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.

[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 ?