shower itch

[dmike]

i get a painful shower itch - at times very painful over my full body which lasts from 30 - 40 minutes. No problem while I

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

The diagnosis with which I am most familiar which can cause severe itch after a shower is called cholinergic urticaria.  These are hives brought on by heat.  I never see this in person, because it's gone by the time people get to the office.

What I think might be worth trying is regular use of a nonsedating antihistamine, like Allegra or Clarinex, taken once daily for several weeks.  This may suppress the itch.  Ask your doctor about this.

I think she's right about the scalp being something else, and Cutivate seems like the right approach.

Your coloring and sunburn history is more than likely not relevant.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[mazenhajhasan]

A related discussion, after shower itching was started.

[sabotier]

I've been dealing with this type of itch for just about 22 years.  It came on after the birth of my first child in 1980.  I did experience itching during the pregnancy which I read at the time was normal in some women. It's not too bad these days but have tried just about everything including a reduction in the frequency of showers, decreasing water temp, etc.  I have tested positive for chronic, active Hepatitis C (liver enzymes levels are relatively low, infact, almost normal) and have wondered if there isn't some connection. I received a blood transfusion after the birth mentioned above and my doctor believes that's where I contacted the Hep C.

The one thing that "dmike" doesn't mention is whether or not he has any visible signs that accompany the itch (rash, hives).  I've never had a rash or anything that one could see during these exhausting, 30-40 minute, post shower sessions. And yes one of doctors through the years mentioned the urticaria suggested by Dr. Rockoff but nothing was ever found to alleviate the itching.  I've been taking Zyrtec daily for the past couple of years for other allergies--maybe that's what's keeping the leg itching pretty much under control. And it's not the entire leg that itches--just from the knee down!  Go figure.

[Barend]

Reduce the number of showers.  Lower the temperature to just lukewarm.  Afterwards use an anti-diaper rash salve named Penaten. Pour a vitamin E oil in the salve.  Been there, done that. Barend