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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Phillipa on September 19, 2009, at 10:35:29
In reply to I need oven mitts on my hands, posted by Dinah on September 19, 2009, at 9:10:59
Dinah what's the rash from? Phillipa
Posted by Dinah on September 19, 2009, at 11:06:06
In reply to Re: I need oven mitts on my hands » Dinah, posted by Phillipa on September 19, 2009, at 10:35:29
My husband says I had no rash until I started scratching. Which I think is probably true. It happened to me once before. Albeit in a much smaller area.
So... I need to stop scratching to stop itching.
Posted by Kath on September 19, 2009, at 20:03:19
In reply to Re: I need oven mitts on my hands » Phillipa, posted by Dinah on September 19, 2009, at 11:06:06
Sounds horrible. Itching is awful. When I get hives, I find Benedryl cream helpful.
I think something must have triggered the initial scratching.
Vitamin C & Quercitin might also help.
good luck,
love, Kath
Posted by Phillipa on September 19, 2009, at 20:30:30
In reply to Re: I need oven mitts on my hands » Dinah, posted by Kath on September 19, 2009, at 20:03:19
Dinah stress cause cause itchness and rash in me. Phillipa
Posted by Dinah on September 20, 2009, at 9:37:54
In reply to Re: I need oven mitts on my hands » Dinah, posted by Kath on September 19, 2009, at 20:03:19
I think it started last Sunday and my guess was either some sort of chemical on my new clothes or the shampoo the groomer used on my dog. Probably the latter, since it started where he lays against me at night. But he's washed now, and I haven't tried on any new clothes lately. So I'm sorta guessing that I've irritated my skin.
I've tried several OTC medications, I'll have to see if Benedryl is one of them.
I think it would help if I could find some way to apply firm pressure to all the affected areas, while still allowing me to move and work. I've only been able to sleep at all by pressing whatever is itching most firmly into the bed.
Posted by Dinah on September 20, 2009, at 9:42:48
In reply to Re: I need oven mitts on my hands, posted by Phillipa on September 19, 2009, at 20:30:30
Last time it happened it was definitely stress. This time it might be stress or it might be an allergy.
I think it would help if my diabetes was doing better. It feels like all my skin isn't working as well as it should. I've got heat rashes. I've got a huge scrape where I don't even remember scraping myself. Although that's not all that amazing I guess. I'm rarely aware of the dings of daily life.
I'm not sure the Januvia is working. In fact, my fasting blood sugar has been lowest lately on the morning after I forgot to take it. But my doctor wants me to wait for the quarterly test to evaluate it.
I suspect I need a new doctor. This one is very dismissive of daily blood sugar readings. Or his staff is...
Posted by Kath on September 20, 2009, at 10:25:33
In reply to Re: I need oven mitts on my hands, posted by Dinah on September 20, 2009, at 9:42:48
> Last time it happened it was definitely stress. This time it might be stress or it might be an allergy.
~ ~ It sounds like it's probably from on the dog's fur, from what you said. It's awful having itching when trying to sleep. The Benedryl cream I have is called "Itch Relief" -it's Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride cream.
One time when I had hives really badly the doctor gave me a prescription for "Atarax" pills. They do help me. ~ ~
> I think it would help if my diabetes was doing better. It feels like all my skin isn't working as well as it should. I've got heat rashes. I've got a huge scrape where I don't even remember scraping myself. Although that's not all that amazing I guess. I'm rarely aware of the dings of daily life.
~ ~ I have that happen also. I also find that as I've gotten older, my skin must be thinner or something, because I get cuts or scrapes that bleed when they wouldn't have in the past years. ~ ~
> I suspect I need a new doctor. This one is very dismissive of daily blood sugar readings. Or his staff is...
~ ~ I suspect you do also Dinah....is it an option. I'm really surprised that the doctor would say wait.....was it the doctor or his staff? I would think that diabetes medicine would be something one would want to be right on top of how it's working. I'm really fortunate. My doctor is great. The only thing is that he uses this smelly spray in his office. I have to change my clothes & preferably shower also when I get home! Strikes me as so strange that a doctor would do that when patients have asthma etc. There seems to be such a huge lack of awareness regarding the harmful affects of the chemicals in scented products. Although several hospitals in Ontario have a scent-free policy, so that's promising.
Sorry to go off on a tangent!
Just looking in my "Encyclopedia of Natural Healing" & it says "To soothe itching in general, take camomile, peppermint, horsetail or oat straw baths."
Also "Diluted peppermint oil has an anesthetic action if rubbed on skin."
Also "To relieve general itchiness, drink stinging nettle tea" (I don't know if yours would be called 'general' itchiness though.)It also talks about the following supplements:
Vitamin A 25,0000 IU (seems a high dose & I would think this would be the amount for short-term use only)
Vitamin E, with mixed tocoherols, 400 IU
Vitamin B complex, 100 mg or 3 tbsp yeast supplement
Is it getting any better at all yet?
love, Kath
Posted by seldomseen on September 20, 2009, at 13:09:06
In reply to Re: I need oven mitts on my hands » Kath, posted by Dinah on September 20, 2009, at 9:37:54
It sounds to me as though a trip to the doctor is definately in order here. A topical steroid and a prescription anti-histamine could dramatically improve your situation in a matter of minutes.
I hope you feel better soon.
Seldom
Posted by Dinah on September 20, 2009, at 14:13:53
In reply to Re: I need oven mitts on my hands, posted by seldomseen on September 20, 2009, at 13:09:06
Really?
I'm not doctor-phobic exactly. But I am shamed beyond reason when a doctor tells me there's nothing wrong with me. The last time that's what the doctor told me, so I'm afraid to go back.
It's strange. My husband goes to the doctor for ever tiny little thing, things that I would never go to a doctor about. And they either don't laugh at him, or he doesn't realize they are laughing at him. While I seem to get told over and over again that things are in my head. I've grown to realize that I'm too aware of small changes in my body and make too big a deal about them.
I'll see if I can get the courage to call tomorrow.
Posted by Dinah on September 20, 2009, at 14:17:49
In reply to Itching is awful » Dinah, posted by Kath on September 20, 2009, at 10:25:33
I'll write down those for my husband and see if the drugstore has any.
My normal soap is peppermint soap. I love the refreshing sting, and I can see where it would be soothing.
I like this doctor because he doesn't scare me. But I am a bit surprised at his relaxed attitude.
Posted by seldomseen on September 20, 2009, at 14:45:07
In reply to Re: I need oven mitts on my hands » seldomseen, posted by Dinah on September 20, 2009, at 14:13:53
Well, it certainly appears to me that you are manifesting clear physical symptoms. You have a rash and it itches. The risk from infection from excessive scratching *is* a concern.
I think you should go to a physician.
Seldom.
Posted by Phillipa on September 20, 2009, at 19:39:56
In reply to Re: I need oven mitts on my hands, posted by seldomseen on September 20, 2009, at 14:45:07
Dinah I also think doc is in order. Remember your're a woman and docs don't lots of times take us seriously. Phillipa
Posted by Kath on September 20, 2009, at 19:50:07
In reply to Re: Itching is awful » Kath, posted by Dinah on September 20, 2009, at 14:17:49
Hi Dinah,
I agree that a trip to the doctor is in order. The Atarax was a powerful anti-histamine pill that the doctor gave me.
I hate to think of you suffering like this.
Let us know how you're doing, okay?
luv, Kath
Posted by Dinah on September 21, 2009, at 21:51:39
In reply to Re: Itching is awful » Dinah, posted by Kath on September 20, 2009, at 19:50:07
Doctor's appt tomorrow. that's the good news.
The bad news is they asked me not to put anything on the scratches today, since it might just irritate my skin.
arrrrghhhhhh
My husband says my complaining is getting old.
I cried.
Posted by Kath on September 22, 2009, at 7:26:29
In reply to Re: Itching is awful, posted by Dinah on September 21, 2009, at 21:51:39
> My husband says my complaining is getting old.
>
> I cried.~ ~ OUCH!
So sorry; that musta felt awful.
Good luck & hopefully you'll soon be comfortable again.
Last night I told husband proudly that I have 3 days, 5 hours 'no tea' under my belt.
He made a pfffft sound & jokingly said, "Tell me when you've got 6 weeks".
I automatically said something like, "WhatEVER" & sort of carried on in a joking manner, which, however did include a joking "you a**h***" but I am NOT impressed.My thoughts are with you Dinah. You deserve to voice your complaints!!!
(you)
love, Kath
Posted by Dinah on September 22, 2009, at 16:43:53
In reply to Re: Itching is awful » Dinah, posted by Kath on September 22, 2009, at 7:26:29
Well, she didn't laugh. Apparently I was starting to hive.
I have a cartful of medicines. And I might need to talk to my doctor about the Januvia I've started taking. It might be contributing to the skin problems I've had lately.
I should be right as rain in two weeks or so, and feeling better than I do right now much sooner than that.
Posted by seldomseen on September 23, 2009, at 5:25:21
In reply to Re: Itching is awful, posted by Dinah on September 22, 2009, at 16:43:53
I'm glad that you went to you physician. Anything that causes you suffering merits attention and deserves to be remedied.
Keep us posted regarding your recovery.
I hope you feel better very soon.
Seldom.
Posted by Dinah on September 23, 2009, at 7:38:43
In reply to Re: Itching is awful, posted by seldomseen on September 23, 2009, at 5:25:21
I felt much better last night pumped full of steroids and anthistamines. I fell asleep right after dinner, to make up for all that lost sleep.
But apparently it only lasts for so long, and it may be a while before I feel well all day.
Still, knowing when there will be respite should help, and maybe I'll be able to do some work now. I woke up thinking of all the things I'd forgotten to follow up on while my world was reduced to my skin. :)
Posted by Dinah on September 23, 2009, at 7:40:24
In reply to Re: Itching is awful » Dinah, posted by Kath on September 22, 2009, at 7:26:29
He did feel guilty the next day, when he'd read up on how painful it was, and found out how extensive the reaction was.
I probably should have gone in earlier. That darn fear of having doctors laugh at me...
Posted by Kath on September 23, 2009, at 20:12:25
In reply to Re: Itching is awful » Kath, posted by Dinah on September 23, 2009, at 7:40:24
So glad you went; the doctor was supportive' you're getting some relief!!
Yes, I wonder if the medication has contributed to your skin problems.
I remember decades ago when I was on sulfa & had a dreadful itching reaction! Yikes.
xoxo Kath
Posted by TexasChic on September 24, 2009, at 19:02:32
In reply to Re: Itching is awful » Dinah, posted by Kath on September 23, 2009, at 20:12:25
I have this condition called dermographism. The actual act of scratching causes welts to form that then start itching even more. So, the scratching actually does cause the itching in my case. I have to take a daily antihistamine for it like Claritin. I don't know if this is like what you have or not, but I thought I would share. Here's the wikipedia link, along with a little info explaining it. I hope your itching is better, I for one definitely understand!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dermatographic_urticaria
The symptoms are thought to be caused by mast cells in the surface of the skin releasing histamines without the presence of antigens, due to the presence of a weak membrane surrounding the mast cells. The histamines released cause the skin to swell in the affected areas.
This weak membrane easily and rapidly breaks down under physical pressure causing an allergic-like reaction, generally a red wheal (welt) to appear on the skin. It can often be confused with an allergic reaction to the object causing a scratch, when in fact it is the act of being scratched that causes a wheal to appear. These wheals are a subset of urticaria (hives) that appear within minutes, accompanied by a sensation of burning, and itchiness. The first outbreak of urticaria can lead to others on body parts not directly stimulated, scraped or scratched. In a normal case the swelling will reduce itself with no treatment within 1530 minutes, but in extreme cases, itchy red wheals may last anywhere from a few hours to days.
-T
Posted by Dinah on September 24, 2009, at 20:02:05
In reply to Re: Itching is awful, posted by TexasChic on September 24, 2009, at 19:02:32
That sounds so painful, TexasChic. Does the Claritin keep it under control? It would be very hard to avoid triggers, I'd imagine.
My dermatologist said what I had was a bad case of prickly heat.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miliaria
I had gone to the office the day before it started, on a Saturday with the a/c off. I got way overheated. And she thinks the Januvia might have contributed too. I have an appt with my internist to talk about that.
So I'm supposed to stay cool and dry even if it means standing in the a/c under a fan. Try staying cool and dry in New Orleans, even in September. I've got prednisone and a prescription antihistamine and topical corticosteroids or something. Only the prednisone works, I think. The rest is only to make me feel like I'm doing something.
Now that I know what's wrong, I can handle it much better. Thinking there was nothing wrong and I still felt like I'd rubbed angel hair all over my body is way worse than knowing what it is and what to expect. I'm even finding myself interested in how whenever I get hot, I actually feel cold. :)
I do hope going off Januvia helps though. Heat is not something I can really avoid in New Orleans.
Posted by TexasChic on September 24, 2009, at 21:06:50
In reply to Re: Itching is awful » TexasChic, posted by Dinah on September 24, 2009, at 20:02:05
As long as I take a daily antihistamine I'm okay. But if I run out, I start itching and itching and itching! All I can do it try not to scratch because I know it will just make it itch worse! I had a doctor diagnose it when I was a kid. She scratched my arm with her fingernails and then watched as it turned red and welts puffed up. My nephew somehow inherited it from me (poor little guy!). But basically, I'm good as long as I take a daily antihistamine. Sometimes I scratch my neck or something and it turns all red and people are all like, "What on earth happened to your neck?!?!" I try to explain my skin turns red really easily and people always just look at me funny.
-T
Posted by Kath on September 25, 2009, at 15:45:24
In reply to Re: Itching is awful, posted by TexasChic on September 24, 2009, at 21:06:50
Jeez TC that sounds awful.
Good that the Claritin keeps it under control. Are there any side effects that you get from the Cl.?
Kath
Posted by TexasChic on September 25, 2009, at 20:42:14
In reply to Re: Itching is awful » TexasChic, posted by Dinah on September 24, 2009, at 20:02:05
> That sounds so painful, TexasChic. Does the Claritin keep it under control? It would be very hard to avoid triggers, I'd imagine.
Claritin keeps it pretty under control, but some things trigger it. Working in the printing industry I come in contact with a lot of paper, cardboard boxes, ink and stuff like that. They all can make me pretty itchy. At my current job I hate when I have to put boxes together for shipping, it scratches up my arms and makes them all red and itchy. But it would be way, way worse if I didn't take the Claritin.
> My dermatologist said what I had was a bad case of prickly heat.
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miliaria
> I had gone to the office the day before it started, on a Saturday with the a/c off. I got way overheated. And she thinks the Januvia might have contributed too. I have an appt with my internist to talk about that.Oooh, no AC - not good! Even though its beginning to cool off slightly, you still need AC in our neck of the woods!
I also once had a reaction to medication when I tried St. John's Wort. I got hives, which is related to what I already have. I'm quite sure the St. John's Wort caused it. It made my throat itchy too. So I think its entirely reasonable that a med could be the cause.
> So I'm supposed to stay cool and dry even if it means standing in the a/c under a fan. Try staying cool and dry in New Orleans, even in September.
Hee hee, yeah right! Yall are even more humid than we are, aren't you?
> Now that I know what's wrong, I can handle it much better. Thinking there was nothing wrong and I still felt like I'd rubbed angel hair all over my body is way worse than knowing what it is and what to expect.
Oh yeah, it always helps to know you're not imagining the whole thing! And I could see how easy that would be to believe. "Do I really itch, or only think I itch, which makes me actually itch?" That would make me crazy!
Well I'm glad you're getting some relief. Itching can be just as bad as being in pain! If not worse! Try to stay cool! Pretty soon we'll be complaining about how freaking cold it is. Or at least I will. I hate the cold!
-T
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