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by Susan Maizner That old saying, "If you have an itch, scratch it" is not recommended for those of us with Pemphigus or Pemphigoid. What exactly is an itch? Itching isn't just another type of pain, as once thought, but a completely separate reaction of the senses that occurs in the following sequence: An internal or external stimulus triggers the skin itch receptors. These receptors send a signal along peripheral nerve pathways where the signal is received and processed by the spinal cord and brain causing a reflex and conscious scratching occurs.
Although treating the underlying disease is the most satisfactory way of eliminating the itch, there are a number of things that can be done-or avoided- to lessen the urge to scratch. Remember these are just suggestions from articles on itching and actual tips from other Pemphigus and Pemphigoid sufferers on how to decrease itching episodes and what to do if they do occur, so please check them out with your dermatologist first before trying any of them. There are anti-anxiety drugs like Atarax (generic: Hydroxyzine HCL) that have a strong antihistamine and anti-itch effect on the skin. To control itch, antihistamines such as Zyrtec are used. Antihistamines like Benadryl and Chlor-Trimeton taken in the right dosage orally at bedtime can be useful. Allegra helped one sufferer. The relief may come from their sedative effects. You should try and avoid certain drugs such as anabolic hormones, aspirin, butorphanol ( a narcotic), B complex vitamins, captopril (blood pressure med), cocaine, estrogen, erythromycin estolate, morphine, phenothiazines, progestins, quinidine, testosterone and tolbutamide (an anti-diabetic med.) Also, alcohol can affect the itch threshold by changing the blood flow to the skin. Drinking alcoholic beverages can also make depression worse and depression has been linked to increased itching. Cotton is a good choice for sensitive skin. Wool and certain polyester fibers can be irritating. When really bad, wearing no clothes whenever possible can be less irritating to the skin. I found that water when I took a shower or clothes that rubbed me when I moved, could make me itch terribly. I wore my husband's tee shirts so that the shower spray didn't irritate my body. Once I started taking prednisone, these feelings went away for me. But I still avoid wearing woolens or scratchy clothes. Heat increases skin blood flow and may step up itching. Dress lightly for sleep and cool baths or wet cloths can help. I found heat from being outside in very hot weather aggravated my itchy skin. I found putting a freezer type gel ice pack on my itchy back helped me immensely. It relieved itch for quite a while and then I would apply again as needed. Moisturizers can help and soap substitutes such as Cetaphil soap are less drying. Use a humidifier to keep indoor air moist. Menthol, phenol and camphor have a soothing effect on itching and can be bought OTC. I used a non-steroidal OTC product called SARNA, which I found helped me a lot and I had a lot of itching for 2 years before I was properly diagnosed. Some soothers also contain itch-soothing anesthetics such as lidocaine or pramoxine. Topical prescription super-potent steroids can have an itch-reducing effect. Topical OTC ointments have a tendency to stimulate allergic reactions. Aspirin is helpful for some but can induce itching in others. Stress reduction can help control itch. Discomfort and loss of sleep can intensify the itching sensation. So can anger, frustration and fear. Identifying and changing the feelings that cause stress can help. Some have found taking colloidal oatmeal baths ( can find ingredients in drugstores) helps with itching. There is a product called ActiBath.. oatmeal treatment by Jergens. It comes in the form of a little effervescent oatmeal tablet. You just pop it into the tub as it's filling. It was found to be very soothing to the skin and it relieved the itching. Many, including myself, feel very itchy right before a skin lesion would appear. For me, putting the gel ice pack on the area and numbing the sensation worked well. For solitary lesions, no flare involved, then I would apply my topical corticosteroid sparingly to the lesion. For more generalized, unspecific itching, SARNA came to the rescue for me as a topical. Usually once we find the right medication or combo of medications, we get under control and the itching is relieved...but until that time, these suggestions should help you feel more comfortable. Susan Maizner
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www.expage.com/pemphigus Any information or guidance given here should never be a substitute for your doctor's advice in your personal case. |
