Uncontrollable itching...help!

@thyst07 (2079)
United States
July 18, 2009 1:50pm CST
My wrists and the backs of my hands have been itching for the past few days, and it's driving me crazy! I've tried several things to make the itching stop and nothing has any effect whatsoever. I've tried Benadryl cream, several moisturizers, pure aloe, and lavender oil. I have no idea what's causing this itch or how to get it to go away! I don't wear jewelry, I haven't used any new beauty or cleaning products, I haven't eaten anything that's unusual for me, and I haven't been bitten by anything. There's no visible redness or bumps or hives or anything like that, just itching! Any ideas about what's causing it or how to relieve it are most welcome.
8 responses
• United States
18 Jul 09
try vinegar. If you have gotton into something that you are allergic to this might counter act it. Have you started to use a new hand soap in the bathroom? If so you could be allergic to it.
1 person likes this
@thyst07 (2079)
• United States
18 Jul 09
Nope, no new hand soaps or anything else. I used a different dish soap than usual the other day, but it's one that I've used in the past and not had any problems with. I will try vinegar, though. Can't believe I didn't think of it before.
@thyst07 (2079)
• United States
19 Jul 09
Thanks for the vinegar tip. I put apple cider vinegar on my arms early this afternoon, and it eased the itch for several hours. I just started itching again about an hour ago, so obviously the cause of the itch is still present, but at least I'll be able to get some sleep tonight.
• United States
19 Jul 09
I am glad it helped. I would consider seeing a doctor if it keeps up for too much longer. Have a great and itch free day!!
19 Jul 09
You seem to be up to speed on what helps or doesn't help your skin so I'm guessing you have had prblems with your skin before. I'll get the stupidly obvious things out of the way then, like if its a dry itch drink loads of water (works wonders) or a hot itch then fill yourself with anti-histamines. If you do think its a reaction to something and you have had previous problems then looking into going to a nutritionist for blood tests to ascertain what your intolerances and allergies are would be a good idea. They'll probably put you on a diet and you'll go through a detox period where things seem to get worse before they get better, but it's a great form of treatment. Doctors sneered at the idea, as many deny food's direct effect on the skin, so if your GP/consultant whatever dismisses the idea force a referral.
@thyst07 (2079)
• United States
19 Jul 09
I don't think my insurance would cover a nutritionist, but I know that some people have been successful at figuring out the foods that irritate them just by process of elimination, so maybe I'll try that.
@zhuhuifen46 (3483)
• China
19 Jul 09
Well, I forgot one thing. Apply sugar on a little patch of skin, it can provide the needed nutrition for allergic skin. Try your luck.
1 person likes this
@thyst07 (2079)
• United States
19 Jul 09
I never would have thought of sugar. Maybe it's worth a try.
@maharlikah (1045)
• Philippines
19 Jul 09
You need to see a dermatologist for proper prescription.
1 person likes this
@thyst07 (2079)
• United States
19 Jul 09
I can't afford to see a dermatologist. My insurance won't cover it. I will go to see a regular doctor, though.
• Canada
19 Jul 09
It might be nerves, maybe you've put yourself in an uncomfortable situation. Or it could be allergies, maybe your laundry detergent is causing. Your best bet would be to go see your doctor and ask him what it is.
1 person likes this
@thyst07 (2079)
• United States
19 Jul 09
I don't think it's my detergent, since I'm using the same one I've used for months. It could be nerves I guess.
@vinmah (24)
• India
19 Jul 09
y dont go to any dermatologist or any general physician to get an idea of your problem. i think thats the best way to get rid of the problem than trying any unknown creams
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@thyst07 (2079)
• United States
19 Jul 09
I probably will go to the doctor tomorrow if the itching is still present. I'll probably get an allergy test to determine the cause of my itching, but I might not use whatever creams or medicines the doctor prescribes. I prefer a natural approach, and prescription pharmaceuticals contain all kinds of nasty chemicals that I don't want. I'll use them if it's the only way, but that's it.
@zhuhuifen46 (3483)
• China
19 Jul 09
I can feel the difficult time you are having. I had such experience. There must be something that does not fit you. Sometimes, even the hospital cannot find our the source. It could also be caused by overstress. What about stay away for a couple of weeks. A different place and different water helped me to tear down completely the bad skin. When I was back, everything became ok for me.
1 person likes this
@thyst07 (2079)
• United States
19 Jul 09
You're right-my skin is reacting to something, but it could be tough to figure out what it is. I can't go on vacation, but I am trying to avoid doing any cleaning so that at least my skin gets a break from the cleaning detergents. I'm hoping that maybe if I get an allergy test from the doctor it might pinpoint the source.
@dlr297 (5409)
• United States
19 Jul 09
Mix some baking soda with water. make a paste and apply this on the affected area. This is something that i use once in awhile for insect bites that itch....you can give it a try.
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@thyst07 (2079)
• United States
19 Jul 09
I actually was my hair with baking soda paste, so when I was in the shower this morning I put some of the mixture on my arms. It helped a little, but it didn't last long.