Itchy

[Daffodilia]

Hi All - itch under control with two tubes of Betnovate and antihistamine at night from G P - onto over the counter antihistamine soon and using Aveenocream at the moment - is it a PMR thing? Seems to coincide with dry eyes (using drops) - may be gall stone thing? Recently diagnosed with those and seeing surgeon in Jan - Any ideas?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I was itchy with PMR - but obviously not as bad as you were. It was quite localised and after the itch started it later turned into watery blisters and was very similar to one way coeliac disease can appear. I discovered it was worse when I ate wheat and went away when I didn't - it started as no problem with low carb (no processed wheat products) but came back on holiday in Italy (pizza and pasta)!!!

[Blearyeyed]

The Pred can cause more immunity and hypersensitivity skin issues and dryness as it affects connective tissue .

However , Gallstones , and Gall bladder infections affect full function of the liver and pancreas , and reduce his well the body removes toxins both from blood and sweat , so it is very common to get itchy skin , intolerant to various foods and chemicals and dry mouth and eyes with Gall Bladder issues even if you aren't experiencing pain from Gall Stones or obvious Digestive and Bowel symptoms .

Until you get your gall bladder issue sorted out limiting spicy and fatty foods in the diet is incredibly important. Reducing or eliminating wheat during this period is also good , especially with itchy skin issues. Drink 2 litres of fluids during the day and take a multivitamin and mineral as you may also be having some Nutrient Absorption Difficulties.

Check your iron and folate levels , in the case of Gall Bladder and Pancreas issues a figure that is too high or too low also affects your skin.

Use a medicated zinc based emollient cream to moisturise like Epaderm rather than an OTT lotion as this did help me . Keeping any additives or chemicals to a minimum in food or products used on the body is very important. And give an extra rinse to your clothes just with water not conditioner to ensure you aren't getting chemicals and detergent residue in contact with your skin.

If you can get them on prescription ask for Celluvist single dose capsules for use in the eyes and Vitapos A gel at night , as these work best for reducing symptoms .

[Daffodilia in reply to Blearyeyed]

Thanks - have reduced fat and wheat in diet

[Daffodilia in reply to Blearyeyed]

Thanks I have reduced fat and wheat in my diet