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1994-01-17
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$Unique_ID{BRK02000}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Tips for Itchy Skin}
$Subject{tip Tips help suggestion suggestions itch itching Itchy Skin body
antihistamine antihistamines control controlling unrelenting relentless
scratch scratching relieve relief dry dryness cause causes causing bath baths
shower showers moisture moisturize humidifier cloth clothing synthetic
synthetics wool Wools irritate irritation irritations cotton cottons detergent
detergents soap soaps emotion emotions emotional stress stresses}
$Volume{}
$Log{}
Copyright (c) 1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
Tips for Itchy Skin
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: If you have ever answered this question, would you please do so
again. I have an itchy body that is driving me up a tree. There are no clues
as to the cause, no rashes, and no medical condition my physician can
discover. Using a variety of antihistamines provides only partial relief. If
you have any tips about controlling this condition, please answer. It may not
be life threatening, but it is making a disaster out of mine.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANSWER: Letters that read remarkably like yours are frequent in my mail, and
though the subject has been covered before in this column, it may be time to
do it once again. While an unrelenting itch is not life threatening, it
certainly can take the joy out of it. And though scratching may seem to
provide relief, it may last for only a brief moment. And scratching,
particularly with jagged or rough nails, can cause even more damage to your
skin, a skin possibly already suffering from excessive dryness. It is "dry"
skin that is most frequently the cause of problem itching. A dry skin and
its itch may be helped by reducing the frequency of baths or showers, and
using bath oils and lotions that help return vital moisture to the skin.
Lotions are best applied immediately after bathing, for they can then help
keep the moisture gained from the water of the bath or shower, in the skin.
Since heat stimulates the circulation in the skin and increases itching,
shower in cool or lukewarm water. If you live in a climate where the air is
dry, try using a humidifier to increase the moisture content of the air in
your home.
Choosing the right clothing can help. Avoid tight fitting garments.
Wools and other synthetics are often the source of irritation, but cotton
fabrics are less so. Use a mild soap rather than a detergent to launder your
things and then be sure all the wash is carefully and thoroughly rinsed to
remove all traces of the soap.
When things get unbearable, try applying ice to the spot to reduce the
sensation. Covering the area with a cool wet compress is often helpful.
Remember that emotional stress can drive the frequency and intensity of the
itching upward, so try some soothing relaxation techniques, like slow,
controlled breathing to untie the knots when the going gets tough.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.