Thread: itchy arms and legs

I have had severe itching on my arms and legs after showering for many years. Sometimes I want to jump out of my skin or a window! I have tried different lotions, soaps, laundry soap, seen an allergist (who says I have "dermatographism", a condition which raises welts when I apply any friction), my OB-GYN who tested my bile salts and thyroid (all normal), a dermatologist (who says it's my age and recommended Curel; it worked for a while, but the itching has returned.) After showering, I can rub my legs with my hands and dead skin comes off. So, I can't use a scrub because of the dermatographism. That really drives me nuts! The itching goes away after 30 minutes or so, but the condition has me crazy. There are no rashes or bumps; nothing that meets the eye. I challenge any skin professional who can find me relief. I can't even be around my family for about 20 minutes after my shower sometimes, I am that irritated. Help!

I read about this....had never heard of it before.

I read that some people who have this end up getting tested for food allergies and some are allergic to gluten (which most people consume every day) and once they modify their diet, their condition goes away. You've seen an allergist so I assume you've already been food tested?

There seems to be a possible relationship between low thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and dermatographism. That may be work checking into. Also, do you have any issues with low blood sugar?

I also read that zyrtek worked wonders for some people, paired with taking a benadryl at night on rough days. For those that didn't do well with the zyrtek, hydroxyzine seemed to work.

The itching is probably related to your Dermatagraphism. The most common treatment for the itching part of that is anti-histamines which you can get prescribed from either your dermatologist or your allergist (or over the counter at a pharmacy). You might also try to use the most natural skin care products you can and take showers that aren't extreme in temperature (not too hot or too cold) as that can aggravate the itching. I have sensitive skin (although not as bad as yours) and I like the new Avacado/Cucumber and Shea butter soaps by Krayv Naturals (krayvnaturals.etsy.com). They really help moisturize my skin while getting me clean. But if you're not getting results from what you're doctors gave you before, I'd go back and get something different.

I always face this problem in summer

Have you consulted your doctor? What would have you changed in your routine?

Hello Every One,

I am new to this forum community hope I will learn more from this.