whelps

[Nicedon]

For the last three weeks I have had problems with itchy skin, it occurs primarily on my upper forearms and upper theighs. When I scratch the random area that is itching it forms red hard whelps in the direct formation of the way that I have scratched. If I scratch in a line the whelp appears in a line, if I scratch in a circle the whelp is in a circle. If I do not scratch the area then no whelps appear, but a few tiny red dots appear. Benadryl cream and hydrocortizone cream are ineffective, and the itching appears to be worse at night after a bath. I have not changed any detergents or soaps, so I am not sure if it is some sort of allergic reaction, but it is so odd that the whelps only occur after the scratching. I would be grateful for any help or feedback. Thank you.

[FurballsMom]

Look up Dyshidrotic Eczema.  This is a subtype of eczema.  I just found this name.  I'm familiar with the frustration you're going through, because I deal with this type of eczema.  This has even gotten as bad as becoming a solid blister that would pop and just continue to get raw as if the skin is being eaten away.  Check out this website I discovered.  It confirmed some information that I've been telling people that for some of us, it definitely matters what we consume.  For many with eczema this is not the case, but the subtype of eczema I'm talking about is definitely affected.  Yeah, it definitely will have the red ring you're talking about.  I've had flare-ups with this form of eczema in this manner you described.  It can get a whole lot worse than the pictures on the website I discovered.  I know from experience, and from doing a Google image search.  Here is the website:  http://www.eczemaguide.com/eczema_basics/eczema_like/subtypes_of_hand_dermatitis.html

Stress will definitely make it worse.  And, this website confirms that stress will aggravate this autoimmune skin illness.

[katrinals22]

hi nicedon, first of all i understand what your goin through, i have suffered from skin allergies since i was in nursery and im now 30. i have been on antihistamines for the past 20 years constantly and can not miss a dose. i have urticarria not sure how you spell it, but it can be called whelps. there are so many reasons what cause it, can be the hot the cold, a food something you've been in contact with. i find mine is worse after a bath, but i prevent the whelps from coming most of the time with the medication. as for the marks appearing where you itch that makes total sense to me. if i scratch the i have a line, or sometimes il just have a line from where my socks or trousers have been round my waste. it was described to me as contact urticarria. and anyone who says dont itch has no idea how desperately itch the area is. when it comes it is very often symetrical on the body i.e the arms the legs the groin area, anywhere really. are you using anything in the bath? or tried any new products. to be honest its really hard to narrow it down as it can be anything, with myself they have decided its nothing i eat drink or wear, its just me!! and as a consolation almost everyone gets this condition i was told at some point in there life it may last a day a week a month but it usually just goes itself. however the antihistamines get rid of it and make life easier while its there. mine though has been practically my whole life and my gp said it usually burns itself out after 30 years, i am waiting on this lol. im not a gp and obviously i cant advise you on any medication or what to do, but this is my experience and i dont think it hurts to try an antihistamine, providing youre not allergic to them it wont hurt you. i take mine at night as this is the worst time for me, and strangely although its a 24hour lasting tablet if i take it in the morning it doesnt seem to last the 24 hours. i think its because upon tiring and my body slows down i dont fight the allergy off aswell. maybe same for you. i take non drowsy antihistamine but u can get opposite if you want, but you generally have to take them several times a day. anyway i hope i have been of some help to you, and i hope you get better soon, try not to worry about it as anxiety can make it worse, i have had moments where my whole body is plastered ini them, and it burns even my lips and eyes swell, but this is extreme. but i do know what your going through. good luck x

[dumpysunshine]

In the winter, our skin dries out more quickly.  You said that it it is worse after a bath.  I would recommend moisturizing your skin all over right after your bath.  Try this a few times and see if it is helps.  Use a moisturizer without perfumes, etc...in it.  My children all have eczema and this helps tremendously.  Also, try either purchasing oatmeal bath or putting some oats in a pantyhose sock and hanging it in your bath water.  The oatmeal moisturizes dry skin and helps heal the dryness.  This works wonders for us.  I hope this helps!