itchy sx

[Artopia]

Arms covered in really itchy red what looks like hives. Started last week now has spread to my legs and back, even one on my face. Have used 2% hydrocortisone, Benedril, Anthisan, chamomile oil, lavender oil, hemp oil, the green bottle gold bond, Eucerin. Dr. suggested that I take some Claritin so I'm on my third day with little relief. This was not one of my sx on my first round of tx. Will call Dr. on monday. Has anyone had these terrible itchies? Any suggestions?

[Artopia]

Thanks for reminding me about the water, I keep forgetting, will have to attach a bottle to myself. Why not grapefruit? I recently read somewhere that it has something very beneficial for fighting HCV. I'm becoming a believer in the green bottle red cap gold bond.I'm not crazy about the smell but anything is better than this itch. I was fit to be tied in a straight jacket this morning. It feels good going on and I'm not as worried about using it as with .2% hydrocortisone being that I'm applying it a lot. It is good to hear that it may go away at least for a while; would be such a relief. Olive oil rub sounds like fun.

[nygirl7]

Use the Gold Bond with the green bottle and red cap "Gold Bond Triple Threat Anti Itch Lotion".  Use it several times a daily liberally applying anywhere that you are currently bothered and places like where clothing scratches against (bra straps, underwear bands).

Once the rash stops DO NOT STOP USING THE LOTION or the rash will come back.

I found out the hard way.  The Gold Bond has worked for at leaset 80% of those who have tried it - it's got a good rep for helping those on treatment.

Good luck, nothing worse than riba rash.

[dogsledder]

Drink lots of water!! 1/2 your body weight in fl. oz. Very important to stay hydrated. Do not substitute coffee or soda, etc. for water. I finished 48 weeks last week and had the rash several times during tx. I did all what you did and more. Aveeno baths helped me a lot, too as well as olive oil rubs. Also try to maintain a healthy diet, even though we don't feel like eating, early on in tx. Lots of fruits and vegetables (but no grapefruit or high iron veggies). I had dry scalp/flaking skin and "thinning hair (ha, ha)" too. I used Keri oil at night...just rubbed it gently into my scalp. Used Nioxin and all that too, but sparingly, not every day..harsh on the head.

[Artopia]

My head itches as well but luckily my hair is not falling out this time,yet. Might be because I started using the Nioxin shampoo and scalp treatment before tx.
Artopia

[TeeVee36]

My head itches and has kind of a tingly feeling like I can feel each hair follicle falling out.  My hair is very thin and wispy.  A women at my job asked me why my hair was standing straigth up.  You know I hadn't even noticed it.  I guess I have new growth or broken off hair that is only an inch or two long and it wants to stand up.  I went into the bathroom put water on it to lay it down (mistake) LOL.  Basically, my feelings were hurt and I was very sad for awhile but got over it.  Now I am conscientous about it and use extra hair spray to try to make it not as noticeable.

TV

[charm27]

Yes its one of the sx. Ive been scratching all the time, not fun. Gold Bond Green  Bottle red cap! Stops the itch, just keep re-applying it. If it werent for that cream I dont know what I would do.
I scratch my head 24/7 because of dry skin and hair falling out.

[Bobby1952]

The Gold works for me. I started to get it pretty bad and used the gold bond. Its works great. You have to keep putting it on or it will come back.

Bobby

[Artopia]

Thanks so much for the quick response. Nice to know that there may be an end to this itchy reaction. I of course have been worrying about having to lower dosage of tx. Am definitely slathering on the lotion. The trick is not to scratch. I'm wearing gloves to sleep. It is so good to hear your rash went away and did not come back!
Artopia

[TeeVee36]

I broke out in the same rash only on upper arms and legs, knees and thighs.  They told me the same thing, hydrocortisone and benadryl.  Anyway, I went out and bought some really good dry skin relief lotion and use it and haven't had the rash since.  I went in to a panic attack at first because it was listed on the med insert as a serious reaction to the meds.  the doc didn't seemed concerned at all.

I hope your rash/hives clear up soon it can be really annoying.  My only suggestion is don't scratch and use mild soap, and good dry skin therapy relief lotion.

Hang in there,
TV