I'm itchy

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-21-2005
I'm itchy
10
Thu, 05-03-2007 - 10:19pm

I don't have eczema or anything, but every now and then, I get itchy all over my whole body. For example, right now, my back, head, feet, neck, and wrists, and behind my knees are all itchy. It's driving me NUTS. So I did a web search to see if the itching can be caused by stress. Indeed, it can. The article said "severe depression, anxiety, or emotional stress" can cause itching all over the body. That explains a lot. Because I don't have eczema or psoriasis or anything. But I HAVE been under an incredible amount of stress the past few weeks, and when I'm stressed, I forget to take my depression medicine. When I forget to take my medicine, it makes me really sad and cranky. So it's a vicious cycle.

But the good news is, I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Things are looking up, so I am finally getting some relief from the distress.

The itchies are driving me crazy right now, though, because once I notice one spot's itchy, another crops up...and another, and another, and so on, and so on...

The mind can do such terrible things to the body. LOL
















Avatar for cl_shywon
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Thu, 05-03-2007 - 10:48pm

Unfortunately, I think my itchies are eczema.

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-14-2003
Fri, 05-04-2007 - 12:42am

I know what you mean, I get those from time to time as well. They suck, don't they?

Take a hot shower or bath. That's what helps me the most. And RELAX!!

:)

You're BF's coming home real soon. You don't want to be scratched up for him, do you? :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-21-2005
Fri, 05-04-2007 - 8:26am

Luckily, I don't get spots - that's why I think my issue is psychological.

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-08-2006
Fri, 05-04-2007 - 8:30am

I had this happen back in Feb. a combination of stress and winter skin. Extra Virgin Olive oil works great but you smell like an Italian kitchen. However, Sesame oil works the same and smells great. I use it for everything, it clears up razor burn, keeps you skin soft and not itchy and will even keep your hair from frizzing.

YG

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-21-2005
Fri, 05-04-2007 - 10:27am
Ooh, that's interesting...sesame oil doesn't smell bad?
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-08-2006
Fri, 05-04-2007 - 10:33am

Neutrogena body oil is made of sesame oil and smells great. :)

YG

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-15-2005
Fri, 05-04-2007 - 11:19am

I was going to suggest that exact product.

I've found that for a more "internal" itch, oils work better than lotions. Even better if they're warmed up before use.

I fill the sink with super hot water, let the bottle sit in there while I shower, and it's nice and warm when I'm ready to use it.

Oh - one other tip - it's better to buy higher end products and non-perfumed products. The cheaper/perfumed ones have alcohol in them, which dries the skin. Sort of defeats the purpose.




Edited 5/4/2007 11:20 am ET by sisfox


iVillage Member
Registered: 11-21-2005
Fri, 05-04-2007 - 11:21am
Ooh, very good ideas.
Avatar for cfk_3
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-14-1999
Fri, 05-04-2007 - 1:13pm

I went through a similar phase several years back. My stress caused hives. For some reason, they would only appear on my upper thighs. Big whelps that almost resembled large bee stings. They itched so bad! I remember going to the restroom as often as I could get away with while working, and scratching away!

I'm glad things are looking up! I see your man is due home in a month! I'm sure that will take some of the edge off or at least I hope so ; )

Avatar for cfk_3
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-14-1999
Fri, 05-04-2007 - 2:18pm
Ooh, I despise those deep itches inside of your foot. I have recently discovered that I can press down and drag my foot across my bed railing and that gets to the itch better than anything else. Luckily, my mattress is a little too small for my bed frame ; )


Edited 5/4/2007 2:21 pm ET by cfk_3