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I have typical nasal/sinus allergies, but also suffer from ...


Sent to Health Experts January 22, 2007 5:45 a.m.

I have typical nasal/sinus allergies, but also suffer from what I was told is topical allergies. I burn and itch, making sleep impossible. Should I be looking at other possibilities? Lotion helps for a short while, as does baby oil. Could this be too little water? Or something more complicated?

Optional Information:
Female , Age: 58

Already Tried:
Benedryl, various lotions, loofah, anti-hives pills
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $9   
Answer
January 22, 2007 5:55 a.m. (9 minutes and 14 seconds later)
ACCEPTED Check Mark

The first thing with uncomfortable skin is that we get older then it tends to dry out, this frequently results in itch and sets up an itch scratch cycle.

The first step is to ensure that you do not use anything which will dry out the skin like ordinary soap. Switch to a soap free body wash. Ensure that two or three times a day you apply a simple unfragranced moisturiser. This needs to be part of your normal routine.

You also need to ensure that all your other toiletries, shampoos and laundry detergent are perfume free and hypoallergenic.

Be gentle with a loofah as this can irritate the skin. Using a gentle exfoliating scrub once a week should be enough to remove excess skin flakes.

Also look to see if any fabrics seem to be worse than others eg wool, synthetic fabrics etc.

If this isn't making any diffeence then your dermatologist can take a skin sample for analysis. Finally an itch can sometimes be a sign of a systemic problem eg liver so do get a full check up to ensure you are otherwise fit and well.

Does this help?



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