Dear All,
After a few years of trying to find out the cause of my symptoms I am little wiser except from having ruled out some things. I’ve had blood tests, a CT scan, adrenal function tests, pulse tests, stool and urine tests but nobody knows what the cause is. I am going to see a ‘more authoritative’ dermatologist soon but think that I need to see a physician or a gastroenterologist.
I have seen my doctor about this and we have tried various antihistamines and I have been given sleeping tablets which do work but are not a long term way of managing the problem. She has stated that she cannot help only by giving me pills. The dermatologist I saw recommended that I continue with Hydroxyzine and E45 cream. I’ve been seeing a nutritionist, she said it may be leaking gut syndrome but I’ve taken the meds for two months now and to no effect.
I was hoping some of you may be able to share your experiences with your symptoms of itching because I really think my doctor should and is able to be doing more than she is, I think the cost of testsd may be putting her off taking this further as in her eyes I may just be able to cope with this. BUT, I can’t, it’s been going on too long without any other symptoms now and I feel there is more to it and I’m fed up as I cant sleep at night and I feel irritable from the moment I wake up and it gets much worse when I try to sleep. Anyway, sorry for the long post but I felt I had to be thorough as not to get questions which I’ve already answered. Any help or advice on the causes of this are greatly appreciated.
The best to all of you,
Andrew

My symptoms – these started in 2002
There are no visible symptoms, this has been checked by a dermatologist. The symptom that bothers me the most is when I am trying to sleep; I itch like crazy. It is a relentless, deep prickly sensation; not so much a creepy crawly sensation. It is always present when I sweat. It is most painful, so much so that it knackers me out. When I stop sweating it slowly dies down after about 30 mins. It is less painful when trying to sleep but it is more persistent; it can last for hours, it keeps me awake and it has lasted for seven years now.
When I take off my top to change after work it is always noticeable but quickly goes away after putting on a new top. I think there is a reaction to food. Coffee definitely sets it off, alcohol does a little but it also helps me sleep at night. I have been on a wheat and gluten free diet for a year now, however I think that dairy products set it off also. After a bath or shower it is not immediately obvious, it may appear an hour or so later when I’m relaxing before going to bed. It keeps me awake up until 4 or 5 in morning some nights. Towel drying doesn’t seem to give an interaction. I definitely get a reaction at a swimming pool, even after using a warm shower, whereas I normally wouldn’t under a warm shower.
It is present from head to toe. It is worse on my torso and abdomen (front and back). It is unpleasant on my upper arm, shoulders, neck, face and thighs. It is noticeable on lower leg, feet, forearm and hands. I have had periods of inactivity, but not for a while, it has been constant for 6 months now. During the daytime it doesn’t bother me at all, however there is always a sense of irritability in the background and when I have a break and relax it becomes more noticeable but not to the extent that I’m bothered by it.

How I control it
I use E45 lotion. I use about 1 500ml bottle a week. I use it liberally from head to toe. It does go some way to soothing my skin and helping me to relax. I do this about 6 nights a week. There are times when this may be done less.
I have a good diet and avoid foods which I think are inflammatory. I use a high strength multi vitamin.
I use anti-histamines (Loratidine, Hydroxyzine, Cetirizine). I am not sure that Lor. Or Cet work, only Hydr. As it has a sedative effect.
I use sleeping pills when symptoms are unbearable at night (Zopiclone). I use herbal sleeping pills when irritable.
A floor standing fan helps.
I use 100% cotton bedding and cloting.

About me & my diet
I am 29, male, live in Norfolk, England, the weather is changeable. I have no significant medical history. I do not smoke or take illegal drugs. I am not taking any medication except for those to manage the itching, I have no known allergies.I occasionally drink red wine, cider and sometimes a small glass of a spirit. My diet is very good. I have a very healthy lunch box at work. Lots organic, wheat gluten free, lots of fruit and veg, no processed foods, no junk foods, no artificial flavourings or preservatives, no take-aways, very little fried foods, mostly home cooked from scratch using fresh ingredients. I often have healthy Chinese dishes with rice noodles, rice, soy, miso soup, home made sauces etc. I drink plenty of water, have 4 cups of Green/Roibos Tea a day, we use a water filter and I have plenty of different fruit juices. I do not h

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