Hey All,
I've been reading comment after comment about unexplained, misdiagnosed, and mistreated cases of itching. I've been battling unexplained itching for five years now and have finally found the answers. To start, here are my symptoms (I'm a guy FYI):
1. Itching all over after taking showers (at any temperature).
2. Itching all over after swimming.
3. Itching after simply changing clothes.
4. Legs itching when wearing shorts.
5. Arms itching when wearing short sleeves.
6. Arms/Legs itching when I get rained on.
7. Itching from humidity.
8. Itching all over from exercising/sweating.
9. Itching from shaving.
10. Itching all over due to temperature changes.
11. Itching sessions last anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour.
12. The only relief I could get was from taking one Benedryl tablet - unfortunately, Benedryl knocks me out so it was not always the best option when having to go to work!
The following has improved my condition, diagnosed by my current Allergist, as "Aquagenic Pruritus." I estimate that my symptoms have improved by 90% and I am getting better everyday. Here's what I'm doing (as directed by my Allergist):
1. I have been taking Fexoffenadine (generic for Allegra), for several years now, (180MG) once a day. I am now taking it twice a day.
2. I am taking Gabapentin (generic for Neurontin), 300MG tablets, twice a day. Neurotin is commonly use to treat people with seizures but has cut down my itching almost completely (like I said, about 90%). Now, if I start to itch (becoming rarer and rarer), it is not nearly as bad and only lasts 5 to 10 minutes (much better than 30 minutes to an hour)!
3. I have been doing Photo Therapy twice a week through my Dermatologist. Basically, I stand naked in a box of controlled light for less than one minute (after applying lotion everywhere). I've done 10 of 30 sessions so far. My Allergist thinks that once I've completed Photo Therapy that I will be able to eliminate the need to continue taking Gabepentin (I still will have to take Fexoffenadine because I have allergies).
Check out this link:
http://skindisease.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_get_rid_of_aquagenic_pruritus
My suggestion - talk to your Allergist about points 1, 2, and 3. Then, get with your dermatologist about Photo Therapy. I know it sounds like a ton to do but it's really not - plus, it's worth it to get rid of the problem. Let me know what you all think!
This discussion is related to
Itchy legs, no sign of rash or irritation.