incredibly itchy skin after shower/shaving- pls help!

[Teresainpain]

Hi:

I know itchy skin doesn't sound like a big problem, but my legs and arms itch like they were about to fall off everytime I take a shower.  I don't have dry skin and I use Aveeno body lotion everyday to make sure I get enough moisture.  The itching is like an intense tingling only on my arms and legs (mostly on my legs) and it's so bad that sometimes I just want to run yelling into the street.  The itching usually goes away within an hour after taking a shower, but it happens all of the time.  I hope that someone can give me some advice as to how to fix this problem...itching can drive a person crazy!

Thanks everyone.

[sashalosangeles]

I've had this problem for many years and it's truly horrifying. No one understands how upsetting and uncomfrotable this disorder can be. I still don't know what is really causing it, but for me, it used to be associated with chronic hives and an autoimmune disorder. For years, with medication for my hives + using SARNA Anti-Itch Lotion (over the counter), I was doing ok after showers.

Recently, everything stopped working and my itching has been more severe than ever. Many tears were shed and I was avoiding showers for as long as possible because I was so horribly itchy afterwards. Changing soaps, lotions, water temp, antihistamines -- none of it makes any difference at all.

But, some hope: I read different answers in this forum and learned about Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer and it's a MIRACLE!!! I felt immediate relief and am not even using my Sarna Anti-Itch lotion anymore. Most importantly, I am not itching period. I no longer have to run into a freezing cold AC room after a shower or layer on clothes so that my skin isn't exposed to the air. This stuff is saving my life. I've only tried the Argan Oil one so far, but plan on trying the others too.

[NaturalGirl99]

This happened to me too. I recommend you to use an aloevera gel massage to the itchy area and use body oil before shower...

[lester102]

have had this for years, since my 20s and I am now in my 50s.  Here are my symptoms and how I deal with it.

Symptoms:
- itching / tingling for around 20 minutes.
- Mostly on my legs and arms, but sometimes on my chest and back.  Never my head or feet.
- No sign of rash or redness
- Generally uniform across all the impacted area.
- Extremely uncomfortable. I can't do anything until it goes away.

When does it happen:
- If I take a cold or warm shower.
- If I take an intense long and hot shower, it doesn't happen.
- It is more intense when it is humid and rainy.
- If I am sweating a lot (and its not from exercise, but from a humid and/or rainy day).

The primary way I deal with it:
- Exercise before shower.  This is why I work out everyday.  If I sweating when I take shower it never, ever happens.

The secondary ways I deal with it:
- After shower light rub continuously effected areas to warm them up.
- Take shower in air conditioned place.  Air conditioning drys out the air and it makes it much less impactful.
- Take intense, long hot showers.  The shorter, and colder the shower, the worse it gets.
- Never happens when I swim in the ocean or salt water.
- Very mild after I swimming in a pool, but does happen.

What does not work:
- Creams, oils, soaps, etc.. I have tried every thing.  Creams sometimes make it worse.
- Any sort of games with the water - soft water or whatever.
- Pills or medication.  Again tried everything.

So basically this has resulted in forcing me to exercise everyday. The draw back is that you can only shower once a day.  If I have to take a shower without sweating / /exercising before hand, I have to make it crazy hot.

I hope that helps

[lelasdown]

I just started having the ichy problem
I used a lavander oil before the shower and it seemed to work it's been
about 30 min. after the show and it has not tched at all. I used lavander oil because that was the first one i saw in front of me but i would think any massage oil will work. I also lowered the water temperature to not so hot.
I am so happy it worked for me. I hope it works for you as i know it was driving me crazy!!  ( I just posted that to someone else who had the same problem) - i would love to know that it will work for everyone who is having this problem too :-) - In my case i think my skin was too dry!? maybe??

[lelasdown]

I just started having the itchy problem and that is how i found your post.
This morning I've decided to put  lavande oil before the shower and it seemed to work. It's been
about 30 min. after the show and it has not itched since. I used lavand oil because that was the first one i saw in front of me.
Hopefully any massage oil will. I also lowered the water temperature to not so hot.
I am so happy it worked for me. I hope it works for you as i know it was driving me crazy!!
My guess is that (in my case) my skin was getting too dry from swimming everyday (the clorine in the water) and taking hot showers after swimming.
I am soo HAPPY!!!

[Shaund2]

Mines mostly my shins and calves all the way up to about a third of the way up my thigh and then a little on my forearms to just above my elbow. It starts about 2-3 minutes after I dry off and can be anything from light prickling to severe needle/itchiness. On the bad days it makes me wanna scream. Ive tried running cold water on the irritated areas right before I get out of the shower with some success. The best Ive felt is at the end of the shower lowering the water temp about 20% and running the irritated areas under the water for about 30s each. Then reducing the temp another 20% and going for another 30s. again 20% 30s and once more. Also to note I did not soap the shin calf area when I tried this method so it could be something to do with the sulfate stuff in the soap as well, which I saw someone mention. I tried a few dove mens body washes with no difference no matter the "hydration" or "moisturizing" promises(still use it though). After the shower and cooling method I probably had a 2 out of 10 on the discomfort scale which was a huge success compared to some of the 8/8.5 days. Also to note I tried soaping the legs and running them under the coldest water for 35s once, with less success. Not doing a real diligent of following the scientific process here to isolate the irritant but seems like the issue is either soap or going from hot and wet to dry and cooling.  

[sammykbgh]

I share your sentiments, sorry not easy. I am going to the doctor tomorrow to check my kidney if its function well. Little advice, bath with warm water, take a short bath, do a little exercise  like 1 min after bathing not intense. see the doctor but some are dumb, they just do try and error. Hope you get better soon.

[Carpam70]

Hello all, I am 46 yrs and i've suffered from this itch from hell ever since I can remember! I've tried all types of soaps, shampoos, body creams not only here in Canada but also in south America (which is where I am originally from). I've noticed throughout all these years that it's not creams, hydration, blood count, diet, hard/soft water etc the only thing that seems not to trigger it is weather and temp. I tend to take afternoon or night showers with hot water, that seems to help. in spring or fall when temp is cooler outside than inside or a/c or furnace isn't on yet in the winter/summer, the humidity built up from the shower helps but as soon as the temp is cool,  the min. I step out of the shower (doesn't matter that I dried my skin or not) it starts. Cold water is a no no it will trigger it instantly, unless I am sweating hot.  Lasts about 30mins.to an hour, no rash has ever been present and I'm not allergic to anything. oddly enough I can go in swimming pools, but if weather outside is windy and a little cool vs. the water temp the itch will start. I hope someday I will be able to really pinpoint what exactly this thing is and what I can do never to experience this horrible itch on my legs and arms ever again. If someone knows of a numbing cream/lotion that might work let me know!  

[Carella]

Hello all, I have the answer. I have suffered from this for about 5 yrs and I know how excruciating it is. Please apply Vaseline liberally to lower legs and upper if necessary and you will no longer itch after your shower. Let me know the results.

[Gallist]

What can i use to treat my itch skin.it driving me crazy.

[199424]

It sounds like you are hypersensitive to temperature. I get the same way when I take hot showers. Same thing happens when I hold a cold drink. it's a kind of burning, itchyness and almost makes you feel numb. The only advise I have is to take lukewarm showers (not baths) and use Lush Dreameash in-shower smoothie. I have the most sensitive skin ever and that stuff is amazing.

[MelJGib]

I get incredibly itchy after a shower. It happens about two minutes after i have towelled off and just after I have dressed in tights or jeans usually. The itching is most prevalent on my arms and legs, however it feels as if the whole Organ of my skin is alive and in reaction mode. It is so frustrating that I feel i will go mad. I get very angry and irritable and retreat to my room as i am unable to think straight or communicate effectively. I DO NOT scratch as this makes it worse. It last about 20-30 minutes. I also get waves of heat through my head in reaction to the effort to resist the urge to itch. I actually cried with it this morning. It is terrible and i feel unable to describe it to my friends as it is invisible, there is no rash. I have read through all of these posts and i identify with the issue of being dehydrated. I am going to try drinking more water and less tea and coffee and see if that works. I have eliminated various soaps and shampoos and nothing seems to work on that front. Creams make it worse, however i have not tried oils. I do think it is something to do with dry skin. I used to get this condition really badly years ago in the mornings after I had drunk a lot of Red wine. I would be late to work with it because I would be going back to have cold showers or trying creams or just waiting for the itch to subside. It drove me absolutely mad. I have abstained from Alcohol for two years and now this itching has returned. But I have been drinking a lot more coffee lately and have noticed my skin is very dry. So I'm going to drink lots of water and will keep you posted.

[Keirajade]

I also have this insane itching after showering mostly on my legs and sometimes arms and very occasionally it will crop up during the day! It drives me insane and I can't even talk to my partner whilst it is happening! I have found that after showering if I keep the temperature of the room hot and put my clothes on as quickly as possible (always long pants) and jump straight into bed with a fluffy blanket over me it stops or at least subsides the itching! I also find it worse if I shower in the morning so now shower at night.

I recently went to see the doctor who perscribed me pertiactin I find this works a little. He also said this is condition is rare and is a reaction to temperature change.

I find it happens more so in the colder months aswell.

Hope this helps a few people or at least assures them there is another person struggling with this extremely annoying condition!

[Floccy]

Hello, im 23,I have the same problem too and I can not even stand showering,I think I should quit bathing because every time I think of going to bath,my misery begins..please help.

[Cal1950]

I know this may sound strange or maybe even silly, but I've had Aquagenic Puritis for several years now and I finally think I've found a solution. First you need to take a shower with no soaps, shampoos etc. Just the water and see if you have a reaction. This will confirm it is not an allergy to something you are using. My itching was very severe to the point of driving me crazy. Nobody could even talk to me for about an hour after a shower. Plus swimming and pools affected me. Especially salt water swimming. Then I read on the internet about some guy who took Cod Liver Oil capsules and he swore it cured him. I figured what the heck. And I began taking them. (.73 gram capsules per day) For the first month it didn't seem to do much. Then all of a sudden I noticed a dramatic reduction in the itching. I've been taking them for 2 months now and the itching is almost completely gone. So tiny that I don't even notice it. I don't know what will happen if I stop taking it so I intend to continue taking the Cod Liver Oil for the foreseeable future. Good luck. Cal

[Cmce]

Hello, I have the same problem, please can you tell me if this pills help you?

[Bright43]

I had the same problem, it drove me absolutely crazy. I would lie in bed at night after a shower and after about 10 minutes or so, suffer hell for about 20 minutes. But, it was not happening all the time. I couldn't pin the reason down until I put on my science hat a few days ago and realised that it could be caused by mild dehydration. I noticed that my urine was yellow and not the pale, pale yellow it should be. So the following day I lined up 6 glasses of water and made sure I drank them all in a day and hey presto, no more itching! I've made sure I drink water everyday since and the problem has not re-occurred. (Don't drink more tea, coffee, etc. drink more plain water!)
There is a biological reason this works but it's long and involved to explain so please, just drink more plain water and if the itch isn't due to a fungal or parasitic attack or similar, it will go away!

[bexiemcc]

I have suffered from this (mostly seasonal) problem since I can remember, and the only thing that works for me is baby oil, or in shower moisturizer.  This has actually changed my life. I'll begin to feel itchy in the shower, and the minute I apply the baby oil/in shower moisturizer the itch is gone. No idea what's happening here. I tried allergy pills, I tried exfoliating, I tried a filter on my shower head, and body butter/moisturizer on dry skin after the shower. Nothing.  Baby oil changed my life, and then I was gifted the equally effective, but far less messy Jergens Wet Skin moisturizer. I know that Olay, Dove, and Aquaphor make similar products, and if you're looking for a less messy alternative, baby oil now comes in gel form, but I would encourage you to try an in-shower moisturizing routine since its the only thing that seems to work for me, and for my sister who has the same issue.

http://www.jergens.com/products/wet-skin-moisturizers/

[CaryVee]

Your issues are exact to mine.  It seems to be seasonal, mostly on arms and legs, and this year I start itching at night too.  I take alergy pills am and now pm in hopes to calm this.  No rash, just insane itching!  I keep searching the internet in hopes of a solution other than what thr Dr tells me (allergy pill).  Good luck to you in finding a solution.

Cary

[Macedez]

Hello my name is Israel and i am 42 years of age, when i moved to the city my body itches after bathing and showering like crazy! it starts on my back and then my arms and legs. i feel that because where i once lived the water was treated, and here in the city the water is hard and rough like the water you get from an out doors faucet. i wish they can do something about this!

[Balcescu]

This is what I've noticed: Soft water virtually no itching, only hard water. Take a bath in hard water, not so bad - but a shower? Ahgggggg! Nightmare. The doc gave me some cream, but it's pretty useless. Then I had the idea of rubbing on organic Fair Trade extra virgin avocado oil. I think it's better than the cream - BUT it is early days. I believe my skin problem stems from insomnia and stress which has had a knock-on effect on my immune system.

I wish everyone luck in finding a relative cure for this horrible problem.

Best, Pete

[Maristelar]

Hi, I'm 22 with the same problem. I get angry when it itches me and I quickly jump on the bed but I realised I have to stop using sponge..now I'm okay but I do not stay long in the bathroom. I wish one day,I would have a proper bath like others.

[jose344]

Thanks it makes sense i will keep you up to date to see how  it goes.

[jose344]

I have the same thing, once i get out of the shower i start getting itchy but mainly on my legs it used to be my arms too but now it only affects my legs and the itching is the most horrible feeling ever. This is what i did today and the itching actually stopped. I put one leg in the shower and left it there for about 30 seconds (only one foot got wet not my whole body) then i took it out to see if it would begin to itch but it didn't (i only use cold water in the shower now). so i decided to take a shower and only try to let clean water hit my skin(not water that runs down from rinsing after applying shampoo since it can have certain ingredients that can cause itching) specially my legs. When i put on shampoo/conditioner i  washed my hair by using a cup to avoid getting it on my legs or body. I did however put on body wash on my body except on my legs then i rinsed my body completely including my legs(i did not scrub my legs at all i only rinsed them but i didn't touch them ). Once i got out of the shower i dried my body with a towel gently except for my legs(it feels as if though the more i touch my legs the more they will itch). Then i put only body lotion and waited about 3 minutes before applying some to my legs even though they were still a little wet. I did this in the afternoon about 7 pm because i feel that in the mornings the itching is more likely to occur. I literally had no itching afterward i feel relieved for once. Also if itching still occurs it is best to cover up your legs by wearing pants immediately after taking a shower, when air hits the skin it can make it worse. Another thing that has helped me is working out before taking a shower i like to just play basketball and sweat maybe it has something to do with circulation. I'm not a doctor but i do speak from experience i'm only 16 and i have only been having this problem for two years but i think this will help. My dad had(i,m not sure if he still has it ) the same thing so i think its hereditary. I know how you feel its a very uncontrollable urge to itch that is maddening, I hope that this is understandable and helpful. God bless.

[teamofna]

I had this issue for several years going all the way back to college. Then about 3 year ago, my wife made a comment which solved my issue. She said, "You never drink water and the skin is the last organ to be hydrated." She was right. I drank nothing but tea and Coke (all caffeine). Once I started drinking water regularly, no problem.

My guess is most of the posters were like me and never drink water, or drink lots of caffeine, which is a diuretic. Try decreasing the diuretics and increasing the water. BTW, alcohol is also a diuretic.

[jtwhit]

About 7 years ago, it finally got so bad that I went to see the doctor about it. He put me on Zyrtec, which helped for about a year. Then it failed and when it did I discovered just how little western medicine know about itch. So I went to see my wife's Chinese medicine doctor, Dr. Lei Zheng in Raleigh. She told me  I was simply too dry and that I had to think about my environment. While studying my environment, I was to 1) eat more nuts; 2) avoid dairy, 3) use the sauna at the gym and 4) bathe with epsom salts once per week. All of these helped. Then, in thinking about my environment. I realized it was shower water! I immediately rushed out and started buying Sprite slim-line shower filters. (http://www.bestfilters.com/product.asp?itemid=508&gclid=Cj0KEQjwvJqvBRCL77m2-uKczsIBEiQAkx8VjJ5qAp6RmcBGWDP3_S-jWGs0nhfCl0M85elIVLVlSFUaAghG8P8HAQ) Available at Lowe's, Home Depot, etc. They filter out the chlorine and other drying impurities, and they work like a charm for about three months. I know it's time to replace the cartridge when the itching returns. They really have been a lifesaver!