Itching

[BottyBurp]

For the last 30+ years I have had to take some sort of AntiHestamine tablet to stop itching.
The intching is sometimes so unbearable!
I have become imune to several over the counter tablets & the only ones that seem to work now are Zirtek, I've been on these for about 15 years.
I saw a Dermatologist at the Bristol Royal Infirmary many years ago & without giving me any tests he said "you obviously have sensitive skin, live with it"!
Does anyone know what causes this & is their a prevention rather than the prescribed medication ie it seems to get worse with a sudden change in temperature.
Could it be food related or maybe Dairy product related?
Can anyone advise please?

[curlydog415]

this is dermographism.  i've had it for 5 yrs now!  zyrtec is the only thing that i found that helps with the itchyness

[BottyBurp]

Thank you so much for your help kindd, you have given me more info than anyone else in over 30 years.
As you have just said that the cause is unknown I guess I will just have to stick with the Zirtek.
They do help to stop the itching but it can be very unpleasent waiting for them to work!
Oh well, never mind.
It would of just been so nice to of found what was causing it :-(
Kris

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Dermographism is a normal physiological response of the skin. The term literally means writing on the skin. Firm stroking of the skin produces an initial red line, followed by broadening erythema and the formation of a linear wheal termed the triple response of Lewis.

Dermatographism can be caused by stress, tight or abrasive clothing, watches, glasses, energetic kissing, heat, cold, or anything that causes stress to the skin. In many cases it is merely a minor annoyance, but in some rare cases symptoms are severe enough to impact a patient's life.

It can be treated by antihistamines or cromoglicate and sometimes steroids, as they prevent the histamine from causing the reaction. As the underlying cause of dermographism is not known, it can last for many years without relief.No treatment can cure it 100%.
Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.

[BottyBurp]

Hello Kindd
Thank you for all that information.
Their is no rash or marks of any kind & I don't normally get any kind of flaky skin.
The itch could start on one arm then work it's way right over to the next arm!
It can itch almost anywhere & can take about 20 minutes before the Zirtek take efect.
I don't generaly get a rash but where I scratch will come up in a big red welk!
I'm 48 now & when I was about 18 a doctor told me that I have Dermatographia but I'm not really sure what that is or if their is a total cure.
Thanks for listening!
Kris

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Is it generalized itch on the whole body or it is localized to some area?

Itchy skin that isn't accompanied by other obvious skin changes, such as a rash, is most often caused by dry skin (xerosis). Dry skin usually results from environmental factors that you can wholly or partially control. These include hot or cold weather with low humidity levels, long-term use of air conditioning or central heating, and washing or bathing too much.

Other conditions cause itchy skin as well. Skin conditions like psoriasis,dermatitis, brachiradial neuralgia(itching on upper torso and arma),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.

Pls 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 that helps. Please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Warm regards.