extreme itching / scratching

[RJHUK-19]

I have never reached out to a forum before but I think this is the right thing to do.

I have what doctors have diagnosed as Atopic Dermititis / eczema and for a few years I treated the flare up with steriods / emolients for a week to tend days it would then clear up. The flare up would be compounded by varying levels of scratching which would often damage the skin. This would be either my legs / arms / neck / back / torso. I would normally seek medical intervention after a bad bought of scratching where I was left bleeding.

however more recently I have been scratching more and more, trying to induce the pain that I felt during the flare up - the pain would be a relief and a distraction to whatever I was thinking about. I am struggling with this as its getting addictive and the more I am doing it the more severe the damage. I even get this pungent smell emitting from my skin - which is not blood or sweat - I belief it to be histamine which you body produces to help repair your skin.

I am in the middle of a course of CBT to help be deal with the itch but sometime the sensation to itch can be so overwhelming that I start to shake and almost cry if dont scratch and then if I do scratch I still cray and craziness of what is happening. even as I am scratching sometimes I am saying out loud "what are you doing, what are you doing - stop it!!"

my family are supportive and always tell me when I am scratching and dont realise it but I need to know how to deal with these sensations which occur after I have started the itch - scratch cycle. Right not I have oitment / emolient on my skin which gives me the most relief but it still hurts - I wish I knew how to reduce the sensations and get back to how I was because I struggle to go to the gym anymore / swim with my family even shower sometimes is unbearable.

any assistance is gratefully received.

R

[Marcie Mom]

so sorry to hear that.. came across this ebook while looking up behavioural treatment http://grossbart.com/SkinDeep.pdf - is it similar to what you're undergoing?

I do think one part is the mind/itch/ scratch, and the other is treating the flare-ups. Have they been any way that dermatologists have helped you in this? allergy testing, prescription creams, anti-microbial, wet wrap etc

I know it's tough cos I'm getting my daughter not to scratch, and it's easier said than done. Take care, and hope all will be better soon.

[cozzyrs2000]

Hi i feel like ive almost got addicted to the feing you get when you sxratch i maynhave an itch but i then keep on and then strat sxratxhing othwr places thst wernt even otchybat 1st then it feelaike.my.whole body os itxhy and i cant stop and the feing i get is amazing its like i can feel tje nwrcesnor feeling goingup mynspint to my head i have tried ao many creams but even i keep mosturing but it doesnt seem to help or it does but only for 10 mins maybe. I also find in the summer that it makea me sweatybwich makes it worse i have had dey skin and not.put anythjng on and not axtualy felt to itchy but becausenof the way it looks ans theybsay moistrise i do but then it sometimes seems to irritate my skin. I used to have diprobase wixh was good as it never ever stung no matter what the formula though really seema to sting im takjng antihiatamjnes all the time but dont seem to help and i wknder if they r dryjng my skin out. I keep getting real dry flaky skin especualy on face i cant sleep or work and i feel im getting any help at all.