Itchy Skin...

[Jemisa]

My H 70+ has just started getting itchy skin, legs, back, body, uses Anti Itch cream but it doesn't help much. He's cut his daily shower out to every other day & uses anti-bacterial shower liquid what else can he do?.

Is it connected to age or his diet or...?

Have you any answers for me?

JEM

[coccinelle]

Sounds like an allergy if it's all over the body.

[Robinia]

Has he seen the doc and had blood tests to rule out any underlying cause?
If so it's probably just one of those things, it's quite common as we get older apparently :(. My friend's mum has it and despite all the tests no reason has been found. I don't think anti bacterial products are good though, they may be a bit harsh. There are lots of gentle, unperfumed moisturising products these days, I'm sure someone will recommend something.
Could he take a non drowsy antihistamine to see if that helps?

[NoMercy]

What does the rash look like? Any pustules?

[Sqad]

NoM....good point.........Jemisa hasn't described a skin rash, so we must presume that he hasn't got one and in which case i would agree with Robinia.

[tonyav]

Have you changed to a different washing powder recently, Jem ?.

[Jemisa]

Thanks folks, No he hasn't a rash just itching he does xcratch but tries not to do it with his nails. A moisturising shower gel is a good idea I'll go to Boots tomorrow. We've thought it could be an allergy but haven't come up with any answers yet. No, haven't changed washing powders.
Seen Doc, but he didn't sugest a blood test, perhaps he should insist on one?
No spots or hives either.

jem

[Jemisa]

That should be (scratch) sorry.

jem

[furrypusscat]

'Simple' do a shower liquid as well as soap. I use it because there is no perfume to it so doesn't affect my asthma symptons as perfumed ones do. I also use a non drowsy antihistamine.

[boxtops]

is he on any medication which has itching side-effects?

[furrypusscat]

wups, meant 'symptoms'.

[bookbinder]

A change of soap brand might help. I suspect that soap manufacturers change their formulas, to save costs, but don't give the change big publicity. Just my cynical nature, I suppose. What was OK a few years ago might cause itching now.

[Jemisa]

Bookbinder, what you say makes sense, mind you our soap 'Knights Castil' we've used for years & perhaps a change is now due.
FP reccomends 'Simple' I'll give it a go.
. Can't do any harm can it.

jem.

[Robinia]

So true bookbinder ...and if they happen to state 'new improved formula' it usually means prepare for disappointment.

See how he goes Jem but if the itching becomes intense, keeps him awake at night or he beomes ill in any way tell him to see the doctor again.

[Mosaic]

I get this in cold weather, due to dry skin. Over the years I've found only two things can relieve it - one is a blisteringly expensive thing called 8-hour cream by Elizabeth Arden, and the other is simple vaseline petroleum jelly which is revolting to use but absolutely the very thing. I anoint with vaseline every other day when the itching starts, you don't notice the tacky feel once you slap your clothes on top, and it really is very nice for the skin.
The vaseline lotions etc simply don't do it - it has to be good ol' petroleum jelly.

[Jemisa]

Mosaic, You've certainly given me food for thought there. I don't mind paying a bit more than usual for something that will work. EA i aprove of coz for years I've used EA cosmetics & perfumes. I'll look into it.
Thankyou all. Boots the chemist here I come...

jem

[DaisyNonna]

Calendula cream is good for itchy skin. Unfortunately it is becoming more difficult to source.

[askyourgran]

I have just started with dry itchy skin usually around my ankles and now my shoulder. I also started with a small spot eczema on my temple and at the back of my neck. Been to docs but they have prescribed hydrochloric acid cream for the eczema but gave me a huge tub of vaseline for my legs. Bought some E45 dry scalp shampoo because I think it's my hair products that are causing that, and Simple unscented soap. Its cleared up for a moment.

[daisya]

Through experience of this with family member, can I just say have you considered bad circulation, liver problems and medication that can cause it. Just a thought to try to help out.

[MyBlackHen]

Dont get 'too' dry after a shower, then use E45 body moisturiser.

[pastafreak]

E45 do an emolliant wash which is very moisurising-with no perfumes either.

http://www.e45.com/emollients/product_range/e45_emollient_wash.php

Boots and Superdrug both stock it.