skin related suggestions=Riba ouch

lots of riba fun, only at week 3. Please weight in with what helped you so we can all learn from each other. I feel like there's lots more to learn.
1. using cool rags and ice packs on head.
2. use small fan to keep skin feeling cooler
3. wear only soft cottons or silks, polyester and most everything else makes me to itchy and sweaty.
4. put benydryl gel on esspecially itchy spots to slow them down.
5 repace blankets with softer contton ones.
6shower less as to not dehaydrate skin. Hydrat with lotion
7 double rinse all clothing to remove excess soap.
8 try wearing loose fitting robes and dresses at hope...much relief here.

who else has helpful hints..

[jmjm530]

Good list, but not familiar with the effects of chronic use of  "Benadryl Gel" esp on your face. That's not to say it's not OK, but I'd probably check with a derm or do some research. OTC Hydrocortisone, for example, can cause problems on the face with chronic use.

A few other tips:

9. Experiment by substituting "soapless" cleaners with soap, such as the Cetaphil line of products. Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser is an excellent product that can be used with or without water.

10. Be careful of OTC moisturizes that may contain irritants. Again, the Cetaphil moisturizes are gentle. Most gentle of all is their Moisturizing Cream. The Lotion is OK if you can tolerate it.

11. Use detergents without perfumes or try some of those "baby" detergents in your luandry.

12. Shower instead of bathe -- less dehydrating -- keep the shower brief. Don't  use hot or cold water, keep it luke warm, and pat dry GENTLY, never rub. Treat your skin like a baby.

13. Go "Commando" when appropriate (like at home) to air out the "boys" or "girls" :)
Next best are boxers instead of briefs and loose pants, as suggested above.

14. If things get bad, try soaking in OTC Balentar Bath Oil which can be special ordered from your pharmacist or on the net. Just make sure you scrub that tub well after, or you will end up with a brown tub and don't ask me how I know.

15. KEEP OUT OF THE SUN but if you have to be in the sun, cover up AND use a strong sunscreen, but one without irritating chemicals. Some baby screens are OK as is the Blue Lizard Line.

16. Exposure to winter cold air can be very irritating on the face, so cover up with scarves, etc. If  it really gets bad, there are face masks available.

[jmjm530]

17. If things get bad, self-prescribing can only go so far. Best person to consult is a dermatologist. Of course, run things by your tx doctor first, but I've found even the good ones tend to overprescribe or prescribe topical steroids that are too strong. You don't want to end up with steroid rebound, or steroid rosacea. Dosing and 'pulsing' topicals is an art, and there are also other alternatives, depending on your skin condition, like Protopic and Elidel which don't contain steroids and work for certain conditions.