itch

For the past month, rashes have devloped on my arms, thighs, legs and lower back. The rashes are light red in color and it itches alot and the surprising thing is that the more I stratch my skin, the more itchy it becomes and more rashes would appear.

I have been prescribed 3 different kinds of medication from a doctor but nothing seems to improve. First I was given kestine, then clarityne and lastly prednisolone. I was also given a steriod jab before the doctor prescribed prednisolone.

I need your advise on this.

Thanking you in anticipation.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Jake:

your itch sounds nonspecific, meaning of no special cause.  Itching makes anything itchier.  Try this: go to the drugstore and get chlortriemton 4 mg tablets and Sarna lotion (both OTC).  Apply the lotion every time it itches.  Take 1 tablet at bedtime.  NEVER scratch.  If that fails, as k your doctor for more advice.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[maia]

I used to suffer from a similiar condition - completely cured for over 8 years.  First - only use a quality handmade soap for face, body, shaving and, if you have fine hair, for shampooing also. Second, wash everything you own (esp. sheets and pillowcases) with a castile soap based cleaner.  Never use fabric softener or dryer sheets. Do not use lotions with artificial colors, fragrances or cetyl alcohol emulsifiers. My dad is the formulator for Vermont Soapworks and tests everything on me first! He says most skin problems are completely curable through elimination of chemicals in our personal care products and ingesting essential fatty acids, antioxidants and fresh water. I am living proof of this - so are hundreds of former eczema and dermititus sufferers.