incredibly itchy skin after shower/shaving- pls help!

[Teresainpain]

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!!!!