Itching all over with no obvious cause

Maybe it could possibly be a allergy to the washing powder/liquid/conditioner you are using for your bedsheets and clothing? 

It could be something in your diet.

I started to itch all over some years ago and my GPs gave me all sorts of things for it, then a GP I hadn't seen,gave me a sedating antihistamine called Hydroxyzine.  I took 25mg at night and it knocked me out.  I still itched but didn't notice it so much at night.

I had seen a Dermatologist about 10 years prior to this, so I already knew that I was allergic to Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers.  I am very careful about products that I use.

Ask your GP to refer you to a Dermatologist.  My itching subsequently turned out to be Bullous Pemphigoid, which was then changed to Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid.  GPs don't tend to know a huge amount about skin problems, unless it is their Specialty.

You can ask your GP for Hydroxyzine and a 'potent' or 'very potent' steroid cream to apply to any lesions, again, GPs tend not to give out the strongest creams, so over the counter steroid creams don't help at all.  And, ask for a referral.

 

Hi there

I too have experience of hydroxyzine and have found it to be an excellent anti-histamine for skin itching.  However, I've recently been taken off it as it isn't compatible with my anti-depressant, which is a real blow.  I'm on cetirizine now which is hopeless.  I don't know what I'm allergic too, apart from pollen since being a baby, my skin irritation is a recent thing though, I'd wondered if it had any connection with the amount of mineral water I drink, but concensus seems to be against this.  I find cotton clothes better than anything fibrous like wool, I must be one of Cotton Traders best customers!

Lizzie