itching insanity! All over!

[fiberglass_insulation_insanity]

Am I allergic to my own skin? Please someone tell me how to stop itching! My skin feels like I have rolled around in fiberglass insulation in my attic! From my legs to my chest, arms, back... everywhere! My eyes burn/itch even! This has been going on for months, since the spring of 09'.
I literally use a stiff hairbrush with plastic bristles to 'scrub' my entire body. The itching is more irritable at night. I know it's not my sheets/bedding/or clothing as my husband does not suffer at all. I use the same soap (dove) and detergent (Tide) that I have been using for over 10 yrs.
I have even developed scabs from either scratching at or from the itch itself. I am so tired most everyday because I am not getting much sleep (3-4 hrs per day). I am not on any medication, do not drink or do any drugs, legal or otherwise.
I can (with my fingertips) gently rub over my skin and feel almost fiberlike bumps on my skin where it itches. I thought I must be going mad, but my husband felt over my skin and can feel it too.
I am female, age 45. I am in menopause (have not hade a period in almost a year), rare and mild heat flashes.
I do not have any medical insurance so other than emergi-care places, I don't know where to go.

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

Please!

[Itchyarmsman]

I'm a guy and I have the same exact thing. I've said to many people that it feels like fiberglass coming out of my forearms and this is driving me crazy any answers on how to help or even as to what it is I'd be greatly appreciative

[Hnm1979]

I hope you were able to figure this out. I have had the same issues for about 3 months now. I have scratched open my arms, chest, legs and scalp from the itching. As soon as I lay down in bed it starts. I feel like my bed is made out of fiberglass. And I itch all day due to scratching my skin open. It's driving me crazy. I have tried itch creams, lotions and Prednisone with no relief. I'm pretty sure I'm losing my mind. I even checked for bugs in my home...nothing. And it's only me. My husband and both children have no itching at all. And I know what you mean about the bumps, almost like a small pimple, slightly raised. And the dermatologist is baffled. Hope you're not losing your mind too.

[tx20fan]

Just found this old post.  I'm surprised no one offered up the option of Restless Leg Syndrome.   I developed these same feeling of insulation itching a few weeks ago.  After hearing someone describe RLS, I looked it up.  Said the causes could be lack of exercise ( nope, walk 4 miles a day) too much caffeine...possible...drink a pitcher or more of ice tea a day or reaction to over the counter sleeping meds.  I was taking up to 4 Tylenol PM's a night for about 3 years.   I backed the tea back to one small glass in the morning and switched my sleeping tablets over to Advil..NSAID and took 2 a night.   3 days later my itching disappeared.  It's been 2 weeks and it hasn't come back yet.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Itchy skin that isn't accompanied by other obvious skin changes, such as a rash, is most often caused by dry skin (xerosis).
Other conditions cause itchy skin as well. Skin conditions like psoriasis, dermatitis and hives, internal diseases like liver and kidney disorders, diabetes, iron deficiency anemia, irritation and allergic reactions to chemicals, wool, soaps, cosmetics and certain foods  can cause itchy skin.

You can apply an anti-itch cream or lotion to the affected area. Oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl can also be used. You should take a comfortably cool bath and wear smooth-textured cotton clothing. Covering the affected area with bandages and dressings can help protect the skin and prevent scratching. You should choose mild soaps without dyes or perfumes and use a mild, unscented laundry detergent when washing clothes, towels and bedding.

Please take a second opinion from a dermatologist if the symptoms persist. He/She will start with the specific medications. If an internal disease is found, whether it's kidney disease, iron deficiency or a thyroid problem, treating that disease often relieves the itch. Lastly, Phototherapy can also be tried.
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep us posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

[mercedes_baby_boo]

My god go to the ER and get medical treatment! A shot and steriods will most likely be prescribed for you. My daughter has allergies and broke out like that for a few weeks and they first gave her shots and then the steroids and that cleared it up. I  feel so sorry you have put up with this for so long. At this point who cares about the bill please go get treatment you deserve some peace and help. really you do.