeks or so, I have developed this problem.  No welts, hives, rash, etc...just the severe itch. At one point, the itch was so bad, I thought I was going to have a heart-attack.  My blood pressure must've been sky-high.   I found myself scratching my body with the bristle end of the brush! (it worked pretty well, actually LOL).  Anyway, I immediately started researching what this could be... and have come to the conclusion that I must have (I self-diagnosed b/c I don't have insurance) aqueous pruritis.  After researching case studies about this disorder, I was only interested in what actually worked in stopping the itch.  It was to the point where I was deathly afraid of taking a shower!!  I first tried only tepid water.  I also tried blowdrying my body (not rubbing the skin with a towel b/c that supposedly irratated the skin and helped to trigger the itch).  Then, I also tried to put clothes on immediately following the shower (that helped a little bit, but still, the itch came on).  I switched soaps, laundry detergent...everything!  Following the research, I read that some doctors gave UV treatments to patients.  Well, at my witt's end, I decided to try a tanning bed yesterday.  (I know it's not good for you, but believe me... i wanted this itch GONE).  I did 9 minutes in a stand-up tanning booth.  Well, today when I showered....guess what??  NO ITCH!!!!!!!  I had to share this with all of you b/c it's worth a try everyone.  I'm sure we're all different and it may not work for all of you... but it's worth a try.  It worked for me, and I am so relieved.  

:)  good luck to you all

[itching_for_years]

And I thought I was the only one alive with this weird condition.  I have experienced the itching after taking a shower/bath since I was very young (now 35) but it has gotten worse over the past couple years.  A few minutes after showering, my upper arms and legs itch...and feel as if tiny needles are jabbing all over.  Some times are worse than others.  It seems to peak if I take a shower after doing sweating and if the outside air is humid.  The only thing I have found that provides a bit of relief is if I apply a heavy coat of skin lotion before showering but this is a nusance.  A while back I had to inject an oil based medicine twice weekly for 10 weeks (this was to treat a totally unrelated condition).  The itching COMPLETELY disappeared.  After the 10 week period, the itching resumed.  I've read the aquagenic pruritus disease and this sounds exactly like what I experience although I experience no itching after swimming...only showering/bathing.  It's not the soap...I've showered with no soap and still itched.  I'm hoping someone reading these posts has found a 'cure' because dreading the shower is not a comfortable way to live.

I'm still searching for the solution so if anyone has found what works for you...please let us sufferers know!  Thanks.

[Siren126]

I'm glad I found this post.  Mine started when I moved to Phoenix.  While driving one day my bare arms started to itch like crazy in the intense sun.  At first, that's the only time it would happen.  Then, within a few months it started happening in hot showers.  I love hot showers so this stinks!  I now take cooler showers but whatever skin that's exposed when I'm out for a day in the car, ends up itching.

Now I'm pregnant for the first time and it's worse than ever.  My hands even start itching from touching the hot steering wheel.  Just now, I washed my hands and apparantly the water was too hot because now my hands are itching.  How annoying can something be?  I'm going to check out some of the info in these posts.  Thanks to everyone =)

[saveyourkisses4me]

I have suffered with this nasty itching after a bath or shower for nearly 45 years. I've tried everyhing you can imagine. The doctors also checked me out at guys hospital, London in the early 80's and could not find a cure for me. Some days are worse than others and it just comes and goes whenever. There are 2 ways how I have dealt with this. 1. after a bath (when dry) get back in to your warm bed and within 10 mins it will graudly fade away. Okay this might be painful for awhile. 2. you can purchase a PR spray (stong ice pack spray) and spray on legs after a shower. This is a quick fix that works and takes 80% of the pain away. After reading these pages I too believe with all suffer from “Aquagenic pruritus” But research into this has been a joke. Hopefully relif is just around the corner. I will also try the gel “Anti-itch”  External Anagesic (Johnson & Johnson).

All the best - John

[Black_Parasol]

I have also recently began to suffer severe itching on my lower legs after shaving. I do not believe it is aquagenetic pruritis as it only seems to happen when I shave. However, the kind of itching is the same, and it has driven me to frustrated tears many times in the past and has also made me not want to shave my legs anymore. I know it isn't an allergy to the soap on the razor I've been using, and I also know that it isn't an allergy to the soap I use. I have found that using a poof or any other rough surface to wash my legs after shaving worsens the effect and it is better to wash with something gentle, like a terry washcloth. I have also discovered that actually scratching the itch makes it last longer and grow more severe. For me, at least, it's better to refrain from scratching as best as I can and it goes away a lot sooner. I hope this helps some of you, and please remember not to give up on finding a diagnosis if your case is more severe than mine.

Stay well,
Mary

[ambie999]

I have suffered with this as well. Have any of you had your thyroid checked. My itching stopped when i went on thyroid medication and came back when i went off, went away when i went back on and is now back since i went off my medication again. Needless to say i am going to see my doctor as soon as i can get in.

[angiepangie88]

Hah! My mother always told me I was crazy for itching as much as I did, but I told her it really hurt and she didn't believe me. I also felt like ripping my hair out and lashing out at people if someone tried to talk to me during the itching. I looked this up before and found that apparently sodium lauryl sulfate/sodium laureth sulfate can cause you to itch because of their extreme nature of cleaning. They are in 94% of consumer products and also used in engine degreaser....and industrial floor cleaner. I just tried to combat it by switching to organics and my itching was little to none :) I have Burt's Bees body wash and Organic shampoo {say yes to carrots, jason, or avalon are good} I hope this helps you guys too! I hate the itching!

[FurballsMom]

Another really good bar soap is made by an organic soap maker out of Portland, Oregon called Sappo Hill.  They don't come individually wrapped, because their goal is to make as little of a footprint on the world as possible.  The one I use they call Natural, although all the varieties they make are natural.  The one they call Natural is unscented and only has about three ingredients in it.  They use olive oil and vegetable glycerin in all their soaps.  No soy ingredients are used.  And no SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate).  Just old-fashioned natural organic soap ingredients.  Some have oatmeal, one has cornmeal.  There is a green one that has aloe vera in it.  It has some natural scents and colors in it that I'm still allergic to, which is why I use the one that is completely unscented and just basic soap.

There is another good natural shampoo that comes from New York called John Masters.  They have some herbal mixtures that are meant for dry hair.  None of the products use SLS.  They aren't cheap, but they aren't as expensive as the name brand commercial products that are sold in salons either.  I seem to do alright with the herbal blends, even with all my allergies.

[collegegirl235]

I have this same problem. It started last year and it only hapens when its cold out.  It gets worse when i shave my legs or take longer showers. The itch gets so bad i feel like im going to throwup.it lasts for about 30-40 mins. My parents look at me like im crazy cause they cant see anything on me. iv been to the doctor twice an he has given me two different lotions that have not worked. i'm going crazy over here. i'll try anything. im starting to get a fear for taking a shower. please help!!

[FurballsMom]

Have you tried the Aveeno brand of lotions that have oatmeal added to them?  I can't use them myself, because oatmeal is questionable for people with gluten issues, but oatmeal baths and lotions are supposed to help with dry sensitive skin that comes from bathing and showering.  A recipe I found on Care2.com that is a moisturizer for the skin is somewhat helpful.  Mix equal parts of vegetable glycerin (available at health food stores) and aloe vera gel.  You can also add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil or jojoba oil.  I itch less if my skin isn't so dry.  Try going as long as possible without shaving your legs.  For some reason the hair on the legs helps hold in the moisture.  Or, at least it seems that way with me.

[CurlySue86]

I have had this condition for about 3 months now, ever since I moved into a new apartment. I went to see the doctor when my arms had an outbreak of red, itchy spots that required constant application of lotion for any sort of relief. I know that my skin has always been a little sensitive and has always itched after a shower, but after the lotion, it usually went away. My doctor gave me a cream that would heal the spots I had but recently, I've been itching alot more, and for no apparant reason, other than shaving my arms and legs and taking piping hot showers. I woke up for the first time last night due to my arms burning from me itching in my sleep. When I stay over at my guy friends place in the same town, the itching subsides dramatically and it almost completely disappeared after a weekend at my parents, in a humid but warmer climate. I am also aware that I consume massive amounts of caffeine which can dry out the skin as well as not drinking enough water (ive been dehydrated twice in the past year). Is there anything else I can do, besides changing soaps, etc, drinking water, and keeping my apartment clean?

[FurballsMom]

I have a lot of allergies.  I find that Benadryl reduces the severity of them for me.  I don't care for the side effects of it making me sleepy, but it does lessen the severity of my symptoms.  My skin is pretty sensitive, too.  I recently had a bad reaction to that stuff they use to hold down IV ports.  It burned my skin really bad  Bad enough for me to call the ER dept and ask them what the stuff is called, so I could add it to my list of allergies.  It still bothers me a little bit and I can still see the marks.  Benadryl cream used topically has been helping with that, since that was clearly an allergic reaction.  I still take the oral Benadryl, too, even though the cream says not to.  I told the doctor I do this.  She wasn't the least bit concerned about that being too much Benadryl.

[Steve26]

Hi there, I am a 22 year old man,.. and have been suffering from this problem for at least 3 years.  I can notice this problem mostly in the hot and humid summer months after I get soaked in water in one manner or another.  It can be either with a bath, shower, pool water, or even sea water.... as I still itch like crazy for about 20min! Itching effects all parts of my body including arms, legs, back, chest etc!... I have tried several remedies without success.  These include: having a cold/hot shower, changing soaps, organic etc... rubbing baby oil before drying out helped a little but not extensively.  Using QV skin protection shower gel and cream did not improve the situation.  The most effective, but did not eliminate totally the itcing is a product from NIVEA natural oil bath - http://www.nivea.com/products/show/51 . I will try to seek medical advice and contribute to all our problems!! hopefully!!!!

[spoke]

Hi All,

  I too am having the same issue and the last time I took a warm shower  I had to walk out to my patio naked in the cold weather wanting to scream my lungs out  from the severe itching but I went back in quickly of course. The last time it happened I was just rinsing off  with shower water not using any kind of soap at all. I'm gonna try some oral over the counter antihistamine and topical cream too see if that relieves the itching until someone finds a cure. I must add ,that knowing you all have the same problem makes it little bearable but the itching seems to be getting worse with me working out every day. .....does anyone use Skin Zinc ? if so does it help or is it a waste of money ?

[Simpleman74]

Many shower curtains are plastic. So when you shave you are in there longer. And when in a motel * the curtain is not plastic. Plastic from curtain leeches into the water in bottom of tub and gets on your feet. Allergy to plastic/latex in it, is very common. Often times this makes your feet turn red when you get out and stand on the 100% polyester mat. Or rubber mat in some cases. tingling be be part of the reaction. Anyone want to see if this is why they react, just buy a cloth curtain like motels have. They are waterproof. Things wil be much better. I say this because so many on this thread have no dry skin, and this happens only in the shower. And doctors are not taught this. They are totally ignorant to shower curtains ever being part of the problem.
"ALLERGIC CONTACT DERMATITIS

[spoke]

Well, Simpleman74....I don't use a shower curtain so that may kill your theory partially at least. However I did try the anti-histamine (claritin -D) and has given me some relief since my last post. If your itching is as horrible as mine then try the anti-histamine for temporary relief before you shower....I think that most of you should try it to see if this will  help you not fear the after effects of a shower. Now, I am in the process of researching natural anti-histamines like "Lacitrex" and "Quercitin" . Both of these herbs are totally natural and have no side effects, but you know what is said about herbs remedies, they are weak and if they work they take a long time, but if they are natural and there is no cure for our itching problem insight, a natural herb anti-histamine is the way to go until a cure is found if one is found at all. at least the people on this forum know what we ll are going through. But the Claritin-D appears to be giving me great relief , I take it about 45 minutes before I shower and no itching  5 , 10 30 minutes after I'm done still no itching. Today I feel really  good (no itching), I just hope my condition doesn't adapt to the Claritin. I'm very anxiuos to see if this works for Heather and the others on this forum.

[jockeybikini]

hey ,
Try crabtree aloe vera shower gel/crabtree aloe vera body wash for body and face use any neutrogena deep cleansing face wash with salysylic acid also use aloe vera gel (more than 90% pure is good)try getting extra virgin olive oil massage once or twice a week..u vil have finally a extra soft healthy skin..use it foe long run...peace

[19Anna91]

It's SOOOO relieving to see others that share my problem!!!! I am a teenage girl and i have unbelievable itching after I shower. Colder water makes it feel better for a little while. It's not my whole body but really only my legs. I know the main cause of this is shaving and I dread the summer months. It seems to get worse every year and I really have had to stop shaving regularly. Now I really only shave for certain events where I can't dress to cover my legs and I have to go.
Right now I just finished shaving.IT. IS. AWFUL!!! I am sitting at my desk with a comb in my hand to scratch my legs because it is so bad. Using certain soaps and taking long hot showers makes it worse, but the main cause is the shaving. I wish female beauty wasn't so reliant on smooth skin.

Yeah men have to shave too, but only on their face and when they get stubble it's sexy. I would love to see people's reactions if some (female) celebrities walked out with 5 o'clock shadow on their legs. Sorry about the rant but my point is since the cause is shaving, and it is expected that women have smooth skin,I have started looking into laser hair removal. The procedures are expensive for me since I am a student but I found something called the Tria. It's an at home laser hair removal machine. It costs like $600 but I bought it since it would be cheaper than laser hair removal at the doctor. I hate to sound like an ad, but it seems to be working very well. About a little less than half of the hair is gone from my arms and armpits but I don't use it that much on my legs because of the itching after shaving. About a fourth of my leg hair is gone right now. You get most of the results after a couple of months, full results after a maximum of 12 treatments. Just think, shaving only 12 more times. I will try some of your suggestions to help me power through the next few months. Hope this helps!!!!!

www.triabeauty.com

[mellybaby2]

Hiya,

I also have the same problem, hope you guys are all ok! i have found that it only happens in the winter for me, it doesnt make any difference what shower gel I use or what temperature the water is!
The only time that I dont itch after the shower is if I've been out for a 30min jog beforehand! It is bliss to shower then but it isnt plausible to jog before every shower!!

I wish I knew what this was and a cure, it drives me mad!!

[the_jason]

i get  itchy skin on my legs and arms after a shower! i tried everything
different shampoo, loshins ,medicines,i went to the doctor 10 times and still nothin happend.but i need hellp. i even tride to itcy my self with a knife im going CRAZY!!!!!!!

[nazingy]

i am so thrilled to get a clear understanding of this PROBLEM. my parents and my sister have it as well and the only thing that seems to give a bit of an ease is covering up with a cotton sheet or anything cotton. it's so intense that i get strong urges to just rip my skin off and on top of that i have eczema. i can't believe this is so wide spread..thank you guys so much for enlightening me..

[lordsnow]

Hello everybody....Yes, I have the same screaming abdabs nearly every time I shower.  I found early morning showers caused the itching more often than the evening ones but the intensity is the same.  I have moved countries, water supplies, soaps etc but with no luck.  I even tried showering with one leg outside, soaping one leg, drying an arm but the itch stays the same.  Like other folk it only happens after showers for me - baths and swimming are fine.
My mother and brother both suffer but not so badly so, as somone else wrote, it may be hereditary.  My doc looked at me but just said that I wasn´t suffering from scabies.  Otherwise he couldn´t help.
Like all you good people there is at least some comfort in knowing that I am not alone!
Good luck to all.
Roland

[Tammy_whittaker]

I have had the insame itching after a shower for about 12 years now  and now I live in the tropics The humidity in the summer and monsoonal season does it to me too.
I HAVE THE SIMPLE SOLUTION. I TAKE AN ANTIHISTAMINE CALLED POLARAMINE 2MG AND THIS STOPS IT !!!
As soon as I start to itch I take it then It stops and  can enjoy a shower or get wet any other way without going nuts.
Also I find the dry environment of being in air conditioning helps heaps too
Praise God for this solution IT WORKS.
Tammy
Queensland
Australia

[DazG]

I am also having this problem and it is driving me NUTS!
i think that it maybe just the water or skin as i tride to get in the bath with no bubble bath shampoo or body wash and as i got back out my arms and legs felt insane, i need a cure dam it

[danniiforder]

i am 19 years old, and i have always had extremely itchy irritated skin -- especially after baths/showers. i have tried washing with baby products and even washing in e45. nothing seems to work and i itch for about an hour and a half after each shower. i have had showers with just water and i don't itch as much but i need to use products to be properly clean. is there anything someone can suggest?

[manuc97]

I also have that problem. Im 13 and i started shaving at about 11 yrs old. Im just a normal teenager. The only problem is that after shaving i start itching like CRAZY and it just WONT GO AWAY!! In school is a big problem I dont like to scratch in front o ppl its weird especially cuz my skin is SUPER itchy!! I feel like just running around the halls screaming like crazy I JUST DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO!! So plz someone HELP ME!!

[westie99]

I thought i was the only one. I originally thought it was Mossies as living in Australia and never experienced anything like this when home in the UK. I have suffered for the last 8 years with it, everytime i get out of the shower or sweat. My husband thought i was mad as there is nothing visable to the eye.
I have too changed washing poweders, fabric softners and all cleaning materials relating to the shower but it still got me today. I had to dress quickly and get outside into the cooler air but even then i wanted to scatch my arms and legs. It is nasty and controlling our lives. Now my 5 year old daughter is mentioning that her skin itchs and although she is not showering in the morning, she is sweaty from her night sleep. Madness that there are so many of is suffering. Good to know we are not alone but i want it to stop. Natalie

[dcrchcable]

I have suffered from itchy skin on my legs and arms after showers from some times. I really believe it has to do with lacking amount of softner in the water. I use to always have softner in my water till i moved to Florida. I started to use Jasmine Vanila lotion from Bath & Body works in the mall after my showers and it really works. I mean, it takes a few seconds, but i don't know what it has in it that gets read of the itch.

[irishdebs]

Makes no difference to me whether I bath, shower, shave or don't shave...add lotion, oils or whatever...that itching is the worst thing in the entire world...I just want to rip my skin off.....my legs and arms itch so bad it drives me crazy......as a lot of ppl say...to scared to get my skin wet.  I've lived in South Africa...very hot, and now live in chilly Ireland....so I cant say that temperature or where you live makes any difference.  To everyone out there....I know how you feel!!!!  

[alice767]

Same problem here..and it's awful.

Visited several doctors, took blood tests-nothing.

It gets more severe in winter, when my skin is dehydrated. After shave my upper legs (especially inner parts, where I have most tender skin )itch like crazy

The best solution I've found so far is AHAVA Dermud body shower gel and Dermud body Milk , its for sensitive skin and anti-itching, really treats  my skin well. A bit expensive but worth of it, I feel a huge difference.
Hope this helps.

[termie1001]

first off am going f%#ing nuts try to find out what it is. am a Jamaican born never had this problem back in jamaica. i moved to canada 13 years ago then it started. the doctors told me that it was a chlorine allergy  that's a part of the problem, i can't swim in a pool (****** ***** sorry) or at the beach i need to know how to fix this problem please someone please everyday i cant take it anymore someone knows what it is. tellll meeee am beginning you       thankz---Termie

[termie1001]

first off am going f%#ing nuts try to find out what it is. am a Jamaican born never had this problem back in jamaica. i moved to canada 13 years ago then it started. the doctors told me that it was a chlorine allergy  that's a part of the problem, i can't swim in a pool (****** ***** sorry) or at the beach i need to know how to fix this problem please someone please everyday i cant take it anymore someone knows what it is. tellll meeee am beginning you       thankz---Termie

[hnd03]

Im almost 18 years old, and ive suffered from itching intensely all over my body ONLY after a morning shower. And the same way you all do, i feel like ripping my hair out and going out into the streets, kicking and screaming because it's such an uncomfortable and frustrating situation to be in!
I use baby johnson's baby bath as shower gel, and I used LUX before that but I really dread showering in the mornings!
WHAT do I do?!??

Hala

[dmiller4]

I have dealt with this same problem for years. The way it first started I was waking up in the middle of the night with a uncontrollable intense itching of mostly my legs. It would get me to the point of insanity. I finally would run a hot bath and just sit for a small period of time. Once I would get out and dry off immediately my legs would stop itching. This went on for several weeks and then all of a sudden would stop. Then it could be up to one year before this intense itching would come back. Know for some reason every time i take a shower my legs begin to itch and it seems like the more i scratch them the more i was irritating them. I have tried bennadryl and calamine lotion but does not seem to help. Oh please what can I doooo!!!!!!! Thanks Doug  

[coke45]

My skin started doing this about 5 years ago after i got pregnant with my first child. Its driving me crazy i have tried different soaps and lotions, still nothing helps. When i told my parents and husband what was going on they looked at me crazy so did my OB/GYN. I also feel as thought i could rip my skin off. I hate taking showers, after swiming, and anything else that has to do with water. I hate what has happened to my i just want my life back. Im so happy theres other people out there that understand what im dealing with. I started to think i was losing it my self. thanks to everyone who put out some info on what to try. God bless you all

[Amandita]

My itching happens on my legs after shaving... My dermatologist told me use ONLY Dove for Sensitive Skin bar of soap... And ONLY Lubriderm normal to dry skin....  She said NEVER USE: Aveeno, Dial, Benadryl-especially benadryl- temporary relief but then comes back worse....
I just moved and I think it's the water now that makes my legs itch after shaving. I'm going to try leaving my shaver in a cup of alcohol when not being used... maybe bacteria is building up on the shaver when not in use. Also, you shouldn't share your shaver with anyone due to different bacteria- that could cause itching. Maybe even have a separate shaver for you armpits. Anyway, I'm going to experiment.  

[onetime129]

Alot of what you are all talking about I can relate to.  I'm a  guy as well. My problem is on only part of my back and shoulders and is very visible and most irritated right after I get out of the shower.  My doctor originally said maybe I had a skin fungus and gave me some prescription lotion.  I would love to know what I have and  how to stop the flare ups because it doesn't really bother me except right after the shower and in extreme heat.  

[Meeps52]

I think there are multiple issues being highlighted in this one thread.

1) Some people are experiencing itching all over their bodies, and this is ocurring after every shower/bath.

2) Others are experiencing itching in certain areas, but also after every shower/bath.

3) And people like me (and the original poster) are experiencing itching only after shaving.

I moved to Florida from Louisiana three months ago. Since then, every time after I shave my legs, I experience severe, mind-errupting itching on my legs (hip to foot and everything in between). So far, I have swapped to Aveeno body wash in attempt to pamper and moisturize my skin. In addition to that, I lather up after every regular shower with Aveeno sensitive skin lotion. I have also been using a "sensitive skin" shaving cream (with no SLS - if you have researched this issue, you've probably heard of it).

Here in Tampa, the water is notorious for being of poor quality. It is exceptionally hard. At this time, I cannot afford to tinker around with a $2000 water softening system. So in the meanwhile, I'm going to try more of my own attempts at remedying this situation. Next on my list? Make better effort to use COLDER water during shaving time, drink lots of water (I'm scratching out caffeine and sugar sodas for now, even though I never really drank much to begin with).

I really don't believe that my issue has to do with the actual shampoos and soaps and whatnot that I use -- as I have been using pretty much the same types and brands for all of my adult life. Most of them do contain SLS and other similar ingredients, but I did not have this issue in Louisiana -- which leads me to believe that there is something in water/air/environment here that is causing this to happen.

Hang in there, guys and gals. Hopefully we can figure this out someday. Keep trying stuff!

[Meeps52]

Hello all-

I originally posted a reply on July 19th. Today on July 24th, I shaved my legs again -- the only time I have shaved since my last post. This is what I did today:

1) Same razor as last time.
2) Same non-SLS shaving cream.
3) Same bathtub. Same towel-type.

So what did I change? Well, I've always suspected the culprit is the poor-quality water we have here in Tampa. This afternoon, before shaving, I ran to my local grocery store and bought a gallon of purified water. I poured it into a bucket that I had cleaned with some mild soap and water. I sat on the tub and instead of running water, I used the water in the bucket. My results? No itching.

I may not know what it is or why it is, lol... but at least I know where it's coming from: the local water source. I've heard that there are heavy amounts of calcium and lime in our local water... maybe I'm allergic to one of the two? For whatever reason, shaving with a razor + local water makes my legs flare up (though not visibly) and itch like crazy. By eliminating the water, I have eliminated the problem. I thought it would be a lot of trouble shaving out of a bucket, but it really was just the same. I have no reactions to the water when I brush my teeth, cook my food, or shower -- so it's the razor (ie, vulnerable skin after shaving) + water that is causing the issue.

I hope this tip helps those out there who are suffering from itchy legs AFTER shaving. The issue may lie within you very own local water supply. Good luck! I will post here again if I find out anything different.

[oktayk]

Hi,
I'm a 24 year old guy and had the itchy feeling for about 5 years.
The first time my skin started to itch was when I was in vacation in a hotel, after pool/sea. After that I would itch from almost every contact with shower, pool, sea, sweat (especially sweat).
Also it only occurs in summer. (June-Sept)
I can confirm that my itching stops after taking antihistamine drugs, which was what my father recommended the first time it happened (he is an md).

The weird thing is, last summer I didn't itch, but as of today, the itching came back. =(

I never investigated the issue, always took antihistamine before shower, but I will find a was to cure and tell you everything I try.

I will also try to set up a blog and describe everything I do.

I'll keep all of you updated.

[Footballgirl27]

I have experienced the itchy skin after showers for years.  I started taking Biotin (5000mcg) for my hair, skin, and nails.  I noticed after a couple of days that I didn't itch when I got out of the shower.  So I wondered if Biotin was the cure.  To find out, I decided to skip one.  My legs and arms itched like crazy.  Now, I don't miss A SINGLE DAY without taking a 5000mcg Biotin at least 3-4 hours before I shower!  I don't know how it works, but it does.  I promise.  Biotin Forte works also.  I just pick them up a the Viatmin Shop or GNC.  They are cheaper at the Viatmin Shop.  Hope this works for you!

[haz_t]

Hello my name is Haz, i'm from Sri Lanka, i have this problem too, my skin itches after i have a bath, for bout 2 and half years now, i tried changing soap and degents etc. but i wont go away, here its a tropical country and there arent any seasons so i dont know whats causing my body to itch after i have bath, the itching only goes away if i drink a cup of hot boiling water, heat myselft with a hairdryer or start running outside in the hot sun. My parents arent trying to solve my problem they just say its body heat (and you guys knw its ********). I just cant take it anymore, if i try to take a drug for this, dont take it they say, pills aint good, if i say wanna go to a doctor they say, hold on for a few days, i mean what the hell, isnt there any solution which i can do myslelf and solve this problem?? im only 17. Someone help me please.

[jovie200]

Hello guys. I have had itchy skin from sweating and taking showers since i can remember. It would always last 15-30 minutes and it made me severely depressed.It has now come to the point that my back is leaving scars from the bad skin. Im 19 now and i believe have found a way to stop my itching. since i started shaving my head myself ( hahah ) ive come to notice ALLOT of oil in my hair and on my scalp, honestly as if i rubbed some vaseline up there..my fix was simply using Head & shoulders shampoo/conditioner EVERYTIME i get in the shower and my itchin has stopped both after showers and after sweating during physical activity. I figure it was the water during the shower that would spread the oily substance from my scalp over my body and my skin would react to it. I know it may not be this easy for many of you but before you start blaming yourself for being the ugly duckling like i did please run a few tests =)

[dbldkr]

I seem to have the problem probably a day or two after I shave, it's been like that for about 6 or 7 years now and it drives me absolutely insane. In high school I would want to skip class and stay home till it went away.  My mom told me to go to a doctor but I'm not about spending money on a doctor for them to tell me take this it MIGHT work.  I live in FL and it seems to happen mostly during the summer I just don't know what to do to stop it.

[casparks28]

I have been experiencing this same problem for the past several weeks... Extremely bad itchy after showering! The itching is more common when i shower in the morning and is mostly on my legs, sometimes on my arms. It feels like it is an internal itch that CANT be scratched! I don't notice a difference between using hot or cold water.  Here's what helps me:  1) Towel dry my legs... and then blow dry them  2) Try not to start itching because once you start it only gets worse... ALOT worse! 3) Get back into bed right after drying off  4) Putting pants/clothes on immediately!!   Just a side note to anyone who knows someone with this itching problem... DONT talk (or laugh) about it while they are in the middle of an "itch fit"...  To me it feels like i am having a panic attack and laughing at my obsessive itching only makes it worse!!  
Like i said it has only been happening for the past few weeks... but when i was younger (15 or so, i am 24 now) i would get the same type of itching when i  would shave.
Glad i am not the only one who knows what this feels like because i was beginning to think i was crazy!

[MamaBearV]

Wow. I read all of your posts and felt as if I was the writer of them.  Thank you, if anything, for offering some console during one of my own "itchy fits" (figured I'd google it on the computer rather than scratching).  

Like the rest of you, I go out of my mind when I shower, and I've had this problem for over 25+ years. My greatest fear is that it might be hereditary and I'll have to watch my children suffer the same fate. I hate showers and baths and pools. But I want to love them. I can only wear long pants and long pj's. And lately my arms are getting in on the itchiness (which is really more tormenting pain) and so long sleeves are good to.

My tricks? Good lotion, putting on clothes immediately, and a cold glass of ice water (which my hubby offers as a peace offering while I'm freaking out). Anything cold makes me happier. Does any of it work? No, not really. I still can time myself to a good 45min-1hr of torture.  

I have found (someone else mentioned this above) that running before a shower somehow makes me not freak out. It's really strange. I've also found that when I gain weight, that I get itchier. I've tried water softeners...and then had them removed.  Neither theory worked.

Anyway, here's praying that a celebrity or someone else in the limelight eventually speaks out about this and some more research dollars are spent on this. I tell ya, it can drive me insane and can be very emotionally and physically crippling.

Thanks again for all your input!

[RamenOtoko]

I also have these episodes, but it's only when I take cold showers, swim in heavily chlorinated pools, and before it rains. I've been living like this since before I could remenber. It is tougher now being in the military I don't have a choice on the water type. What I do after cold showers is try to put clothes on asap after drying off. Something like shorts and a t-shirt then I get in bed and wiggle around. lol The covers scratch the irritation or I run laps, stairs, or suicides. This causes me to sweat and it goes away faster with alittle work if there's no bed near or i'm in the field. Finally really hot showers don't cause me to itch at all but I sweat for about one hour afterwards. I knew I wasn't the only one with this thing but im not happy to see so many people on these posts alone with it. It really does suck. It could be worst though, think about if the irritations lasted three hours and you had no hands. Thanks for you helpful post I'll try the tanning thing but i'm sure the looks I'll get standing in the line as a black man will be worth it. I've been told be more black anyway. Kill two bird with one stone.

[Scottowner]

I note that there is very little comment relating to the chemical composition of the shower or bath water. I believe that the chlorine content .has a lot to do with the itchy skin problem. Whilst trawling the web I have found that there are products on sale in UK that will neutralise this chlorine. Has anyone tried them ?

[Crazypapo222]

I have this extreme itch every time I dry off after a shower. After I'm dry my whole entire body gets so itchy I go crazy! I changed soaps, laundry detergents, used different showers and in different states. My whole life I've dealt with this but I can't take it anymore! Lotions don't work either, someone please help me before I grab a cheese grater and start scrapping.

[backseatbrookie]

OMG!!!!!!!!!!! This itching makes me crazy I tried changing razors and got a shower filter that gets rid of chlorine I've tried lotions soaps anything benadryl helps but makes me sleepy. Why is no one aware that this problem is painfull and severe enough for some serious tests. I hope someone with a huge heart and means to help reads these statements and does something fast and when they come up with a solution post it here we shouldn't have to suffer so. Hope for a cure!:)

[Brittany1187]

Yeah I can not stand this. It drives me insane. In the summer it doesn't happen as much, but then when it starts to get even a little bit cooler I'm itching like crazy. It's only when I take showers though. Right when I get out I'm itching like crazy, I've tried hot water I've tried cold water I've tried Luke warm water, I've tryed different soaps and body washes I've tried no soaps or body washes I've tryed lotion after lotion ..... Nothing helps and I always feel as if I'm gunna rip my skin off after I get out of the shower

[Stanie01]

Someone please help me out, im a 17 year old lad and every single day of me having a shower i come out with a terrable itch all over my body, mainly my back and my arms and my chest. This itch gets worser by the day and has braught me to tears, it's getting to the point where im actualy getting scared to take a shower because i will know what will happen if i do. i have tryed many shower gels and i have used E45 cream when i get out and the itch is still there, i just have to sit down and itch for around an hour or two. If someone has a solution to this PLEASE HELP ME !!!!
Thanks

[letoii]

Have had this problem since moving to San Diego from Ohio. I think it's something in the water here.

I can get it to go away if I sweat a little bit. Just do a quick run or 50 push-ups.

[alaw]

I am  relieved to find you folks who are sharing your stories... I thought I suffered from some obscure condition.
-BTW,  my mom suffers from it too.

I've dealt with horrific skin-itching-after-showering for 10 years.  I am a healthy 34 year old.  I am also a doctor.  I have SEVERE itching over arms and legs for about 30 minutes after a shower.  I know a few things:

1. Water temperature of my shower  ilicits no difference/change in my symptoms.
2. Shaving makes no diff- I itch whether I shave or not.
3. Dove soap for Sensitive Skin- makes no diff
4. Climate makes no diff-  I grew up in Michigan, and moved to Los Angeles for 6 years... the extreme change in climate had nothing to do with my symptoms.
5. Lotion after showering- makes my symptoms of SEVERE itching on arms and legs last LONGER!
6. It doesn't seem to be seasonal for me....  I have periods of relief (few months) and periods of extreme flare ups.  No apparant pattern.
7.  It doesn't matter WHERE I shower... boyfriend's house, home, gym...  When I am in flare up mode, I itch.  When life is good and no itching, I can shower anywhere....


I've noticed that after showering, I will itch until my skin is completely dry (about 30 min).... and applying lotion after the shower will only prolong my agony. Relief is best achieved my me, by immediately wearing cotton clothes, like long pajama pants and a long sleeved t-shirt.
My PCP tried to advise an anti-histimine prior to showering, but as a healthcare professional myself, I can't accept that.  There is a reason for this systemic reaction, and I want to know what it is, not just drug myself
I am making notes, on alllll the recomendations you fellow sufferer's are advising.  I will try them one by one, and hopefully find something that works.  When I do, (Pray to God), I willl pass it along to everyone else.
HUGS!

[red1gem]

I've had this for years and do take Zyrtec when I don't want to itch - try it 20 min. before a shower.  I googled PBC and the itching symptoms are identical.  I just think it's a histamine reaction.  Actually nice to know I'm not alone.  

[varshi123]

well,i  have had this problem since the past year only.. it  got worse 3-4 months back.. i tried switching soaps, lotions, oil, but 2 no avail.. actually i noticed applying powder really worsened the situation .. So,i went 2 doctor nearby.. nd he suggested me to avoid rice meals, bananas n paneer ( kind of a cheese) .. and now the results have indeed been positive.. although i only now avoid bananas n rice meals.. n the rashes haven't completely disappeared.. but it is still much bttr. just thought of sharing it with every1

[alardanasord]

wow, so many people with my problem, here are my symptoms:
- Itching just comes from September to November
- My legs itch after shower, even if I use no soap
- My back itches sometimes after sweating

I think this could be hereditary as my mother has the same issue.

My solution is to use an anti-itch E45 cream just after shower and not to rub my legs dry, but normally I just have to sit there, try to relax and eat the 20-30 minutes of more or less intense itching

[nofrills2]

I've had the same thing for a number of years.

I think it's some kind of food/chemical intolerance/allergy. For those who have used an anti histamine and found relief, have you tried changing your diet?

http://www.fedupwithfoodadditives.info/

I have just started getting it again now, I've been eating alot more pasta, breads and diary products. I don't know why it only happens after I shower (not bath). I don't think any kind of lotion will fix it.

The only other thing I can think of is the chlorine in the water.

I'll let you know how I go with the dietry changes.

[nofrills2]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquagenic_pruritus

This describes my experience.

I find a hot/warm bath at night for a mininum of 15 min is good. I don't get any itching. Once when I was younger, I was at a camp, had a shower in the morning and shaved my legs. the itching/tingling was so unbareable I jumped into a very wam nearly hot bath and that gave me almost instant relief, the itching didn't go away straight away, but it did go faster than usual and It wasn't as intense. I would take one leg out and wait for a few minutes, if I started to feel tingling, I'd put it back in the bath. After about 15 min I was able to get out and feel normal again.

Still going to look into diet.

[MHJH]

Hi, thanks to all of you I finally see some light at the end of the tunnel. After 10 years of suffering alone and the last two years together with my husband who has the same condition "the dreadful ITCHIES" I am nearly looking forward to my next shower.
Beacuse of some of your ideas and tips who might not be a cure but hopefully a relieve of what dictatet most of my life. I reacall that my itchies started when I was about 13 my husbands at about 11 he is now 41 and its still the same. We both expirience unpredictable strenght of itching on arms legs, chest and he arround his waistband after showering in humid conditions or after sweating. We both tried similar things to make it stop like: baby oil, moisturisers, differnt shower creams and soaps. The only thing that helped me a little was switching to a natrual oil based shower cream by "Weleda", (German Brand can be found at some pharmacys overseas) no particular scent, all of them reduced the itching but never took it away completly and couldn't prevent bad attacks or attacks through humid air or sweating. My Husband dicovered through his childhood that talkum powder applied after drying helped, but had the problem of being white and powdery all over so not a very practical solution and it never worked for me.
Like as many of you I couldn't belive, when I met my husband that there was someone with the same problem and it relieved me quite a bit that it wasn't just me going nuts. My parents never believed me the doctor blamed it on all sort of nonsense and discribed things they made it worse. After a really bad attack this morning I thought to myselft there is already two of us I wonder if there is more of us out there so I finally seeked help at the allmighty internet and I found this blog. To discribe what I felt when I read through it: relieve that there is a real condition called aquaeric puritis, hope because I found some new Ideas like the Johnsen & Johnsen Band Aid Anti-Itch-Gel, antihistamine and other things but most of all moral support knowing that there is so many people out there suffering has given me a new spirit to get back into battle and keep trying till we find something that helps for good. Thanks to every one of you it's unbelievable in those conditions but you have lightened up my day and given me new strengh. I am playing at the moment with different vitamins wondering if it might have to do with lack of something the body needs like zink or iron. And  also hope to hear back "Spoke" from how the research with the herbs with the natural antihistamine is going.

Hang in there Guys, persistens often pays

so far... Mel

[Dayvee]

I just showered and the itch all over my body drove me so crazy that I'd to google to see if I could get a solution. I am so sorry anyone has to go through such a horrible experience. It could be a perfect punishment for rapists and  murderers though!

[oldschool04chick]

I also experience an itching/burning sensation after I get out of the shower. Its worse when I don't shower every day or when I shave. It feels like my pores are opened and they are irritated. I've had this itching since April 2009. When I put on lotion and my skin is not done itching, it makes it worse. I have to wait until the itching/burning is done, and then I can put on lotion. I too, am interested in finding out the cause. I typed in google skin burns after shower and itching skin after shower and aquagenic pruritis was a result. Polycythemia Vera was also a result. If you do find a cause please email me at ***@****. I have researched information about aquagenic pruritiis and polycythemia vera and am going to make a Drs. appointment. I have shared this information with my Dr. before, but I didn't get an answer as to what it is. I have switched soaps and lotions, but the itching/burning still happens. Anyone who has any information please contact me.

[razza666]

hey all , i completely understand where ye are coming from with this itch complaint i usually have to take a piriton before a shower to prevent the itch afterwards, i have tried evrything from aveno to eucerin to just water but to bo avail , the only thing i find thats works is a bath in which i put 4 corks of hydromol (pharmacy non perscription) + a big scoop of emulsifying ointment, soak fot 20 minutes pat dry no itch , give it a try i hope it helps :)

[mdevelyn]

You may want to get your blood checked. Myeloproliferative disorder causes itchy skin after bathing.

[carolinec07]

Okay, I have experienced post shower itching on and off for several years like most of you.  I never itch while in the shower or as intensely as most of you describe but I do itch.  Sometimes I itch hours after a shower, my lower back will feel like its on fire but it just has to itch itself out until it calms down.  Normally I dont have a rash but often my skin will become blotchy in areas around my neck.   I have tried PH neutral shower gels, soaps, rinsing my body with 2 litres of mineral water following a shower, using baby oil or hypo allergenic body moisturisers etc and all of them failed - maybe they worked a little bit at first but always failed in the end!  I live in a very hard water area - poor quality water.  I had the water tested and I know i have high levels of chlorine and have very hard water.  I also notice my condition is worst during the late autumn until the middle of Spring.  

I blame the water.  Specifically Chlorine in the water combined with the hard water but chlorine is the real problem.  Most water providers add chlorine to water to cleanse it of microbes / bateria etc and it wont smell like a swimming pool but trust me its present.  Some people are very sensitive to it, others not.  When coming into winter and during winter more chlorine is added to water.

I went travelling for several months a year ago - overnight my skin stopped itching.  I was in a warm tropical climate, then arid climate, then cooler to hot climate, then extremely humid climate - I didnt pay attention to what soaps / detergents I used.  I came to the following conclusions - drinking clean pure bottled water is good for you!  Getting sun on your skin (in moderation!) is good for you.  Within months of returning home my itching returned.  I now have a water filtration jug for drinking water, I use a sunbed twice a week for 6 mins at a time and I have installed a carbon filter shower head.  My skin is back to normal and not itching.  

I did consider installing a water softener to deal with the hard water but after much research on the pros and cons health wise I didnt think it was worth the investment - chlorine was my bigger problem.

I hope this is helpful.  Good luck itchy people.

[ItchyLupus]

WOW. I honestly thought I was loosing my mind and completely psychotic for a while there. This thread definitely makes me feel so much better about my incessant itching when i shower.
It is the most brutally painful thing to have to deal with daily. I dread showering, and put it off till the last minute. My situation is similar to many of yours: Itching and tingling begins while i'm in the shower whether i shave or not. Mainly on my Legs, arms, and sometimes my torso, never on my back. It's so painful I have scream and cry sometimes for an hour straight afterward, sometimes even hyperventalating. You can visibly see red splotches and some areas raise up especially if I scratch them. I've tried everything.
Through this itching issue, and going to the doctor, I also found out I have a high ANA. Which lead to me finding out I have an autoimmune disease, I believe this contributes to my itching, because when I'm "sick" with lupus symptoms, the itching is at it's worse. The Dermatologist also said I have something called Dermagraphic skin, and didn't take my discomfort all too seriously.
I also received the HPV vaccine, which I have read online can cause strange reactions in the skin ie; itching. Each cycle I did the itching was worse for 2 months after.
Convinced it was the water in my house after looking at the levels of chlorine, maganese, calcium, radiac, arsenic, and other toxins, I went and bought and Aquasana shower filter, that seems to mildly help, but it's no miracle. I also wash with Aquaphor Baby Body wash. It's mild and not soapy and easy to rinse off, and that has definitely helped. My lotion of choice is also Aquaphor, because it has nothing in it besides pretrolium jelly, and although it doesn't fix the issue, it seems to keep it calm.
My doctors also prescribed me Hydroxyzine, which is specific for internal histamine's and to help calm them down. They call them the anti-itchy pills. I take one an hour to two before showering and have now gotten to a point where I can manage after my showers without crying, screaming, throwing things across the room, and ripping my skin off.
This THING whatever it might be is painful, and for the love of God all I want to do is enjoy my showers again.
Hope this helps, and I look forward to any suggestions.
I'm also installing a full house water softening system, they are now treating children with eczema with it, and I'm willing to give anything a shot.
The big question is...... how do I shower other places, vacation, friends house, swimming, etc, without my truck load of things I need to keep myself comfortable???
Any contributions are welcomed. Thanks for listening. Thanks for letting me know you are all out there.

[moroccan123]

hi i had this problem for years now every time i come out of shower the itching starts what i do now is go to bed and try to forget about it and stop thinking about the itching i  used lot of shower gels and soap and it still the same .but the only time i do not feel the itching is when i go to (the hamam )hamam is comon place in morocco it like turkish bath u go in and u set in hot room to warm up and then u start scrubing your body and wash after as you do when you have shower so when i go to the hamam  i do not get the itching at all .

[dburchall1]

OMG!!! I moved to Atlanta from Los Angeles December of 2010. I've been itching like crazy after showering! It's so bad it's painful. I itch all over my back, my sides, my thighs, and my upper arms. I also get the same itch when I exercise. The two feel just the same. Since I've been here in GA, it happens sometimes just by going outside when it's hot and humid. I use to take benadryl before working out and that did the trick. The times when I forgot to take it and remembered just as I began to exerice, boy...did I dread doing the workout!

I didn't get the itch after showering in California or the first place I lived in Georgia. So I thought it was the water in the place where I live now. But I it also happened in the hotel I stayed at when I first got here and at the house I moved out of before moving to where I live now.

Maybe it is the water. I'm sure it's not the hardness of the water. My water in Cali was very hard making keeping the shower clean a challenge. It's not the temperature because I've always taken hot showers and didn't have the problem before. I've tried showering with tepid or cold water and I still itch like hell. It's not the soap because it started happening before I changed soaps. I only use soap all over on my body a few times a month. For years my daily practice it to only use soap on the hairy bits, face, and between the butt cheeks. I've stopped taking showers except for once or twice a week because the itching is too much. I wash up in the sink under running water using soap on where I mentioned and using plain water on all the other reachable parts. Still I itch although somewhat less.

Today, it was so bad I decided to come online and see what I can find. I was relieved to see that so many others are suffering with this too. I was beginning to think it was just me - that my skin was somehow supersensitive in a way other people weren't. Since I've never heard anyone else have this problem, I didn't know what to think.

When I was in middle school I had a constant severe itch. No one could diagnose it and nothing seemed to helped. Clothing and bed linen (even 100% cotton) felt like sandpaper against my skin. I had to sit still as moving when I had clothes on made it worse. The only relief was sitting in a warm bath. It was humiliating! I was a big kid and my mother had to bath me as it sat still in the tub. The wet wash cloth felt like it was scratching my skin off. It wrecked my nerves so badly I would throw up my food a lot. And I cried a lot and wished I was dead. I had it twice. The first time it last for a year. The second time it last a few weeks. As I'm sitting here typing this I'm still itching in a few places and I'm afraid it's going to be like when I was a kid.

I'm going to get some benadryl and see if it helps. I'll take the damn pill every day for the rest of my life if I have to. I can deal with itching so bad.

[nicole8677]

Well your not the only one out there. I find that I scratch my skin all the time. Doesn't matter what time during the day, before or after a shower, before or after I shave. I'm not exactly sure my triggers either. I do however still itch when I am cold. Nothing seems to make it go away. I scratch and scratch until I make my skin bleed, then I scar a bit. Which isn't good. So I cannot wear shorts for the simple fact of scars caused by so much itching and scratching. I too hope they find out what this is and stop it from happening. I get it on my legs, no where else. And at times it gets intense. I try not to scratch, but that is almost impossible. Its been awhile since you have posted, if you have found something in the meantime, please let me know.

[Ringomaniac]

Hey people, I am in Tanzania and I have the same problem. One thing I found interesting here is that when I move from the city to my village itching after bath disappear. I am TOTALLY SURE this is CHLORINE related disease because back there in my village the water is chlorine free. The water there is totally natural, no chlorine added. Anyone with the new idea? Please help, i am tired of this thing.

[normreynosamexico]

Hi...May 23, Reynosa Mexico.

I have travelled to many different places in the world, bathed in the Himalayans to Singpore.

And this problem, I now have here in Reynosa. It's just as many have stated above.

I'm 65 and have never had this problem.

I'm convinced it's just the water and the purifiying agents that are included.

The itchy problem is here everywhere after or using the water.

I've worked with chemicals in the past, and it's the same reaction that I have.  When dealing with the Chemicals, it was always procedure to wash with clear water to remove any residuals...and then you would feel the same tingling sensations as now.

I'm convinced, that the majority of the problems is in the water, and it's killing bacteria agents, that are causing my tingling...and like so many have said, I too dread taking a shower.

ps. if your Christian please say prayer for this country. Mexico! :-)

[Danny1892]

Try this:
After a shower when you itch...get back in and turn the water on as hot as you can stand and let it run over the itching areas for about 3 minutes...if that works.... then use hotter water in the shower. I always rinse my face and scalp with cold water afterwards to control the redness between my eyebrows and the outer areas of my nose

[assignmentsofheart]

I think Carolinec07 is absolutely right.  Its water problem.  Nothing is working to cure this.  I am from an asian country and moved to Europe since 2005 and having this trouble for the last 5 years.  Changing soap,creams and many medications is not helping at all.  Several times i went back to my home country and it was like heaven to take shower there because there was nothing after showering and as soon as i landed back to Europe its started again.  

I guess its tipically water which is causing this problem.

[dgo677]

Hi All-

I GOT OVER THIS!!!

I suffered from this for over 10 years (through high school, college, and my professional career). It started right after I shaved my legs, then it happened after showers (no shaving), and progressed to an extent where my legs itched without me taking a shower. I feared shaving (seemed to be the worst still), drying my body with a towel, swimming in a pool or going into the ocean. I also noticed that it spread over my body as it got worse: starting on my legs and progressing to my back and arms. I tried to take my showers at night so I could suffer for about 20 - 30 minutes in my own bed but some mornings I could not avoid the shower and had to drive somewhere, I only wanted to drive my car directly into a wall just to make the itching and pain go away. It climaxed when I moved to Hawaii into a house that had a water catchment system (used caught rainwater and stored it in a large cement container under the house) which blew my mind because this water have absolutely no chemicals! My hippie mother-in-law suggested that I go organic. I was ready to try anything so I thought "why the heck not?". I threw away all my lotions (and I had some pretty expensive ones!), shaving cremes, bars of soap, deodorant, laundry detergents, household cleaning products, and food that was not organic. I washed all my clothes and sheets in non scented, non dyed detergent and went to these crazy organic stores to buy my lotions, body wash, and food. My symptoms went away within days. I continued this lifestyle for the next year and DID NOT HAVE ONE ATTACK! Eventually I started incorporating non-organic products back into my life but did so one at a time so that I could monitor my reaction to them. Here are the products I found cause the itchy sensation to return:
1. Scented laundry detergents
2. Harsh household cleaning products
3. Dove and Irish Spring bar soaps (and most other non organic soaps)
4. Most body lotions

Although I no longer keep to a strict organic food diet, I still do not eat meat because I noticed I had fewer mood swings without it.

I do not think my specific triggers will be the same for all people but went I suggested using non scented detergents and lotions to a friend who suffered from similar (but not as harsh) symptoms, it seemed to work for her as well.

Once in a while when I "fall off the wagon" and use my husband's Dove soap because I ran out of mine or am tempted by some wonderful smelling lotion in my friend's bag, I also experience a minor itching sensation which scares me to stop immediately.

I hope this can help some people out there. I know it may be nearly impossible to make the same lifestyle change I did but if you suffered from symptoms anywhere close to what I experienced, the decision is a no brainer.  

[MRBBHead]

Hello :)

I have developed i cure my self for this exremally annoying experience that always happens to me every time i get out of the shower (Without doing all that crazy organic stuff lol :P)

Ok all i do is when i go to dry off i stay in the shower area with the warm air and instead of whipping off the water with the towel i pat it off (be careful not to whipe especially on ur legs!!) then after i pat myself dry i cover my legs with the towel while i dress for about 5 minuts and BOOM! no itchyness!

ever sence ive started doing this i havnt had another itchy experience unless i didnt pat very well and even then it wasnt as bad as before.......but i know what you all are going through i swear i would rather have a finger cut off then go through the itchyness that goes on!! it is ridiculos how much it hurts! i would literally toss and turn in my bed for 10-20 mins then run around my house to try and get my mind off of it to make it stop....but i swear my method works (well for me anyways) but i suggest u all try it if nothing els is working!!!

[Lisa317]

I have had the worst experience with really itchy hands after using liquid soaps to cleanse my hands. The itching was so bad I was breaking skin and bleeding because the itch was so deep in my fingers. I had to use steroid creams to calm the itch, (which thins the skin if used to frequently). I also had really bad itching on my body, usually lower legs, chest, shoulders after a shower. I would scratch until I bled. I read on a site that a common indredient in the shampoos and hand cleaners was something that might be triggering an allergy. The ingredient is Sodium Laureth/Laurel Sulfate. This is the sudsing agent in liquid soaps/shampoos. I immediately looked into Sulfate free shampoos and only use bar soaps to wash my hands now and i do not have any more problems. I have been battling this problem for over 15 years and have been symptom free for almost 6 months now since I switched. I have to use rubber gloves to do dishes since I have not found sulfate free dish soap yet.

[tealady57]

I have solved this , well almost
1. I use sunlight sopa(a plain soap, not anything with SLS in it like liquid soap, and nothing too scented -as natrural as possible)
2. the soap worked for many years, then the govt added more chlorine to our water supply and I'd be intensely itchy after showering...got to only showering once a week, and just using a washer on the private parts in between...made it slightly mroe tolerable but still driven carzy by the itch. I installed a showre filter from www.mercola,com mand the itch stopped
3. I do have showers at the gum sometimes, but I dont use any soap. I also go into the sauna after I shower from the pool with some hair conditioner on, and then rinse off in only slightly warm to cold water...seems to work, but I only do this once every week or two
I've recently begun to think I may have high histamines so it must be tied into that , and the added chloride into the water made in intolerable for me to shower(or have a bath). I was OK in Sydney before they added the extra chloride, it used to be known for its soft water

[sql_girl_418]

I have had the same problem for years!

Everyone is different, and so the solutions will be different for everyone. Try experimenting and you will find what works for you... Knowing that it has a name - Aquagenic pruritus - has helped me to feel less crazy.

For me, the following is what has helped me the most:

Hot water relieves the itching for me (cold showers or baths would drive me through the roof!)
Being tanner (tanning in sun or tanning bed) makes my skin less sensitive
Using Dove soap
Avoiding water softeners - my skin likes harder water
Taking a long bath or shower instead of a short shower reduces itching
Taking a good multivitamin everyday reduces symptoms
Mind control - I know this condition is not just in our minds, but I have found that if I think about itching, I can bring on a bout of itchiness.

My symptoms include:
Itching mostly on my legs and arms, occasionally on my stomach
Itching can be quite intense - like a cross between a bad mosquito bite and being electrocuted
Itching for me usually lasts between 20 minutes and an hour
Sweating, cold water, temperature changes (air conditioning), seasonal changes (spring and fall are the worst), quick showers or baths can all bring on the itching.

I can now comfortably take a shower or bath without itching afterwards because I know what my triggers are, and what it takes to avoid them.  I can also go swimming, but I have to make sure that I have been tanning in a tanning bed for several weeks first.

I want to wish EVERYONE the best of luck in finding their triggers, and relief!  People who don't have this condition cannot possibly understand what we go through....

[cookiemonster1]

I also live in Florida (very hard water) and have an issue with my legs being so itchy after the shower or even during the day when I get cold (since everywhere in fl there is freezing a/c). Sometimes my arms too but that's only when i feel cold out somewhere. I love hott showers and the hotness makes my itching go away. but then i get out and its insane itching. The cold probably triggers it. Well Its gotten to the point where now i have horrible HORRIBLE looking scars all over my legs and its going to take like 2 years for them to clear up. This once happened when i was in high school when i was about 14 and cleared up completely by the time i was a senior. People would ask whats wrong with my legs in gym class and I hated it so i was so glad when it was gone when i had my prom and wore a beautiful fuscia dress! Now it started up again and i am about to turn 21. I am an aspiring model and now i cant even model my whole body because of this. I cry because its ruining my life and I've never considered myself ugly but now I do. I hate myself for scratching and causing my scars. Its been going on again for the past 4 months and it looks horrible. I took too long not going to the doctor thinking it would go away like last time but this time it came back 10 times worse. I am dark so my scars show dark and i have alot more than i ever had before. I am hoping there is a way to make this all go away, scars and all because i want my normal skin back. I want to model and be confident and not embarrassed. and I want to go to the beach while its hott freakin summer here in florida! Its really taking a toll on me.

[Lucylou11]

I think the name of this disease is called Aquagenic Pruritus~
    
   I always thought that it was just my nerves that made me itch after a shower. I only itch after taking a shower SOMETIMES, but it pretty horrible!!! And it is only my legs and arms...legs mostly though.
   I just took an antihistimine and am feeling some relief....I read that can help. Obviously from reading this..i believe that the milder the soap ( no chemicals and dyes) the better it will be for those of us suffering from this awful thing ..

[Nikkiitch]

Hi All,

IT BREAKS MY HEART to hear about people wanting to take ther life over this problem and I have shed a few tears reading through these comments!!!

ITCHY ITCHY ITCHY !!! screaming for it to go away not being able to get dressed quickly and go to work or get out of the house on time going from room to room, sitting, standing, stampping my feet, having a cigarett to calm down, rubbing my legs and arms trying to sooth the pain!!! The tempa I get when im like it my son thinks im mummy looonie bin!!!
But the thing is I feel like I belong in 1 flew over the cookoo!!! wheres bloody Jack Nicholson !! And for god sake will nurse Rachett save me!!
Im Just out side of the Lodon area and water is hard like you all tryed changing products I have been using orgainic and only using on the parts that need to be totally freshend for the day bum, feet, face and fanny as my old nan would say but not in that order of course (face first always)!!
I have been trying to think has this been a stress thing for me !!!
but Ive now put it down to water and probably the histamine that our skin produces it makes more sence!!
Im definatly going to invest in some iron tablets and muti vits to maybe reguate my blood levels but I am going to book up to see the Quack about a blood test to do with this problem!!
I know how much this affects just going about life in a normal way and no would not wish this apon anyone !!
Ive been using insect repelent after shower and bath but it stil takes up an hour if I have a bad reaction but its not everytime for me after waxing my legs is also a problem it just makes me think its a blood thingy!!

with you all on this one

Nikki xxx

[aaaaaaaarghBugs]

most of you have the same problem i do. some of you dont.



this is a parasite, or micro-organism.

if its not, its from a mold/yeast infection that produces spores.

i cant stress this point enough. i have left no stone unturned in my search for answers.



its contagious. its under-reported and always misdiagnosed,

no one will take any of us seriously.

antihistamines will take away the itch, it wont treat the cause.

this problem will not be looked into until every 2nd person has got it.

it lives on anything material that is porous.

theres many 'sensations'. ranging from a hair on your face, to crawlies, and when in great numbers (like after a shower, humidity, use of poisons that aggravate or feed them)  they can feel like static in your hair, or a vauge sense of 'pins and needles' on your skins surface. also random bites, like mini flea bits.

those bites seem to be the only physical symptoms that show.

waiting months for a specialist appointment, only to have to be referred somewhere else and wait another 2 months, then the same thing happening yet again.... the answer to the problem is a long way off.

unless anyone out there can fill in the void and tell us a.) what is is and b.) how to rid our bodys of it.

i can tell you, its not morgellons. theres no fibres, leasions or anything like that.

its pretty much 'invisible'. and therefor, according to docs and the likes, 'we havent got a problem, its in our heads'.

i feel for all the poor souls who have been diagnosed as delusional, especially the ones who have been institutinalized over it.

but wait, theres still more.

i have lived with this problem in my 'environment' for a while,
and i find it a bit of a co-incendence that people i live with have spent
time in these places. one of them, does not like water, cant shower,
and hasnt for 5 years. hasn't changed his clothes once.

first time i encountered this feeling, was from moving some of
his discarded items of clothing.

the feeling slowly crawled up my arms like static.

theres way too much to go into detail......

i notice a few people on this thread are from Australia,
and one person that picked this problem up from Australia and took it
back to the UK.. and now her daughter also has the same problem.

theres way to much detail that is and isnt valuable information on this thread.

i can, put everything together from every case i have studied.

tick all the boxes etc.. but if theres one thing, that does not match up
with the symptoms, or is missing a major symptom then it can not be categorized.

i could write a short book on this subject.. the only problem is, WTF IS IT?

[Vlyre]

Hi All,

I think it may be the water as I have been studying in Barbados for the past 4yrs and noticed that I get this problem after a shower only when I'm in Barbados. When I go home, no problem. I even tried changing soaps and even resorted to Cetaphil cleanser and bar for sensitive skin which is so expensive here in the Caribbean. The itching drives me crazy but disseminates after about half an hour. Thankfully this is my last week here and won't have to go through this again! The only place I stayed with no problem was by a rich couple. All other apartments(dumps) and school dorms have harsh water and I get the problem. SO I CONCLUDED that it is THE WATER.

[2Mik]

Must be the water. Once I'v been in Manaus/Brasil having no problem.
At home the only thing that helps is to finish shower as hot as I can bear.

[yisitus]

well I must say I have read all the posts and the best ideas that have worked for me is uvb narrow band light therapy, ruthless exececise, and antihistimines.  Why I think it works.  I got the itch after the shower when i was about 14 or so and it came on hard core.  Then it went away.  I had skin redness patches at 18 then joined the army.  after basic training the skin redness spots were gone and i felt on top of the world.  then it came again. the itch after the shower was back when i twisted my ankle and was not able to excercise.  It came on hardcore.  then it went away.  now it comes mostly in the summer up here in washington state.   I had some problems and what not but each time the itch came it was at a low point in my life, no execise, not eating right and lots of stress.  I did a trial last year on my psoriasis which has gotten worse over the years and decided to go hard core with uvb treatment at the beginning of summer (june) and lots of excercise and weight loss.  guess what, little or no itching and i cleared my psoriasis to boot, plus got in shape.  then i slacked off over the winter till about a week ago when washington summer kicks in and the itching was back along with the psoriasis and weight.

Here is my theory,  it is the immune system going into hyperdrive because your body is not in balance.  exercise balanced me out of the stress problems, eating right gave me the nutrients for my body to function properly. and the uvb kills the cells of the psoriasis along with the cells or what ever that triggers the itch. about stress: stress is known to cause or make allergic reactions worse.  It amplifies them.  hence the itch get worse and worse because your stress is getting worse due to the itching.  I cannot say it enough, go fricking athlete style on the exercise.  Your skin is an organ and needs to sweat to funtion properly.  it helps! and you will feel on top of the world with less immune system problems.  I have had all kinds of problems with my health when i took a leap off the healthy life style path and bounced back every time when i got back on the healthy path.

one last note:  it is not what is in the water that is causing the problem because i have had the problem on well water, pool water, city water and lake water.  it the skin telling you that something is not right with it.  the reason the itch stops after about 30 minutes is because your skin is dried off completely.   I have tried using moisturizers which contain water and dont work because your skin needs to dry. funny things is when i excercise and sweat, i do not have a itchy problem.  only after the shower and sometimes in high humidity at night.

Hope my story helps.

[TAG145]

I had this a few years ago and around that time my dr. put me on an anti-Candida diet.  After that I did not have it ever.  There were times I could even shower using a smelling shower gel--which I could not and would not use while I had this problem.  Well, after 3 years it is back with a vengence!  I forgot how terrible it is.  My brother is suffering and began with this about a year ago and there wasn't anything I could do to help.  I really think it is an internal reaction to water.  I noticed our shower head was a little black in spots so I am cleaning that tonight.  I am leaning towards mold.  The shower somehow contributes because I do not get this when I swim in either a lake or pool.  I tell you in the 30 -40 minutes of this I feel like a am a crazy lunatic and I think my husband thinks that too.  The anti candida diet is really a hellish diet, although i might have to do that--cut out all sugar, mushrooms, vinegar, cheese, corn, alcohol.  It is hard to stick to this kind of diet for two months, but maybe that is what stopped by symptoms years ago.

[justweenus]

Amazing!  So many people share this problem with me, and yet I have never gotten any good suggestions from doctors on fixing it.  What's weird with my itching is that it only affects my arms and legs if I take daytime showers.  If I take a shower at night just before bed, I'm ok.  No logic to that.  However, if I take 1/2 a Benadryl 15 minute before showering, I don't itch.  But then I'm sleepy all day!  When my arms and legs aren't itching, however, my scalp is.  I wake up at night and claw at it and sometimes get up and rewash my hair for relief.  But nothing really helps much other than the Benadryl.  

[midge2010803]

I had something a few years back called folliculitis. Let me tell you. That freakin sucked! The pictures on Google.com are a little more intense than what i had...but my whole itchy leg thing started when i was about 10. im 19 now, and at first it was triggered by chlorine. it dried out my skin on my arms & legs--so0o0 bad that it ***** for me to swim in pools..& im scared of the ocean so that doesn't help either..
but lately Ive noticed i itch so0o bad when i take showers (after wards) that i take the blade of a scissor & use it as an intense scratching device. granted, it feels freaking amazing, but obviously that's not sane. lol.
like tonight..i put the same creme my doctor prescribed me for my folliculitis.  okay, yes, it is a few years old-but there isn't an exp. date AND it eases the itching for a few days. but i HATE the itching, and i was extreamly happy to see that i can come on here and get some advice from people. I always feel like im the only one with this problem. until now. thanks guys!!
and good luck girl. im prayin for you!
~midge

[SiennaC]

TRY:
Sea salt soap
Waxing legs
Razors with no jell strip (or just take them off)
Ice legs when itching.

These are my solutions.  Usually works but now it's coming back and this time they itch mildly without a shower and worse after shower.

[juangrib]

I cannot believe there is so many people with the same problem as me. My whole body itches en burns right after a shower or swim. The only cure i have found after 10 years of living with this is to either shower/bath in extremely hot water and then not to dry myself afterwards, especially when swimming.

Juan

[ColinC]

Hi, Very itchy after a shower yesterday so I read the posts and implemented one of the solutions which was to pat dry instead of wipe/rub dry. Much better today after patting dry. Almost no itch whatsoever, it has to be said that my itch isnt always present so its not necesarily the cure.

There may not be one solution which is a cure for all but as we both have two legs and arms it is very easy to run a control and find our own trigger.

eg. shower with no soap at all to eliminate chemical cause. If no itch occurs experiment with different soaps.
Itch persists
Shower with no soap and try different drying tecniques
Shower just one leg, if both legs itch it may be a conditioned response which may need to be unlearned with help of a therapist.
Drink more water and moisturise to make sure it isnt a sypmtom of dry skin
Wash one leg in softened water, or even mineral water and one leg in regular shower water.
Try different temps and finishing hot or cold.

Anyway experiment and see what you come up with for me patting dry seems to have done the trick.

[MyItchyLegs]

It's funny, "aquagenic puritis" is just a fancy way of saying I itch like crazy after I shower!!!!!!! I have been having the itching for a number of years now, since high school or so and I'm 25. My mom told me she had it when she was younger but not any more, I don't know why. Often times the itching is so bad, mostly just my lower legs, (but occasionally my thighs and or arms or torso rarely) that I jump and stomp or kick my feet in the air. It is very frustrating.

I tried using loratadine (generic antihistamine that should not make you drowsy) and this worked and I was pleased. After just a few weeks this does not seem to work as well as initially. I may try to increase the dose from 10 mg to 20 mg temporarily, but I am not convinced that taking medication for a prolonged period can be good for you.

I have compiled a list of most of the possible remedies I have found and have tried some, but need to be more thorough and disciplined with my regimen.

1. Chlorine/chloride/fluoride/whatever some chemical elements put into our water systems- I don't know what to do about this though.

2. Try going organic/ trial and error removal of possible allergy triggers with retrials for confirmation.

3. Shower filter

4. UV therapy/ sun rays

5. pat legs dry with towel, do not rub, and leave towel wrapped around legs a few minutes.

6. Avoid ALL products with Sodium laureth/laurel sulfate.

I like Dr. Bronner's soaps, at Target or GNC, other places too, I'm sure other organic soaps are fine. I am going to go to the Dr. soon and try to see an allergist and or a dermatologist and I am going to bring a copy of all of our posts about how bad we suffer. This needs to be taken seriously, am I right? Something is wrong here if there does not seem to be a good answer out there...just saying.

Take care, may God bless our torments.

[shiiz]

i feel relieved that there so many people in the globe with a problem like mine,have had this itch for more than 10 yrs.my dad and my elder sister have the same itch as well.we had sort medical attention before but the doctors saw it as a sick joke,we changed bathing soaps,creams,,,all in vain till we gave up and started to tame the disorder as part of us.i only itch in the morning which is not much lasting about 2-10min depending on the temperatures of water(the hotter the water the less i feel itchy),the time between dressing and leaving the bathroom(i dress immediately i leave the bathroom which is no more than 2 min after a shower),i also apply oils containing petroleum or any other jelly oils on my thighs which are the most affected areas(wierd at first but got used to it now),i avoid lotion immediately after bath,i also leave my heater on before going to the bathroom by the time am back my room is abit warm.
I disagree with those that are saying the problem lies on the water,,i have moved to different places,in africa,carribean and UK and i always had this wherever i went to.
I will also welcome more answers to this problems and will try to follow any if it will stop my itching completely.

[usi_erni]

Hello there, I am in the same boat!! I remembered starting to itch like
crazy when I was a teenager. All the cool perfumed body lotion I liked or bought were a waste of use because they made it worst. I thought this is because I have totally dry skin. I used moisturized body lotion to give my skin the 'food' it needs. I am from Switzerland and moved to Scotland and after my move I was really badly itching in Scotland. Going back to Switzerland for a Holiday its the same deal.. I really itch like crazy.. sometimes it passes sometimes my skin never gets used to it. I spent my last year in the USA and I remember feeling specially itchy in the colder winter months.. or after swimming in lakes or in the pool. I had no problem tho in the USA and moved back to Scotland and since I am back (2monhts now) I really hate taking my daily shower. It is really bad and specially worse after shaving (glad it is winter soon). I use my hair brush to scratch my legs arms and back so I dont hurt my skin (soft plastic brush)... I will check to see if your tips are helping me to solve that almost daily problem!! Thanks!!

[Babydoll456]

I been having this happen everytime I come out of the shower they itch like crazy and I put lotion on them and it doesn't work

[akjustus]

I too had a problem of scalp ,I have tried forever Living Product (Alovera Jell) of two litres seem to help the scalp but the Itchy skin after bathing is stll my problem .This one is taken in as directed ie a quater a glass two time a day.
***@****

[ksarp]

My skin itches me too much after bath at any time. i have tried many many soaps but it still the same. for more than ten years my body itches me right. some times its very intense. please any help?

[dgt3]

I am absolutely amazed how many people have posted on this issue. I have had it for years, and my wife thinks I am mad. Similar to others I have tried to really understand why I am so itchy after getting wet - from a shower, bath, sweating, rain, etc. Similar to others it only lasts for 20 mins to 1 hour. So allow me to explain my views. What I find is that as my skin dries, it becomes colder in fact quite cold, ( latent heat ), and as a result, I believe ( my theory ) that the pores of my skin close, so trapping any chemicals, salt, oils, and even I would say water in my skin. The quickest way I have found to resolve the issue, is to heat up my skin as fast as I can - either wrapping in clothes ( and getting back into bed ), hair driers, etc. It seems to work for me that as soon as I start to warm up and slightly sweat / perspire, i.e. my pores are opening, and allowing whatever was trapped, to come out, I stop almost immediately itching. More recently now 47 , I have started to put on a very small layer of fat ( I have been very fit for years ) , and I now find that particularly in these areas, because of the fat layer, the skin stays colder for longer, and hence itchy more and longer. So I am intrigued to whether have found that warming up is the answer. Hence I agree with many here, it is our skin that cant tolerate whatever is getting trapped in ( I think ) our pores. I dont think it is water type, oils, chemicals, per se, I would say it is an over active body heat regulation system from our bodies, that closes our pores too quickly, and so having showers etc, these close before they really need to, but we are dry. I have noticed over the years, that when the air is dry ( i.e. hot summer, or the central heating is high in the winter, I do not suffer as much. ) This of course, creates two additional benefits, firstly, I am generally warmer and secondly, the water / dampness on my skin dries faster.

Please see the heating up ourselves and our skin works for you. I would very interested to know.

[cschmidt29]

I have basically the same story.  Only I call it burning not itching.  That is the only term that explains the severity.  I feel like every hair on my body turns into a needle piercing my skin.  Burning lasts for 1-2 hrs.  And my skin turns ice cold.  Warmth gives some relief.    This is my story.  I started the burning after a morning shower when I was in my teens living in Michigan (humid climate).  After high school I moved to Colorado for 13 years (dry climate).  Never burned in Colorado.  Moved back to Michigan and started burning again.  Moved to a new house (in Michigan) no burning for 13 years.  THEN, 3 years ago it started again.  We had just installed a new furnace so naturally I blamed the furnace.  I called the installer and complained that the air was too dry.  So he came over and turned up the humidifier on the furnace.  Now it was sooo humid that water was running down the inside of the windows and freezing.  My burning was much worse.  So we turned the humidifier down.  My burning stopped.  I have been watching the coorelation between the humidity level in the house with my burning.  If the humidity goes over 40 percent (in the summer) I burn with excrutiating pain.  In the winter, it is easy to keep the humidity down below 30 percent and I never burn.  The other seasons are harder to keep the air dry.  I know my shower increases the humidity level in the back of my house tremendously and I burn.  As soon as I leave the house and go to work where the air is dry, no burn.  I have been experimenting lately with great results -- I get in my car and turn the window defroster on high (which takes moisture out of the car) and my burning stops.  I found this post after googling "allergic to humidity" .  For me, humidity range is definietly the trigger.  Maybe its "relative" humidity.  I have been to Dr.s in the past with no results - no visible signs of skin rash, etc.  I now have an appt. with an allergist at UofM Hospital.  I will be taking your posts into my visit with the hopes of someone taking this seriously.  I will keep you posted.  God help us all.

[bcullen050704]

Hi All, i've had this few years now, for me, after i exercise, a good run, or some gym work were i build up a big sweat, when I shower afterwards i dont get any irritation, so for me, whenever i want a shower i usually go to the gym or for a run, thats how i've worked around it, found this thread really useful, i didn't know of anyone else who had it and hadn't got any great information on it, tks for all the posts

[bcullen050704]

Also, if i have a 'normal' shower, and I get a really bad attack of it, i go for a run, this 'distracts' me enough from the pain or it, the pain i think motivates me to run faster if anything, the pain would drive you crazy, haven't read all the posts yet, half way through, but there all brilliant, feel alot saner after reading them, tks

[bunny332]

Here is the help......


Right after shower before drying yourself with towel...apply greasy "lotion"... I do petroleum jelly it is like vaseline. This will stop the itching in minutes. Also make sure your legs are covered like wearing a pants for like 10 minutes or so until your skin is completely dry.

This statrted with me about 30 years ago back in Africa.... it use to happen only during winter time but now it is year around.....Another thing that help is early shower before sunrise or late shower after sunset. I think the sun being out has something to do...it is worst during the day rather than night time.

[bunny332]

Also when you use the towel just pad don't remove the apply petroleum jelly..

[TJ1000]

Hi everyone, like everyone keep saying, Iam also amazed how many people are sfferring with this torment, mines start 5 to 10 mins after I get out of shower/bath.  I pat my legs dry, but they still do itch, what works for me is cold air, either fresh air or a fan blowing on your legs, its cuts the itching time right down, my legs are back to normal after about 10 mins by doing this...

[debbiem515]

I'm a 56 year old woman who's been suffering with this itching condition since I was in 6th grade. I tried everthing from different soaps, different lotions and seeing different Drs. just to tell me it's all in my head. There is not rash visable but I itch after a shower or bath to the point of going crazy. I just happened to find out about this condition by searching the internet. What I seem to have is Aquagenic Pruritis. Every symptom points to that. But for all the years that I've been dealing with it, the only thing that releives the itch is to use extremely cold water on the areas or ice. But I'd have to admit that in my younger years is was a lot worse. I probably would say that because of the chemistry within my body that changes I'm not so itchy anymore. But when I do feel that tingling, I use cold water for a couple of minutes and let my legs and arms air dry.

[Konstdude]

I have the same thing when I used to go and take a shower and after a shower, I would start itching like a crazy mad man! Unfortunately my dad has the same itching going on so he passed it to me. I was always mad at my dad for giving me that crazy itch Gene! But my dad taught me how to cope with it and ill share it with you guys how I stopped the itching for myself. I even forgot when I itched last time while taking a shower and after. First when your taking a shower NEVER use a sponge or a body wash towel or anything that you put soap on and then wash your skin with!!! Because doing that triggers our sensitive skin into an ITCH MODE! I have read everybody's problems here and it seems that almost everybody has the same itch going on as I used to have. Instead of lathering yourself with a soapy sponge or towel, lather yourself with a soap bar instead. It glides smoothly over your skin and soaps it up without triggering anything! You don't need the sponge to be clean if you wash yourself with the soap bar each day! so once you lather up your body with the soap bar, use warm/warm hot water to rinse the soap off your skin smoothly! Once you are rinsed and ready to dry yourself off, get your towel and gently press it to your body by patting softly. Make sure your body is dry before you put some clean clothing on that is not wet or sweaty. I have been doing this for the past 12 years and never developed an itch. This is the only cure I believe there is for us and i am living proof of that. Just keep in mind, never use anything that rubs your skin like rough soap, sponges, body wash towels nothing that messes your skins texture. I have been living with this my whole life and just want to help you all to have a itch free life-style like a do! Let us know if the technique I mentioned worked for you?

[Brindo]

I have had this itching on and off for 4 years now, sometimes I'll have a shower and I wont itch at all,sometimes it will be the worst itch ever, driving me crazy for over 30 minutes. I'm at university as well, so I have 6 months at home and 6 months at uni a year, there is no difference in where I am, I get the same itch. However, when I went travelling this summer to south-east asia I only itched once - when there was particularly humid monsoon weather, the rest of the time I was fine - I think it was because it was so hot, my pores did not close - completely agree with you.

[GABE398]

Howdy All,
First off, it probably would help a lot to have this forum start with the most recent posts, but starting from scratch (pun intended) I'm not surprised that so many suffer this horrible annoyance.
Everyone so far speaks of this itch being triggered AFTER showering. I'm 77, live alone and 'cause of slipping in the shower, I don't bathe there anymore - using sink washing instead. So part of me says the itch isn't from hot or cold running water, or perhaps even from the poor quality of water, or the wrong soap or body wash.  I still suffer daily itching on arms, legs, back, scalp and feet. My Mom used to call it the "winter itch" which most of the family had, so heredity seems to play a part, yes.
I'm just beginning to research all your suggestions including the possibility of suffering from this Polycythemia vera or Aquagenic Pruritis and I'm so thankful you've led me to potential answers. My own personal take on this problem, however, leans more towards the allergy school of thought and probably not based so much on external allergies, but on what it is that we eat and what we're allergic to but don't know it. Someone one said that most often we're allergic to those things we love most, foodwise that is. Since I'm a shut-in and have nothing but time on my hands (boring occasionally!) I've taken to becoming my own health care advocate and using the internet to search out sites like this one for anything that might be helpful. Let's face it, folks, doctors just don't know EVERYTHING and since we've lived with our bodies a whole lot longer than they've had to deal with us, WE'RE the ones who ought to be in charge. I used to take 11 different prescription drugs until I said, "wait a minute here -- this is not what nature intended, but it is making the pharmaceutical industry wealthy and doctors compromised." Little by little (and I'm not saying you should try this yourselves) I weaned myself off all but 1 of these scripts and instead added supplements daily. I've never felt better! Ok, but the itch is still aggravating so I'm gonna continue searching, trying and sharing.
I hope we all can become our own best  monitors of our own health. Since the FDA is very soon going to mandate (who the heck do they think they are?) that every vitamin and herb sold here in the USA (it's already happening in  EUROPE)  carry on testing of each ingredient before any product can be approved (BY THEM!) for sale. Seems as though they're not happy making beaucoup bucks on their poisonous drugs but now are invading the arena of health foods and supplements. Sorry for the rant, folks - just makes me wanna puke!
Anyway, hope all of you will find THE answers to your own itching problems and all others you're ever confronted with.
Many Blessings

[yorkies7742]

I've had severe itching after a shower for three years.  I'm a 63 year old man.  Doctor told me to use Dove sensitive skin and some lotion, no help.  I have found something that has helped me almost completely.  The last 4 showers I've taken I've used my wifes hairdryer all over my body for about 10 minutes.  Every time I've done this the itching is almost a none event.  It is wonderful.  I don't know if it will work on everone but its worth a try.  Good luck.

[2grossgitl]

I just posted in another forum that this was happening to me as well. I got to the point that the only relief I felt was taking a bath. But as soon as I'd get out and there was a temperature change it would start again. I felt like I would loose my mind. This happened from the age of 14 until I was finally diagnosed with celiacs disease in my late 30's.  Usually there is a related rash that comes but I had no visible signs at all. Just felt like all my nerve endings were vibrating or bugs were crawling under my skin. The itching wouldn't calm down until my body temp regulated. Now being gluten free I know it was what I was eating! Nothing to do with soaps or cleaners or lotions. Just try removing gluten! It's hard to do but you can get tested to be sure... Good luck ! I hope this is your answer.. I'm grateful it was mine and I can now bathe without wondering how long I will scratch and feel like I'm loosing my ever-loving mind!

[Heyroy]

Wikipedia Encyclopaedia  describes Aquagenic Pruritis as follows -

'Symptoms may be felt immediately after contact with water or humid air and can persist for an hour or longer. Other triggers may be sweat, blowing air, temperature differences, changing clothes, contact with synthetic fibers, and lying down to try to sleep. This condition may persist for years.'

All of the above strike a relevant note with my experience of this annoying affliction.  As others have pointed out, I am mostly free of irritation during the warm summer months. But I recently discovered that if I shower in the evening, rather than the morning, I am hardly bothered by it at all. Why this should be, I'm not sure, but hopefully the info may be of use to some of my fellow sufferers.

[Otunba82]

interesting to know am not the only one with this issue of itching immediately after bath. it started a year ago when l left to another state for my youth service.Since then it has been occurring over and over again. l notice the itching immediately l have my bath. However, i noticed the itching greatly reduces when i dont use a sponge to have my bath. And l also noticed that it's the areas i use the sponge on most that brings much itching. Will try out other techniques. Thanks to u all.
Adewale(Nigeria)

[Lexxx]

You Could Just Be Allergic To Something you Use Or Have Sensitive Skin, I Do, I Am Allergic To The Laundry Soap My Parents Buy.

[Keyster]

I experience this same horrible itching sensation after I shower. It runs in my family because my dad experiences it as well. It occurs after the shower and sometimes if it is too humid or am sweating!!
I have figured out that if I wrap a tight soft sheet around my lower legs, and then place a hot heating pad on them, then a tight comforter around the heating pad, sheet, and my legs; the itching eventually subsides!
This helps me to not itch them wihch usually only stops the itching for a second, then makes it worse!
Also, I tend to only take showers at night now so I can fall directly asleep after my shower and sleep off the itchiness.
If I must take a shower in the morning I put on a TV show or something that will distract me from my itchiness!

I find moisturizers tend to make it worse.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4514379_manage-aquagenic-pruritus.html --> I am going to try some tips from this website though!!

[tashasmum]

Everyone's stories r interesting - and some very sad :( I got onto this forum because my daughter who is 12 has been complaining of having really itchy/burning  hands after showering.  I had been throwing an ice pack at her and telling her to get over it, as there is no visible problem. The itch usually goes away in 20-30 minutes.   Now I realise that I should try and figure out what is going on, as I would hate for this condition to progress and for her to suffer like so many of you have.  Thanks for all the ideas....  

[gjr123]

I've had the same problem since I was a child.  What works for me is putting E45 Cream on my legs both before and after a shower.  If it gets really bad than soaking in a hot bath for 10 minutes will sort it out.  I've just read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquagenic_pruritus.  Does anybody know what the 'avoid red wine' comment is all about?

[dsevern01]

Thanks for sharing your story...I have been trying to work out my problem for so long and I came up with a similar theory. I work a seasonal job, in the peak season this can be very stressful, I get less time to exercise and spend less time focusing on what I'm eating....and this is the time I seem to get the worst itching! Back when I lived in the UK I played football competitively, training almost everyday, with no problems showering, I got injured, and guess what started happening.....

I think you are spot on with the fact it is simply our bodies telling us something is not right with our skin and we need to change something...for your case and mine at least, I will say that is finding a good diet and exercise balance to begin with.

For a 'short-term fix' I have began using anti-histamines (regular brand - claritin, oral tablets) and they have reduced the itching significantly. I'm now excited to start a fitness regime and focus my diet more to eradicate this issue completely!!

Thanks again!!!

[psycosmic]

I haven't figured out what causes my post-shower itch torture, as I've tried warm and cold showers, oil before/after shower, and I rinse and rinse and rinse obsessively - and I rarely shave, so that is not the problem.  I am going to look into some of the skin conditions, as I do have a bizarre & rare eczema that only attacks your hands - maybe I have something weird.  

BUT --  some advice -- aloe vera helps the itch go away.  Since I'm in S. Florida, I can have plants in my yard, I just cut a piece open and rub it all over after a shower.  It feels better right away, and if it comes back just put more on.  It's so good for your skin.

[traelao]

I had the same problem as you and completely feel the same (legs itching right now, though dying away). I would literally take packets of ice and stack it against my legs until it was too painful to feel anything else. I couldn't carry on with my scuba diving, swim in public areas, play with my pets, sit on the grass, and so forth. It really ruined my life. Thankfully, I'm asian, and have grown up with the wonders of Tiger Balm. Oh, joy! Seriously, this stuff works like a mean machine, with no side effects for most people. It consists of Camphor, Dementholised Mint Oil, Cajuput Oil, Menthol, Clove Oil, Paraffin and Petrolatum. If you're not allergic to any of these, I seriously recommend it to you. Just by the way, it also works its wonders on blocked nose, itchy bites and tense muscles. For the more itchy episodes, just put several layers on the skin. I personally use the cooling Tiger Balm (the white balm), as it works like ice. Rub some ice on top of the balm coated skin for an extra burst of coolling relief. ;)

[Bibi81]

OMG!!!!!!!! Your desription of your itchy problem is exactly how it affects me. I can't even use a sponge to exfoliate cos it itches a million times worse. I also cannot use a dirty towel or bathroom and i need cool air to calm my skin down. Have you found out what the actual problem is? Please let me know if you can.

[kl006]

I have MS and wondered whether the extreme itching I get after a shower is a symptom of this.  It seems to only effect my legs after a shower, tried different soap, no soap, hot water, cold water, it doesnt matter once the water touched my skin it was all over.  I have found relief, tedious but I dont care as it works for me. Prior to showering lather your legs with Sorbolene cream.  Do not wash off whilst showering or when you come out of the shower do not towel it will dry on its own.  IT HAS SAVED ME!

[kjwest]

Yes, I have (had) the same problem; super itchy skin hours after shaving.  It was just about painful.  This is what I have done and for the first time in a long, long time I wasn't at all itchy!!!!!  
1.  About 3-5 days before shaving I exfoliate the hell out of my legs, I used Dove soap but the soap isn't the issue, I really rub them down with a loofah thing, I bought a flat bamboo one.  The goal is to get rid of the dead skin on your legs.
2.  Bought AmLactin lotion!!!!  It has 12% lactic acid in it and it gets rid of the dead skin that is causing the itching.  Also 3-5 days before shaving 2-3X a day.
3.  Shave, I used some gel and a new razor.  Again, the soap/gel/cream doesn't matter - step 1 and 2 are the most important steps!!!!
I agree with other posters here that say to shave more often, that will also help.  Keep doing steps 1 and 2 and it will help!!!

[littleuge]

I have the same problem, every time I shave my legs or take a shower I feel that itching sensation. Sometimes it happens suddenly the next day after I have shaved, I have tried changing soaps, lotions (which only work for half an hour or so) and the only thing that has caused some sort of relief on me was using baby powder exactly after I got out of the shower, I put it everywhere that I had shaved and I felt instant relief, I also tried using warm water instead of hot like I used to. I would recommend you use baby powder since it seems to help me, I wish you good luck with this and I am also glad that I'm not the only one suffering from this. I'm 17 years old and I thought I was going crazy since I didn't think this happened to other people. Once again good luck :)

[dgt3]

I thought I would provide an update since my comments back in October. Since then, our central heating has kicked in. So the air temp is quite reasonable and more importantly, low humidity - preferably less than 40. I have found during winter months so far, itchiness is very reduced. As soon as I dry from a large towel, I put a large towelling dressing gown on, to move to my bedroom, because it is normally slightly colder than the en-suite shower room, being warmed from the hot "as I can stand" shower. I am not looking forward to April as the central heating starts to be off more, and hence doesnt dry or warm the air in the house as much. The key to me, is that our skin must not get cold before we are TOTALLY dry. Hence it clearly helps when the air is less humid, the air is warmer, and we have warmer skin before we dry ourselves. If pores close, due to being cold, they trap water in, our skin seems to react against. Having read other input on anti-histamines, this seems to make sense. Although I do realise lower humidity and warm rooms are a way to reduce the symptoms rather than the cause.

My doctor did suggest some mild anti-histamines, but havent gone down this road yet. Just don’t fancy taking drugs for an indefinite amount of time. However we are about to totally upgrade our en-suite shower room, and so I will be fitting a powerful bathroom grade air heater / blower into the room, plus powerful extractor fans.

Two inputs above that have intrigued me are that of Gluten and Wine. I do drink a lot of red wine and I am sure have a reasonable amount of gluten in my diet. But not sure I would want to go without either of these, if I can fix it with the above.

It would be great to hear an update from everyone, on how you have got on, after reading everyone's comments. Good luck everyone.

[Tadek]

I thought I was the only one with this problem. I'm having this problem maybe for about 3 years now. It doesn't happen every time I have a bath but it happens really frequent. I scrub the bathroom, change rags, change type of soap, change clothes often, I bathe 2-3 times daily, lotion after every bath and when my skin looks dry, I even change lotion type too. But I just can't seem to know what is triggering the painful itching i get so often. I got a medical check up and the doctor didn't notice any cause. I don't know what to do anymore. Sometimes I feel like screaming and ripping my skin off. its a pain to know so many people have to go through this, because I have  absolutely been there. i don't tell anyone about this, except my husband, as I am ashamed of it. But now I realized it is happening to others and its nothing to be ashamed of, we all just have to find a way to help ourselves. Blessings to all peeps on here, I sincerely hope you all find a cure or reasonable enough way to deal with the itching. I'm still searching for my cure.

[eyestrayn]

I had similar problems a few decades ago, starting about 5 years old, lasted about 10 years. Upper body mainly. Not as severe as some of you, but could be pretty rough.

Several doctors no help, until:

First, one dr suggested not using any fabric softener at all, and mild detergents. Helped a lot, but continued years more.

Second, another dr said to stop taking showers every day, instead take sponge baths weekly, with little soap. That was too extreme for me, but I cut way back on # of showers, and amount of soap. It worked!

Can now shower every day if I have to, for several days in a row, but don't use soap everywhere everytime, just in places needed most. And those places do tend to itch, especially underarms. Experimenting with deoderant brand helped.

I use Cetaphil soap and Tide "free" detergent. No fabric softener goes into the washer or dryer ever.

[sschevysjs]

I had the same problem with extremely itchy legs. I found that when the climate changed from hot to cold, I noticed every time I got out of the shower I got itchy legs. I usually take shower at nights, right before I go to sleep. This got so bad, I ran to my PC and looked it up online. I have changed out my water pipes from galvanized to copper. (Not for this reason but because I coincidently needed the repairs). This helped a little. But I was still itchy. I found that by drying my legs off and putting lotion right when I was done showering also helped, but they still were itchy. I recently found by drinking Alkaline water completely stopped my itchyness. I was drinking it for other reasons but now that I noticed the weather has gotten colder and I noticed that my legs stopped itching. I believe the acidic materials in all bottled water had something to do with it. I am not a doctor or even in the medical field. I know I sound like a darn infomercial and I am definetly not trying to sell you anything. But this worked for me! It's worth sharing this information. It wont hurt to try! Good luck.

[coolris982]

Look i have the same problems. Therefore i went to the doctor to ask him why. And he told me first Not to increase the temparture of the water whether it is in cold days or hot days. Second to reduce the itchiness use creams such as Nivea. Thirdly dont wear fabric clothing after taking the shower. Lastly drinl some alkaline water and this 4 step will work and you only need to follow for 3-4 months, then you can do whatever you want to because your mind has forgotten about the itchiness