Incessant itching driving me crazy

[jamesroybuck]

I was diagnosed with SLE and APS around 25 years ago ; although I reckon I've had both for most of my life ; I'm 74.

Over the years I've had a number of DVT's and a PE and I'm on life long Warfarin. I was on Hydroxy. but was taken off this due to it causing vision problems.

The most persistant problem over the years has been itching and rashes , which for some reason this year has been horrific. I use EURAX Hc cream and this now seems less effective.

Has anyone with similar problems got any recommendations for over the counter creams or homemade remedies or diets or life styles?

[Hidden]

sympathy! I’m sure you will have tried sudocream which calms the itching on my unknown torso rash.

[Suvi8901]

Itchiness/itching maybe related to kidney disease.

Very common.

It maybe systemic causally rather than just a skin manifestation?

Check this out:

kidneycareuk.org/about-kidn...

[Mozart52]

hiya, I totally sympathise with you re the itch! It drives you crazy. I have used every cream, I stopped Steroid as it did not stop the it h nor prevent the itch. In September I went to Rhodes, I stayed in room between 10am to 5pm only venturing out for a coffee. I still got a rash and when the itch started it was as awful with the heat. I had some Dr Organic T Tree Cream from Holland and Barrett. It had stopped the itching from some bites my husband had. I tried it and voila it cooled the skin down that night. I then put it on 3 times the next day and it helped again. So I found this very helpful.

[jamesroybuck in reply to Mozart52]

Thanks for the reply

[dg70]

apart from an antibiotic cream and a low dose steroid cream prescribed by my dermatologist I find taking an atihistamine tablet really helps a lot. They're generally pretty cheap for a generic hay fever tablet to. Works for me, stops the itch completely and allows it to heal and the steroid to do its job quicker.

[CecilyParsley]

You have my sympathy. I itch like mad but I think it is because I am turning into a crisp. My eyes, nose, mouth, skin, hair, nails and toenails are all dry and brittle. I use Epimax ointment. It really is like lard but does ease the itching. I hope you find something that suits you 🤞🏻

[jamesroybuck in reply to CecilyParsley]

Thanks for taking time to reply

[Krazykat26]

Dont scratch James 🤗I remember my dermy telling me that.i could have punched him at the time!! 😹

I can relate n will share some tips that have helped me. Shower rather than bath..just warm water..not too hot. When you dry yourself just dab gently with the towel..don't rub. Moisturise your skin afterwards. I use Dermol 500 lotion which I get on prescription.

Antihistamine..I take Piriton when I feel the itch coming. It's available over the counter but check that its ok to take with other meds.

Drink plenty of water..lots of water !!

The Dermol that I mentioned I use it as a soap substitute as I have subacute cutaneous lupus. It makes surfaces very slippery though . I have used Coconut oil too 100%organic..it's cheap. So is Aqueous cream and you can use that as soap too. 💜🌈😽😽

[Treetop33 in reply to Krazykat26]

I used coconut oil too - really works. And sweet almond oil afterwards too.

[jamesroybuck in reply to Treetop33]

Thanks , I will try this.

[Amakura]

Have you had a blood test for your kidney?

[posthinking01 in reply to Amakura]

and liver issues can cause itching - could also be thyroid hormone low.

[Sangu1]

it’s worth trying Benadryl skin cream which has diphenhydramine (antihistamine) in it. Will help with itching and inflammation—buy from behind the counter in chemist.