What to do about the ITCH!!!

[Revalation]

I started treatment last Friday night. Saturday, I had an awful headache, but by Sunday that had ended and
I was invaded by an itchy, blotchy, red rash. Nurse prescribed meds, but I'm still itching. Help!!!

Reva

[Peter2012]

I has a very itchy rash which began after a week or two on treatment. It started in my ankles and buttocks but soon spread and the itch became MUCH worse. By the 7th or 8th week, it was over 90% of my body (including all of my back) and it felt at night like a hundred hot ants were crawling over me and biting me.

I tried many over-the-counter ointments and antihistimines. Nothing worked until I got prescriptions for betaderm ointment and hydroxyzine, which were amazingly effective.

[pooh55811]

I had a rather bad rash (small red bumps, hives, flat red blotches) and it was extremely itchy. The over the counter medications were worthless.

Here is what worked for me:
Fluocinonide ointment for the body rash and itching
Clobetesol soln. for the scalp rash and itching
Hydroxyzine 25-50 mg. every 6 hours for the itching and rash

The fluocinonide did help with the itching and it would evenrtually clear up the rash in the area where it was appleid, but the rash just moved next door.

The Hydroxyzine is what really did the trick for me because it worked systemically to prevent the histamine release and the rash, thus averting all of the ill effects of the histamine. I found that it is not just the rash and itching that take a toll. The reaction is systemic so it affects how a person feels overall in addition to causing the rash and itching. The Hydroxyzine is wonderful and is really clearing up the rash and the itching.

Do not be afraid to ask for prescription medications. They work much better than over the counter meds (which did nothing for me).

Also, I am sure there are other things that will help as well. Use only hypoallergenic lotion. Keep the house very cool (66 at night). Use a fan to cool your self at night. (I stick my legs and feet out of the covers at night and let the fan keep them cool.) Use very lightweight beeding and very soft cotton sheets. Wash clothing and bedding in hypoallergenic soap. Wear very lightweight cotton clothing during the day so it is not rubbing or irritating the skin. Wear next to nothing if you live alone. (I wore a very short, soft, light weight, cotton nightgown at home all of the time when up - I wore nothing at night.) Avoid anythiong scratchy (tags in the neck, lace,  wool, etc.) Avoid getting hot.

I hope you can get releif. The itching is unbearable and the rash will snowball if you do not get on it right away.

[Advocate1955]

I sent you a note too, but here are some ideas for the Incivek rash:
http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/333004/Incivek--Ideas-for-Managing-Rash
Advocate1955