What causes the itch

[Jenge]

Ive heard itching is common, but I was wondering what causes it, what makes it worse, what makes it better?
Thnx Jen

[dontworry_behappy1]

Nygirl7 is right about the water.  Drink a gallon of water a day
and see how much better you feel.  I know I do.  My skin is
looking pretty good too.  : )

[nygirl7]

Actually the itch is a form of eczema caused by the meds. Dehydration doens't help it so drink your water, put on your Gold Bond or some other good lotion constantly (not just once a day) and do not take hot baths or showers that will exacerbate it.  Cool oatmeal baths are ok but make sure the water is not hot.

[tiredofhepc]

I wish I had  a bath tub!
:-)

[dontworry_behappy1]

Both of the answers above are very good answers.  I just have this to
add.  I noticed a cold washcloth on the rash stopped the itching.  So I started
taking a cool bath at night.  I also bought a soft bath brush and used it on
my whole body while taking a bath.  I noticed that my skin didn't itch in
the night and even the next day.  One of the ways these meds
exit your body is through your skin.  I think the meds exiting your skin
contribute to the itching.   I'm not having itching issues anymore.  I also
say out of the sun.

[tiredofhepc]

The itching is a combination of the ribaviron and the Incivek. The Incivek seems to intensify it 10 times more. Take cold showers and and avoid the sun or sweating. Use a good fragrance free lotion and no dyes. I use Vaseline intensive rescue repairing moisture, (available at sams). Works well. Also I take Zyrtec, works well. Take it 1st thing in the morning and usually works within an hour. Also, if you can take showers at night. It allows your skin to retain and build moisture during the day and makes it more comfortable for sleeping.
Hope this helps.
JDW

[BoceprevirGal]

Since you are on SOC, I would say it is the Ribavirin. It is very common, but especially when we get hot, and also sometimes set off, by the sun, and phot-sensitivity.
   Since I have even had my head itch, I would guess it was a systemic reaction (coming form inside my body) caused by an allergy to the ribavirin.
  The hydroxyzine (prescription) does work fo rme, it is a very small white pil, to be taken evey 6 hrs.
   For my itchy head, I use the Tea-Tee Peppermint shampoo/conditioner.
For my itchy torso, I keep it cool and dry, with the Gold Bonds medicated powder, which has zinc and menthol in it. Mentho products are cooling.
    I wear cotton camisoles instead of a bra, because bras have that ployester band, which causes me to sweat, and get an itchy rash. I wear all light cotton, and I know I look awful without the bra ( but not according to my husband), so I do also use a light button down shirt, if I'm in a crowd.
   Driving in the sun makes it bad for me, so you can your car fan/air-condit, and block the sunb from going on your arm.
   Any product with fragrance is supposed to cause the itching. So I use detergent that is fragrance free, and if you wear a deodorant (I dont) that should also be fragrance free.