Skin itching like crazy...can anyone sympathise?

**penny49** · 03-14-2011 10:50 AM

Hi, i am new to this group and really hope someone can help. I am 49 and still having regular periods. About 3 months ago i started getting very itchy skin...all over! For some reason it gets worse at night. I can't stop scratching, as that initially offers relief, but obviously doesn't help my skin! I also started getting electric shocks when i touched anything metal. I have no other symptoms. Has anyone else had this kind of problem? Many thanks

**WildChild** · 03-14-2011 11:53 AM

You need to ground yourself. Litterally. Get your shoes off and get outside with your feet touching earth. It needs more than just a few minutes although even that will help.
You may have developed a sensitivity to some product(s) you are using. Go with unscented laundry detergent, quit using drier sheets (they are largely uneeded anyway) switch to an unscented lotion like Aveeno, back off the perfumes, sprays, harsh cleaning products (baking soda really will do the job and vinegar will disinfect your kitchen better than bleach products). All this should help reduce your reaction.

The itching is actually overstimulated nerves, you can calm them using a type of hydrotherapy. Get in the shower and start warm, then switch to cold - straight cold water, get your whole body nice and eeekkk cold, then switch to hot as you can stand (don't scald yourself). Again, get your whole body (you can do this on a specific area too but the whole body has advantages). At least 15 - 30 seconds of each temp, do a min of 13 changes, ending with cold. This will calm the itching, it will also jump start your immune system, the cold gets you breathing deeply. This process is evigorating and I've gotten rid of colds and other illness by doing just this.

**penny49** · 03-14-2011 05:08 PM

Many thanks for your advice WildChild. I have been using unperfumed shower gel and washing powder for a couple of months and they have helped considerably. I do find that my skin feels greatly soothed after a shower, but i haven't tried alternating the heat, as you suggested...i will give this a go! I have always had sensitive skin, but never experienced anything like this before. Some days are better than others and i have been keeping a record of everything i eat, in case its a food allergy. Hopefully it will settle down soon!

**WildChild** · 03-14-2011 05:27 PM

I suggest that you give up the shower gel and start using a plain soap or gycerin soap. There are so many chemicals in some of these products that its best to keep your sensitive skin away from as many as possible.

**penny49** · 03-14-2011 05:55 PM

Thanks, will definitely try the glycerin soap. Have been avoiding body moisturiser as this irritates my skin. Have been drinking plenty of water!

**Seeker_Advice** · 03-14-2011 08:30 PM

Hydrate, hydreate, hydrate as you have been and consider a moisturizer that won't irritate your skin. Call a local dermatologist's office for ideas or even a hospital can provide you with names of products. Even a light oil, like grape seed or sweet almond, rubbed on with a cotton ball may help.

Itchy skin can be caused by an allergic reaction, dryness and/or your environment too.

**penny49** · 03-15-2011 04:46 AM

Thanks, Seeker...i'll keep downing the water. I have been using olive oil on my skin, but it doesnt sink in too well! Will try the ones you suggested. Just hope it settles by the summer. Is easier to keep my skin hidden under winter layers!

**CHANDLERS WISH** · 03-15-2011 05:40 AM

Itchy skin, is an alergy are there lumps of just itcing like WC is thinking dermatitis

Electric shocks often is a nerve impalance, and can be serveral things, all pointing to sensitivity....

You may need a chiropractor to enline your body and if that doesn't work see your Doctor and get advise...

CW

**penny49** · 03-15-2011 07:13 AM

Initially my skin was just itchy all over and when i scratched it came up as lots of angry pin prick like bumps which were very sore, but they then scabbed over. My dr prescribed hydrocortisone cream, which cleared it eventually, but i'm now left with tickly skin generally. Its v sensitive when touched and it feels uncomfortable when the bed sheets touch it at night. I have suffered with the odd electrical shock in the past....usually if i'm a passenger in a car..
.and when i get out of the car i get shocks! Nothing as bad as the recent episodes tho!

**penny49** · 03-15-2011 07:16 AM

Initially my skin was just itchy all over and when i scratched it came up as lots of angry pin prick like bumps which were very sore, but they then scabbed over. My dr prescribed hydrocortisone cream, which cleared it eventually, but i'm now left with tickly skin generally. Its v sensitive when touched and it feels uncomfortable when the bed sheets touch it at night. I have suffered with the odd electrical shock in the past....usually if i'm a passenger in a car..
.and when i get out of the car i get shocks! Nothing as bad as the recent episodes tho!