Itch attacks?

[Dannigirl69]

Well just read that you can get itchy from the treatment,O: when I saw that I freaked cause I suffered cfrom itch attacks for years,drove me and everyone around me insane.whinneying and running around like I had a fire under my ***.layers of skin scatched off.running to the doc for a shot:/ and sometimes it didn't work.I know this may sound trivel but,this was a terrible experance to go through on a daily bases.what can I do for this?cause I seem to reatact to meds.omg not looking forward to this.dannixo

[belle19]

i had a rash before i started tx.  never figured out what started it.  i suspect it was "eco detergent" from costco.  it has coconut oils in it.  after i was in tx developed a different rash. (riba induced).  the 1st one went away after i went back to all free and clear detergent.  i manage the riba rash with gold bond lotion (green bottle w/red cap.  also 1/2 benadryl  tablet at bedtime.  also, drink LOTS of water.  it works for me.  good luck to you.  belle

[Dee1956]

Hi as others have said, everyoone's body is different.  I had a few of the "itch attacks" in fast I wrote a post.  When it first started I tried Benedryl which worked to a certain extent, then I bought benedryl clear gel.  Finaly someone on here told me about Atarax and that helped.  Not saying it was pleasant, I had about 4 incidents of it and they were unpleasant.  I began to realize that if I could stop it before I became out of control it was easier to control it.
I used ice packs and they helped a log there is also a lidocaine gel, lotion which helped as well.
You can't know what your side effects will be.  My doctor has about 100 people on it and he is surprised that more people don't have the rash.  Yes, "statistics" show 56% of people will get rash however that will range from mild to the one you fear.  The most important thing I have learned through this is that your attitude has a lot to do with it.  Yesterday with all the additional problems I am having I just started to laugh and I started watching funny shows on TV.  I wish you all the luck
Dee

[starshine1ca]

Danny, I too suffered for years with itching to the point that I would scratch so much, my hands and feet would swell up with blood blisters...it was horrible. I take atarax also for the itching and it really helps.  But throughout treatment so far, I have not had one itching attack...so truly it is unique with everyone...hopefully you will be one of the ones that do not get any too. And I try to use Aveeno cream after each bath/shower to keep moisturized and staying hydrated.

Scoleman,  I bet you are absolutely right about the sun...I know last treatment I too was very very sensitive to the sun and got rashes after being in it for short periods of time.  

[orphanedhawk]

Have you talked to a doctor about your extreme anxiety?
Before you begin treatment, I think you REALLY need to address this issue.

Are you taking anti-depressants?
Many people start taking them before beginning hep C treatment to help smooth things out.

[scoleman]

I just wanted to remind you that the side effects are different for different people.  When I initially went to my gastroenterologist I wanted to take Victrelis because of the rashes associated with Incivek.  He liked the slightly higher success rate for Incivek so that's what I went with.  

In preparation for treatment I got fragrance- and dye-free detergent, dryer sheets, and soap.  I got several dermatologist tested lotions and Cetaphil non-soap body wash.  

I developed a rash 2 days after starting treatment.  I had gone hiking in the heat and sun the previous day.  I'm convinced the sun and heat were factors in getting a rash.  

I was able to manage my rash by drinking lots of water, using lotion every time I felt itchy, and with a prescription of atarax.

Good luck and don't let fear stop you, Sherry