Itching

[lankeela]

During the winter I work outside and wear long johns. Since then the top of my legs have become chafed and itch like crazy when I take my trousers off and the air gets to them. I tried canesten cream but that seems to be more for internal itches(!) which this isn't, so I tried Sudocrem which is for nappy rash type itches. This soothes for a short while but the next day the itching is back and I cannot help but scratch like mad which relieves it but I am sure is doing no good and it keeps coming back. Can anyone recommend something to both soothe and cure the itchiness and inflamation?

[joannie10]

could you try something like vaseline as a barrier cream -at least until the chaffing has healed? or what about replacing your long johns with cycling shorts? Maybe something like n1ke dryfit or something?

[lankeela]

Thanks for the answer, but to be honest I think its more to do with getting sweaty where the tops of my legs rub against the lower reaches of my body, you know, in the bit where your knicker legs touch! I have tried switching to drawers without lacy bits on which helped, but I can't seem to get rid of the itch/scratch cycle ( no pun intended re cycling shorts!). I really could do with something like a spray (I use alloe vera or tea tree oil if my dogs itch). I know scratching is the wrong thing to do, but it is impossible to ignore. The tops of my legs are now all inflamed and nobbly, and would probably look a right sight if I could ever get to see them. Any more suggestions?

[chinadog]

Try Aqueous Cream lankeela. Its the only thing that worked on my old mans legs. The pharmacist told him to use it and its cheap to buy.

[moonshadow]

Try Lanacane Original formula it will calm and sooth the dry itchy skin. It contains Vitamins E, A and D plus Aloe.If your skin is infected get the maximum strength as it has a combined anti-bacterial. When you have it under control use the medicated body lotion as a preventative measure. Lanacane is one of the best anti itch creams for your type of problem lankeela, Canestan is an anti- fungal cream.

[lankeela]

Thank you so much for all your help. I will let you know the results.

[terambulan]

Sounds like chapped thighs - try 'athletes foot powder' its antiseptic and will control the chapping.

[lankeela]

Ah, well, funny you should say that because the old toes are itching too, and I have got some powder and spray for them.
I will try that tonight before I get the cream recommended tomorrow. Makes me sound like a right hypo whats its face doesn't it?

[pastafreak]

Wash with E45 wash....it is very soothing and leaves a thin film on the skin and moisturises.
You could also try a barrier cream such as Derma Guard...I got mine from Lakeland.You may be sensitive to the fibers in your long johns....are they cotton?

[Ice.Maiden]

I agree with moonshadow. Lanacane's very good for stopping itching, and it soothes the skin as well.

[lankeela]

Will try all the suggestions till I find one that works! I don't wear the long johns now, only when its really cold. They are cotton and I have not changed my washing powder (this is what someone else asked). This has been going on for weeks and is driving me mad. Just heard an article on Radio 4 (sad, I know) about some research into itching and why scratching relieves it. Its all to do with nerve endings sending messages to the spinal cord. They are trying to find out more to help sufferers of diseases that cause severe itching.

[pastafreak]

I have had both ezcema and dermatitis..and the itching at night would be hellish. But oh did scratching feel good..lol...I hope you find something that works...it is usually a bit hit and miss.

[slinkycat]

Maybe Betnovate would help? Prescription only I think, my daughter got a slight excema type rash on her elbows and it cleared that up.
I get occasional contact dermatitis on my hands, which itches like mad, I used some of the Betnovate on that and it cleared up in a day or so.

[lankeela]

Its not just irritating, its downright embarrassing! If I get the urge I have to shuffle from one leg to the other and try to set up a bit of friction to relieve the itching if I am in public!

[Ice.Maiden]

If the worst comes to the worst lamkeela, get teh doctor to prescribe you some Betnovate N cream. It's a steroid, but works very quickly.

[lankeela]

Ok folks, will try it all. Off to bed now armed with the sudocrem and hoping for some relief. Will hit the chemists tomorrow armed with a shopping list - watch this space!

[lankeela]

Just have to say I was a bit embarrassed asking this on here but thought I would be ok in body and soul as no-one would 'know' me, so am a bit surprised that most of the answers come from names I am very familiar with!

[slinkycat]

Don't be embarrassed lankeela, just hope that our answers help, after all thats whats this site is supposed to be about eh?

[Ice.Maiden]

Sorry - typed your name in wrongly. This keyboard's got a mind of its own!! : )

[ELVIS68]

You`ve got what`s known as "Postmans Chaff" you`ve got no air getting to the tops of your legs, the long johns are ok for keeping the cold out but you pay the price for keeping the sweat in


That`s why a lot of Posties still wear shorts in the winter...sorry ladies, it`s not just for your benefit ya know