Itchy Skin

[Barmaid]

For about 6-8 weeks now, I've had really itchy skin. I initially put it down to the cold weather (I do suffer from dry skin in the cold).

This is only my upper arms, chest and upper back.

The last two days it has been absolute hell.

I haven't changed my washing powder. I use Sanex shower gel and I moisturise it with Diprobase cream (which seems to help).

However, yesterday it was hideous. I was covered in lots of random red spots - a couple of which were raw. And boy did it itch. I took some piriton and it seemed to calm it down. It's not quite so angry today, but is still a bit of a flaming nuisance.

I'm at a total loss as to what is causing this - the fact that it is localised to the top half is a bit strange (ie there is nothing below my bra or my elbows).

any ideas?

[snags]

''there is nothing below my bra or my elbows''

New shampoo, deodorant or hairspray?

[factor-fiction]

I had the same thing last winter and it's back again this year.
My skin yearns for a scorching hot shower - it feels so good and temporarily clears the itching but clearly isn't good for me. The doctor gave me some Elcon cream and E45 anti itching cream - these have helped slightly but aren't getting rid of the problem.

[sunny-dave]

Is it affecting Mr BM (I mean physically ...) ?

[Barmaid]

No, no new shampoo or deoderant and I don't wear hairspray.

I know what you mean about wanting a scorching hot shower Factor. Mr BM moans that I have it turn to almost "unbearable".

No Sunny D. Apart from the fact that I make him rub cream into my back and chest.

[snags]

Probably some kind of hideous and never before seen poultry/polytunnel disease... or a past disgruntled client has sprinkled itching powder on your Barrister wig ;-p

[factor-fiction]

You scratch my back, Barmaid, and I'll rub cream on your back and chest

[Barmaid]

lol Snags.

Seriously though, you might have hit on something. Although I haven't changed my shampoo, I might do. It strikes me that the only bits of me affected are the bits that my hair comes into contact (hair is quite long). Typical, I'm allergic to my own hair.

[Barmaid]

lol Factor.

[snags]

Hair dye?

[mccfluff]

a small and localised flea

[starone]

I don't know what you can do Barmaid, but I am very interested in your question because I would like to know what can be done. I scratch my upper back to pieces sometimes where I cannot stand it any longer. Also my upper arms and a bit on my legs, but not so much. Why does it come in such inaccessible places.

[Barmaid]

I don't think it is hair dye - I've been dying my hair for years. Seems odd that it should flair up yesterday though (and oh boy did it flair up).

Mr BM just said something interesting though - he said I was wearing a backless sleeveless top on Saturday morning, ie immediately before the flair up. He said i am allergic to fresh air.

[snags]

Does Mr BM use a hair product that might be effecting you... have you swopped pillows?

[Barmaid]

Oh he uses all sorts of lotions and potions. And the pillows sometimes get mixed up. But I am changing the bed twice a week. I changed it on Friday and to my knowledge the pillows weren't mixed up.

[kloofnek]

Hi Itchy skin...I get that itching especially at night on my shoulders and to of arms...like you changed my soap powder,esed Sanex bath gel...no spots or anything...just that damned itching!
Doc gave me Piriton,which I find very good.
I really sympathise with you and hoe you will be feeling better soon

[tamborine]

Try spreading athlete foot powder to lessen itch

[snags]

Could the HRT be causing it?

(runs off sharpish) ;-p

[Eve]

Did you use the same brand of hair dye? Could they have changed the ingredients?

I have to be careful what I put on my hair as if I use things like lots of conditioner or serum I get really sore spots round the top of my back, jawline etc... where my hair lies and they can be itchy.

[Sqad]

Hi! Barmaid....just seen your post in Law (gness)

Skins are not my forte....but are your fingers, wrists elbows and knees free of rash?

[Barmaid]

Yes, they are all free.