Mad Itching

[allenlondon]

My back, from shoulder-blades down to low waist, itches. Like mad. When I’m asleep it’s okay, but sitting in my usual armchair, it drives me barmy.

Eurax helps, but little else.

Any clues? Dry skin? Diuretics? And any possible solutions?

GP not much use. I think if you’re in your seventies there is a tendency to see you as on the way out!

Ta.

Allen

[shoota]

Time for a fresh wax?

[AuntPollyGrey]

Could it be something on the armchair you've become allergic to?

Try having a warm bath with a handful of epsom salts

[tiggerblue10]

Have you changed your washing powder/liquid or fabric conditioner recently?

Or as APG says it could be the armchair. Maybe give it a steam clean.

[margarettom]

I have a problem with an itchy back ( not as widespread as yours). I put dry skin cream on it every day using a Back Bliss applicator and that keeps it at bay. If I forget, I soon know about it and sometimes I have to do it twice a day. I have had it for years and there is no obvious reason for it but, as long as I stick to my routine, it doesn't really bother me.

[bobbie22]

I also have this problem my doctor put me on antihistamine tablets and I changed my washing powder it’s been pretty good lately I also bought some cheapish cream from the chemist and I put that on my legs Helps a lot I tried eurax and other things but find that what I use now works ok

[johnk]

I had similar and used a back scrubber in the shower which much reduced the itching. I also have a back scratcher nearby when I sit down. I'm also in my 70s

[allenlondon]

Thanks all for your interest. I shall try everything!

A.

[anneasquith]

Bobbie, what cream do you now use ?

[Anne113]

Cool climates and dry indoor heat is the main cause for dry skin. The lack of humidity, both inside and outside, leaches the skin of its moisture, leaving it feeling flaky, itchy, and very dry. Taking long, hot showers or baths may also strip your skin of its natural oils, causing dryness. Also, being over 40 years of age; living in a dry, cold, or low-humidity climate; swimming frequently in chlorinated pools; or having a job that requires a lot of hand-washing can dry out our skin too.
There are a number of preventive measures and treatments we can employ to soothe our skin. Taking steps to maintain the moisture in your skin — either by using lotions and oils or covering up exposed skin in the cold — may help relieve some of the discomfort you're feeling. Here are some tips to help prevent your skin from drying out:
● Use a humidifier in your room to release some moisture into the air. Such as Dyson, Keecoon, Panasonic, etc.
● Apply moisturizer to your face and body before going outside.
● Limit shower time and use warm water to retain your skin's natural oils, which help hold in moisture. If daily showers are on the docket, use warm water instead of hot water and limit the amount of time you spend in the shower or bath within 15 minutes.
● Use a gentle cleanser and soap.
If your skin continues to be itching and there's redness or scaling, or if there are open sores from scratching, try talking with your health care provider or dermatologist to have your skin checked out.

All the best!

[allenlondon]

Just a recap in case anyone else comes to this later on.

I’ve taken on board some of the suggestions, but the two which seem to have been most effective have been:
Sanex Dermo Pro Hydrate Shower Gel (i.e. not the standard Sanex, this ‘special’ one);
E45 Cream, currently £6.24 per 350g at Amazon - rubbed in to any itching spots you can reach (the back of a wooden spoon being handy for shoulder blades).

Haven’t cured the itching, but it’s down from maddening to a bit annoying, which I see as good progress.

A