Itching...HELP!

Hi.  I'm a newby.  I'm 4 weeks in to trmt with combo therapy.  Right after my last shot I got little bumps on my legs and stomach that went away after a few mins.  Since then I have very bad intching and I think hives at night.  What is this?  Is this normal?  My virus was undetectable after only 2 or 3 shots so I don't want to stop trmt yet?  Anything to offer?

[Tippyclubb]

The only thing that gave me long term relief was Atarax.  Your doctor will have to call in a prescription for you.  There are products that provide temporary relief but that was not good enough.  Atarax will stop the itching for up to 8-10 hours.  

[copyman]

itching is from the meds drying your skin out. try gold bond extra strength lotion and/or oatmeal baths. do not take baths/showers with hot water, this will dry your skin out more. put aveeno lotion on several times a day especially after baths/showers. use gold bond when itching is really bad and aveeno all the time. Like Tippy said Atarax prescription works.

[justme53]

I agree with Tippy and Copy...Atarax helps when nothing else does, especially to get some sleep at night. And not to sound like a broken record, but water, water, water!

[annieCinMD]

I have a topical prescription that helps. I have had eczema on my hands for a long time  and the medicine I use for that helps with the rash. Moisturizing is important, too, as the others said and stay hydrated.

[newleaf09]

Run a humidifier in the house, use lotions in case it's related to drying.  1% hydrocortisone gel helps clear riba rash and reduce itching. Benedryl stick can be a godsend.

The hives may or may be cleared up by the antihistamine pills (atarax, allegra, zyrtec, etc.)  I am struggling with hives now that started after stopping the interferon.  I don't think it's really related to the riba rash, but a delayed reaction to the interferon.  I am going in today to get an epinephrine shot (epi-pen for allergic reactions) to hopefully clear the hives, so I can get back to managing the riba rash.   Good luck, I know it's making you nuts.  I'll let you know if the epi clears the hives.

[winner727]

I say normal cause I get the same effect from shot night . I also use 1% hydrocortisone cream .have benedryl 10 mg . but have used "only if needed "   I pump up my water intake ,and that helps w dry feet , hair ,skin .   might want to consider "scent free "'  laundry soap .      hope this helps !    

[newleaf09]

Okay, just back from the doctor.  Here's the scoop on hives.  Hep C can cause them or interferon can cause them because of the ramped up immune system.  OR as in my case (meds stopped for 2 weeks), the hyped immune system has caused me to sensitize against one of my continuing meds, likely either the Lexapro AD or the benedryl I take to sleep.  Unlikely to be connected to either tylenol or hydrocodon.  I did not get a magic shot, but am to discontinue the bendryl for at least 3 days to see if it's the cause.  If not (and dermatologists see a lot of benedryl allergy), I already to begin reducing my Lexipro on Friday. Benedryl anti-itch cream is not the problem (works a different way than orally).

If you are just getting the hives at night, look at what you are taking at night, and if it's not one of your antivirals, stop it and see if the hives go away.

He also made the remark that aveeno oatmeal bath is one of the most effective ways to calm itch down.  Good luck with figuring it out.

[Virginia7745]

Vicks Vapor Rub is the only thing that helps me with itch, has 2x the amount of camphor and menthol then some  of the expensive creams. Oat flour is much cheaper and just as good as aveno baths.

I have had little luck with anything else, very itchy small red dots that are long lasting then fade to pink/light brown spot. Any one else have this?  Derm thinks from Hep C, Gastro doesnt. Going on for 5 months. Itch is terrible.

Prednisone is very bad for your liver!!!