Hives. urticaria

[ruthymg]

hives. urticaria

Does anyone else have problems with their skin? I have always had to use moisturisers as my skin has always been on the dry side but in the last couple of years I have had really itchy skin when I get out of the bath or shower or when I'm really hot, it seems to be a change in temperature that triggers the itching. It can last for ages and because I have to scratch I end up with track marks where I have scratched and a raised rash, like hives. Over the years I have tried several antihistamines but with no success, the latest ones I have tried are Cetirizine, Loratedine and fexofenadine. I spoke to my Gp the other day to ask him to prescribe a different one and he's prescribed another variety of cetirizine, feel like I am talking to a brick wall sometimes. They don't seem to be able to get it into their heads that they just don't work. I also mentioned to my GI doctor a few weeks ago that I was having problems with hives and he said to ask my GP for a stronger antihistamine, but that they are more expensive. I wonder if this is why they won't give me something decent. Anyway, I never had hives before I was diagnosed with crohns (diagnosed 2001) so I wondered if hives are part of crohns or could it be my medication that is causing the problem? I'm currently on Pentasa, mebeverine, cipralex (anti anxiety), codliver oil with omega 3's and evening primrose oil. Please help, I 've had about as much as I can take with all the itching.


Ruth:depressed:

 

[devildee(donna2005)LOL]

Hi Ruth

i have terrible skin problems my doc is great and we have tried many products im not on meds so its not them causing it ive got a few hard lumps on my face at mo who knows what they are could be lack of nuitrition

 

[Nancy Lee]

Hi Ruth,
Yes I get itchy hives, like welts or wheals at times. Like it's just for no reason. I think it may be a side effect of the Asacol. Since Pentasa is in the same family, it could be the same with you.

I take Reactine at the first sign of a itchy hive appearing and also the doctor gave me a cream with 2% cortisone in it which really helps take it down in no time.

I also rather have a bath than shower..so along with my bubbles I add baby oil to the water and lather on the body lotion after I get out.

Maybe others here can help us with this as well.

 

[Jeff D.]

I get that sometimes as well. Especially when running during the cooler weather.

 

[GNC Crohn's Man]

If you have dry or itchy skin use Cetaphil skin mostrizer on it... You can use it even on your face... It is over the counter and also it leaves no oily residue...

http://www.cetaphil.com/Products/Moisturizers.aspx

Cetaphil® Moisturizing Lotion


Specifically formulated to soothe chronically dry skin.

Non-comedogenic Cetaphil® Moisturizing Lotion is an elegant, oil-free and non-greasy formulation that is mild, non-irritating and long lasting. The cosmetically appealing formulation contains a superior system of emollients and humectants to bind moisture to the skin. The fragrance-free moisturizer contains no lanolins or parabens that could irritate sensitive skin.

Ingredients: Purified Water, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Cetearyl Alcohol and Ceteareth-20, Macadamia Nut Oil, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Stearoxytrimethylsilane (and) Stearyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Farnesol, Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid.

You can buy it at Wal-Mart or Target or any other store like that... Do not get the generic verison as it is not as good as the regular one...

 

[ruthymg]

Thanks for the info, I have looked at the link and unfortunately they don't deliver anywhere but the US. Anyway, I have checked with a UK chemist and I am trying some lotion and cream called Eurax, so I will let you know how that works.


Ruth

 

[soupdragon69]

Hi Ruth,

I know many offer their advice about what is good for our skins. I have roseaca, seborrheic dermatitis, steroid induced acne and folliculitis. I also suffer from hives and itching. The hives just pop up for no reason (am not on any meds yet for my Crohn's but have had them these past few days with the elemental diet starting though they have resolved now thankfully). The itching is 24/7 despite my asthma/allergy cons having me on 240mg fexofenadine (antihistamine) a day (max dose is usually 180mg I think).

The only time my skin truly clears is when I am on prednisolone for my asthma. The tough thing is I get such bad rebound after it with my skin breaking out I cant lie on my back for a couple of weeks (seborrheic derm and folliculitis). With the Roseaca my face gets tight, burns and stings and I constantly have folk at work commenting on how red my face is etc etc and cant I do sommat about it. I tried many things from the GP and now use Diprobase Emolliant on my skin anywhere but my face.

The best things so far are a range I found on the web for my face and they are designing a bodycare range at the mo too. The addy is www. coolessentials.com The owner is called Gisele Mir and the range is called Mir.
She designed the skincare range for folk with sensitive skin and suffers herself with Roseaca and seb derm. She was originally a lawyer but retrained as a cosmetic chemist to make something herself that was additive free. Her products are water based rather than oil based and they have no alcohols or other nastys in them.

Gisele is based in the UK Ruth and does send her products all over the world. I have told you a bit about my skin to let you see if it helps me that is really saying something! It is possible to get a sample pack for something like £12 and it only takes a couple of mins morning and evening to do - good eh? Have a look at the site and see what you think. Would like to know how you get on. I am on the messageboard there too under the same username (under sensitive skin I think) so feel free to post.

What I will say however is with the elemental diet my skin seems to be clearing even though its itching still. Perhaps for me it is all food related? Time will tell when I go on and do the elimination part of the diet.

Anyway, just wanted to say this may help and you arent alone by any means babe. You may find the Eurax helps but be aware it contains Urea and can irritate the skin also even if it does resolve the itching. Thinking of you! Hope this helps.

Merry Christmas too!

Jan

 

[ruthymg]

Thanks for the info Jan, I will defo have alook at that site. The Eurax has arrived and I have tried it when my itching was at its worst (when I get out of the bath) and I have to say I was quite impressed, the itching subsided within about 5 minutes which was great as I usually itch for a good hour after bathing. I will still at this time though remain open minded as I have thought other products have been great the first coupla times I have used them only to find that my skin has become resistant to them and they no longer do the trick. By the way, whats Urea and what damage can it do?

Ruth

 

[soupdragon69]

Hi Ruth,

Let me know what you think of the website, would be interested in your thoughts/comments/ or how you get on...

I was a bit on the muddled side the other day when I posted. I was thinking of Eucerin which has Urea in it NOT Eurax. So apologies on that front.

Eucerin contains 5% Urea. Urea is a waste product of many living organisms - we excrete it in our urine. It is used in skin care creams for relief of itching and dry skin. As I said it can also be an irritant if your skin is sensitive for instance. Many products also contain alcohol of some description which acts as an irritant too.

Eurax is hydrocortisone based with another additive to help soothe. The main thing with hydrocortisone creams is over time they can thin the skin so the trick is to apply sparingly and not all the time as there is the potential for rebound too which means the skin becomes even more irritated and inflammed when you stop using it. There are different strengths of hydrocortisone cream - google it and see what you come up with, I think you will find Eurax is at the mild end of the scale. The less potent the better.

Hope you get some relief soon, I know how uncomfortable it can be so am thinking of you.

Take care

Jan