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Question

Skin itching


Sent to Health Experts August 22, 2006 8:56 p.m.

This is not a crank letter and I assure you I am not attempting to be perverse or funny. From time to time, I get an itching on my buttocks. It is very annoying. This does not appear to be a rash--the skin shows no redness or irritation. There are times when the itching persists for hours. This condition is more likely to flare up if I have a lot of job or school related stress (I am an adult male who holds down a full time job while working on my masters degree.) About ten years ago, I got desperate when creams and ointments did not relieve the itching. Out of desperation, I asked my wife to strike me on the buttocks with a wooden cutting board. We were both embarrassed, but the itching sensation went away. From time to time, the itching would flare up and I would have her strike the itching area with the wooden cutting board. This seemed to cause the itching to go away.

Because of the embarrassment this seemed to cause both me and my wife, I have not sought relief by means of the wooden cutting board in years--that has been okay as the itching has not been all that bad, but lately the itching has returned and I am wondering if the cutting board is a reasonable method of calming this annoying itch.

I know this sounds rather crazy, but will you give me the benefit of the doubt and assume the question is legitimate?

Optional Information:
Male , Age: 52

Already Tried:
creams and ointments
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $15   
Answer
August 22, 2006 9:09 p.m. (13 minutes and 9 seconds later)
REPLIED Check Mark

Dear Mike,

Please don't be embarassed. I would like to try to help. Couple questions for you:

  • Are you noticing any rash associated with the itching?
  • Is the itching on your buttocks or around the rectum?
  • Any changes in soap or laundry detergent that may be triggering an allergy?
PictureAnnlynnRN  -- Nurse (RN) -- 99% Positive Feedback on 564 Health Accepts
RN - 13 years in ICU & Critical Care (Cardiac, Neurology, Trauma, & Medical/Surgical ICU.)
Reply to AnnlynnRN
Sent August 22, 2006 9:13 p.m. (4 minutes and 0 seconds later)

There seems to be no rash or redness. The itching is strictly limited to the fleshy area. We use dye free soaps and detergents, however, I do not seem to be prone to skin allergies. Thank you for taking me seriously.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
August 22, 2006 9:31 p.m. (18 minutes and 11 seconds later)
ACCEPTED Check Mark

Dear Mike,

Seeing a dermatologist should be your first step. He/she can give you an exam to perhaps identify the cause of the itching and offer a better cream or ointment for you. You mentioned you've tried creams and ointments before. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream should provide the best relief for you outside of a stronger prescription cream from your doctor.

Other than that, it might just be a process of elimination to determine the cause. You could have some type of allergy or sensitivity to a soap you are using or to a laundry detergent. I know you said you use dye-free soaps and detergents, however they could still be the culprit. I've found the best laundry detergent for my son's sensitive skin to be Arm & Hammer Laundry Detergent for Sensitive Skin.

Even being hot and sweating can cause the itching. Gold Bond Medicated Powder would be a really good choice if sweating is an issue. It soothes the itching and protects the skin from rashes and breakdowns associated with heat rash and sweating. It helps relieve itching due to prickly heat rash.

Another cause could be DRY skin. A daily moisturizer for sensitive skin may provide relief. You don't need to spend a lot of money on those high priced fancy lotions. Lubriderm Sensitive Skin Therapy Moisturizing Lotion is a moderately priced lotion that works really well for dry skin. When choosing a lotion, look for a fragrance and dye-free lotion that is water based and pH balanced. Keri Sensitive Skin Therapy Moisturizing Lotion is another good one. Try to avoid allowing extremely HOT water from hitting you on the buttocks while in the shower to prevent irritation and drying.

If these things do not work for you; I hope you'll try to see a dermatologist. There is really nothing odd about your itching and no need to be embarrassed....honest.



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PictureAnnlynnRN  -- Nurse (RN) -- 99% Positive Feedback on 564 Health Accepts
RN - 13 years in ICU & Critical Care (Cardiac, Neurology, Trauma, & Medical/Surgical ICU.)

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