Skin allergies

[Sunflower36]

Hello there to everyone. First want to thank everyone who replied to me on my previous post. I consulted a doctor as advised and I have gotten much better. I'm now on montelukast and given another inhaler. (still Seretide because of tachycardia that doesn't flow well with salbutamol) The problem now is that I have gotten these skin allergies!🤕 it's so irritating because I just keep scratching my skin and get hives eventually. I was told that the montelukast would help with that but it's not helping... What remedy can I use? Thank you. Merry Christmas to you all 🎄

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Are you talking a daily antihistamine? Ad do you know what’s causing the allergy? Is there a way of removing it?

As hard as it is (speaking as someone who had severe eczema as a kid and now gets urticaria) don’t scratch - distract yourself, or keep your hands busy. It’s hard but it has to be done

[Sunflower36 in reply to EmmaF91]

Thank you EmmaF91 Well I guess the allergy could be the cold and any strong scent. I can't easily tell what else could cause this. I also tried to stop scratching but oh my I felt like my skin was on fire and couldn't take it anymore. If you don't mind me asking, why is it necessary to avoid scratching?

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to Sunflower36]

Because you damage your skin, as scratching removes layers. In your case it sounds like you are stretching to the point of giving yourself hives (and you are causing the mast cells to react as if to a bite). With wet skin conditions/wounds scratching will also damage any healing and potentially also lead to skin infections. You’re better of doing a single slap to the area than to scratch as the slap fires off different nerves and stops the itch (short term - it does come back).

Antihistamine cream (anthisan) or an otc antihistamine should do the trick if it’s an allergy. If the anthisan doesn’t work otc hydrocortisone cream should do it.

Often if it’s a local skin issue (ie the same spot) its an allergy to something topical (something you keep touching/brushing against) so creams should work. If it’s more global (entire arm, both hands etc) it’s probably more systemic (a reaction to something you’ve eaten usually, more than breathed) so I’d suggest going for a tablet. Ofc you can always do both!

[Sunflower36 in reply to EmmaF91]

Thank you for that explanation. I will do the slapping trick. It's I think a local skin issue because I scratch specific areas. Yes, many areas , but specific. The areas I don't cover with clothes actually. Both will do I think..

[Troilus]

As Emma says the best thing is if you can identify the cause, but in the meantime try hydrocortisone 1% cream to reduce the inflammation and control the itching.

[Sunflower36 in reply to Troilus]

Thank you so much. I will try it out and update on the results.

[johnmu]

I used Seretide for many years but when I found it not controlling my condition well I changed to Clenil Modulite and stopped the Seretide. I immediately noticed that a skin condition, which I had not associated with Seretide cleared up. This condition affected mainly my hands, particularly my fingertips, which became cracked and bled easily. Have you considered trying an alternative to Seretide?

[Sunflower36 in reply to johnmu]

Thank you for the reply. And yes I have considered a change of inhaler but the doctor I consulted didn't listen much, just insisted that it will do. 🤦 I'm going to see a different one but that will be after this Christmas break season. Merry Christmas to you since it's today. 🤗

[Sparkywoo]

I feel your pain. Please be aware Montelukast’s don’t work for everybody. I take Fexofenadine a prescription antihistamine everyday and use a cream called Eurax to control the itching. I still struggle but it’s definitely better. Good luck

[Sunflower36 in reply to Sparkywoo]

Thank you so much. The montelukast actually improved my breathing allergies but my skin allergies are still not OK. However if I use it with a skin cream then maybe it will help. Merry Christmas to you ☺

[ChrissieMons]

Unfortunately the itch/scratch/itch routine makes everything worse. You need to keep it moisturised and 1% steroid cream can help. If it is on your arms, you could bandage your arms to stop you scratching too badly, but don't keep the air out altogether. You can also trying engaging with it. That means just sitting and thinking about what is going on in your skin and accepting it. Sounds fanciful, but it does work for some people. Happy Christmas!

[Sunflower36 in reply to ChrissieMons]

Thank you so much. Reading replies like these helps me know it can be delt with and I shouldn't worry about it too much. Merry Christmas to you 😊

[Dixiegirlphyl]

Hi, I have this mainly during the warmer months. I found the most effective way to easy the itching was to put a cold pack ( used normally to ease sprains etc) on my arm at night. This stopping the itching as it numbed the arm! Not great to look at but did the job. Good luck

[Sunflower36 in reply to Dixiegirlphyl]

I am highly sensitive to cold but this could make sense because usually when I scratch so much, my hands swell and heat up so this would help. Merry Christmas to you 🤗

[Dixiegirlphyl in reply to Sunflower36]

Should add I always have a cover over these cold blocks, less of a shock and you don’t get frost burn 👍

[PaulRosedene]

You might want to check the list of Montelukast's side effects. I found that Montelukast set my skin off. So my GP switched me to a kid's version, which helps my asthma, but doesn't set off my skin.

[Sunflower36 in reply to PaulRosedene]

Thank you. And guess what PaulRosedene? I just found out that it sets off my ulcers too. But problem is that it helps my breathing so much that I don't want to give it up 🤦😂.... I'm not well acquainted with the kid's version though. Same name? Merry Christmas to you 😇

[PaulRosedene in reply to Sunflower36]

Montelukast 5 mg chewable tablets for kids 6 - 14. I guess its just a lower strength. Good luck with your GP.

Merry Christmas and a healthy New Year !!

[Hidden]

I agree with the others, a anti-histamine and some decent cream to stop the itching. I'm sure Eurincin does an anti itch cream. Quite pricey but it's good.