after swimming recently a woman in the pool locker room told me about her itching because she was allergic to the bromine used to keep pool water clean. She told me about her 6 month search for a stop to a rash she developed. Finally someone made the connection so she started using a body lotion before getting into pool and after scrubbing when she got out plus some intense cortisone cream prescribed by a doctor and it cleared up.

So I started bringing home soap with me to shower after swim to see if it helped my situation. Some time ago I read up on hives as I was plagued by them before I was diagnosed and recalled someone mentioned people developing a reaction to their sweat and dry skin made the reaction more intense.

Will begin using lotion again and have Keeper scrub the heck out of my back, easy to try and might work right away. My skin is very dry from winter clothing. L lee mentioned dry skin as cause or major contributor and it made sense.

***

How can you know if what you do stops the hives or makes rash go away when it often disappears on its own?

that old episode did end when I used a dry skin brush before bathing and then scrubbed my body with baking soda and then applied witch hazel and slept without clothes. In morning no hives.

shingles effect might be another matter.

anyway, thanks L lee for posting about the dry skin aspect.

turns out there was a drug, an antihistamine, that was considered for preventing ??? ALZ.

It killed a few people and was removed from market.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astemizole

Anyway, I think someone should examine our skin or sweat and see if it is different than non dementia persons. Anything that is common among alz people should be examined, not just plaques and tangles.

I did scrub last night (uh oh) and dosed skin with witch hazel followed by lotion and no itching so far today.

I think I have beat back shingles too.  Going to swim.

love to everyone

I am so sorry this is happening.  It must be awful.

Causation for such a bothersome and uncomfortable thing can come from so many sources.  Itching when addressed in medical articles or in listed drug side effects is usually termed, "pruritis."

One often has to become a detective to suss out where the source of the itching and/or rash comes from.  Some folks are allergic to laundry soap or fabric softner; some are allergic to the sheets in hospitals or hotels.   Sometimes pet products can cause such a reaction.

Here is a link to Mayo Clinic's advice for pruritis:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/itchy-skin/manage/ptc-20262951

Some of the most bothersome itching and/or rashes can come from medications whether prescribed, OTC; or herbal.

NOTE:  In some instances, severe itching and/or rash can develop two weeks up to six or eight weeks AFTER starting some meds.   With some antibiotic allergies this can be so, the itching and/or rash can occur six or eight weeks AFTER the antibiotic has been STOPPED and people do not connect one with the other because it has been such a long time since the med was taken.

Witch hazel is an astringent.  It can be drying and in some persons it can cause some skin irritation but not in everyone.  It is not good to do harsh rubbing or harsh scrubbing of the skin as that can complicate the problem and tiny not able to be seen skin breaks can cause other problems.

Whatever you do, do NOT use large amounts of over the counter steroid cream and if used even in small amounts, do NOT use it over a long period of time, it is absorbed thru the skin and can cause systemic issues.  It should say on the box or enclosed circular how long one can use the cream without harm.   A good pharmacist can be consulted on some of this stuff.

I don't know what the answer is; the best idea would be to find out what the heck the root cause is.  If bad enough, that leads to seeing a dermatologist and even an allergy specialist if the symptoms do not go away.

Such itching can be maddening and be bad enough if chronic to affect the very quality of life.  If it cannot be quelled and has reached such a state, I personally would start at seeing a dermatologist and I sure would bring all my meds; prescription, OTC and herbal to each physician visit.  One of the MDs should be able to find out what the cause is.

I know that some folks must end up seeing an allergy specialist and even have skin testing.

One might also look at www.rxlist.com and read side effects for each med being taken.  The itching would be listed under "integumentary" (skin) and be labeled "pruritis," (itching).

 It would also be good to look for "itching" and "pruritis" on Google for each OTC and herbal remedy being used.   Once the list is made of each substance that can cause such a reaction, then it would be important to consult one's doctor when wanting to make any changes or adjustments.  Never stop a prescription med without a doctor's oversight, but you all already know that.

Sure wish I could be of help; this has to be over the moon in how awful such a situation is.

J.

The steroid cream is the only thing that helped me, but as soon as I stop using it, it seems to start up again.  I know you are not suppose to use it long term, but what else can you do if that's all that works.  Very frustrating.  I am still using the cream.  I just can't handle the rashes anymore.

Hope it helps you llee.

What I learned in my dermatology rotation:  if it's wet, dry it; if it's dry, wet it.  So if you have a dry, scaly rash, it may help to moisten it and keep it moist.  if the rash is wet and oozing, it may help to dry it out.  Of course, work with your own doctor or dermatologist.  Many dermatological conditions are persistent and chronic; others may resolve spontaneously.  There are many natural, herbal concontions that may help.  Keep searching until you find what works for you.  

  After you take a bath or shower; pat yourself semi-dry, then slather yourself with the chosen ointment or cream or lotion.  The idea is to keep some of the moisture from the bath or shower on your skin.  Then go about your day.  You may need to remoisturize before bedtime.  

I am afflicted too; I am going through a dry, itchy time now, but I don't have a rash, just dryness and itchiness.  It's very annoying.

Iris L.

I went to dermatologist with hives/rash BEFORE I was diagnosed so years ago and nothing.

L lee - when I use benadryl (forgot active ingredient) but whatever that is people with ALZ are supposed to avoid. I used an antihistamine spray from Walgreen's on my rash to stop itching so I could sleep and got really confused and weak before I realized it has the stuff that is not good for us and I was absorbing it thru my skin.  

The ingredient that makes you sleepy. ???

My rash defied weather (I had it here in cold winter and in desert) and I changed detergents, tried lotions, etc. 

Even though it is not a good idea I used my dry skin brush and witch hazel, baking soda, peroxide and beat it off. OR it had no effect but what just went into hiding again.

Like a toothache - this sucks. 

I think it is something in my sweat, also noted it appears where my clothes are tight (waistband, bra lines).

Very  weird.

NOTE:  Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa!!  I am sorry.

Okay, I wasn't going to bring this up as I did not want to incite a gluten riot.  BUT, here goes.  I feel guilty in not mentioning this.

Most people who run about buying gluten free everything are NOT at all affected by gluten.  Yet, there are many, many people who have a range of symptoms that are NOT GI related and they are indeed caused by celiac disease or gluten sensitivity which is the culprit for their symptoms.  Skin rashes and itching happen to be amongst symptoms.

NOTE:  Do not try to diagnose yourself with celiac disease or sensitivity, that would be false and give false outcomes.  You will need a physician to run some tests to see if you fall into the celiac disease or sensitivity category.

NOTE:  Many people with celiac disease may have GI symptoms, sometimes they are  mild ones and not every GI symptom is diarrhea, some celiacs never have diarrhea.  Constipation can be a symptom.  NOTE:  Some people with this condition never, ever have a GI symptom, but has other symptoms.

There is a particular type of rash that is called, dermatitis hepatiformis that can come with celiac disease.

Some folks have gluten sensitivity rather than celiac disease.   There can be mood changes, brain foginess, itching, arthritis, rashes and much more can be involved with celiac disease, the symptom list is long.

One CANNOT just eliminate wheat and think they have it nailed down, that is not how it works.  The celiac organization has a list of foods that are safe; it is a generious list, and what is to be avoided AND they distinctly state one MUST see a Registered Dietician for instructions and education if one is diagnosed with the condition.

Here is a link to the Celiac Assn. that lists symptoms and has a list of questions to ask about yourself for self-screening:     https://celiac.org/   They will even recommend MDs who are capable of diagnosing the condition as not all MDs are well into the loop.

Wouldn't it be something if it were that simple.

J.

Thank you for raising that point, I had been thinking the same thing, but didn't want to say anything.  In my case, the problem was inflammation that caused releases of histamine and it was something that my doctor wanted to get under control.  We started making various dietary changes and eventually I ended up going vegetarian and gluten and casein free, and it really slowed down the progression of the Alzheimer's, and I feel much better.

Mary

llee, I can only imagine how awful that is for you; it has to be absolutely maddening not to find relief and I am truly sorry.  Don't worry about dietary anything since you have not been diagnosed with such a condition.

I keep wondering two things:   Can this be a medication reaction or a delayed medication reaction; OR can it be something neurological? 

NOTE:  There are actual neurological causes for chronic itching.   The neural pathway for pain is the same pathway for itching.  If the itching is caused by a neurological issue, then the usual topical and oral meds for itching are usually not effective. 

 The standing "process" is that one should first see a dermatologist for an exam and get a skin biopsy as appropriate; if that does not pinpoint the cause of the itching, then the next step is to see a good Neurologist.

In some of the reading I have come across, (and I do believe this), not all MDs including some Neurologists are well-acquainted with neurological causes of severe chronic itching.  However; neurological causes for such itching is well documented in medical literature.  There is a condition called, "neuropathic itching," and it is only one of several neurological causes for sustained itching.

All medications should be reviewed for causality by one's MD and even our own research; Dermatology should get involved.   Next, off to see Neuro and get a good assessment if the answers have not been identified.

This is a condition not to be taken lightly; when severe, it can affect one's very quality of life.  I so hope you can get an answer soon.  Just knowing the definite cause can be a welcome dynamic because interventions can then be initiated.

J.

Lichen amyloidosis

• This is the most common form of primary localised cutaneous amyloidosis.
• It presents as an intensely itchy rash on the shins, thighs, feet, and forearms.
• Lesions consist of multiple raised spots (papules) that are scaly and red/brown in colour.
• Papules may coalesce into thickened plaques.
• It appears to be more common in people of Chinese descent and in males.
• It most often occurs between 50-60 years of age.
• It may be a variant of lichen simplex.

Lichen amyloidosis

Thank you Jo. That is what afew of us have been thinking that the rashes and itching is neurologically connected somehow. 

I posted the above info that jumped out at me in seeing connection with rash caused by amyloid deposits under the skin.

thanks for all the ideas...

It does help reduce my itching to scrub it - and then keep my clothes off at night, no tight waists or bras. After scrubbing (Keeper does my back side) I use lotion now.

I have small round dots that come up on my skin that do not itch and I always thought were the skin signs of ALZ. No reason to think that but...

I would like to blame those damn antiviral pills - they make me feel like my skin has shrunk and tense, takes me long time to recover from the meds. Also I had been given one of those new antibiotics that shut down everything years ago and it took me a year to get my body working again. I claim I am allergic to all of them - levaquin, cipro just hate those pills.

How do you get probiotics back in gut after these pills?

I am going to change my detergent because I can not find one that smells good and possible it has something to do with my clothes.

Anyone have a detergent that smells good?

I've had to apply the steroid creme to scalp also thinking it is the worst place for it to absorb!

Went to the CG board to find out if others have this going on also?

Llee, in search I put itchy rashes and found lots of posts about it.  One in particular "DH itchy rash"  posted in January of this year talked about it being neurologicaly based.  You might want to read some of those.  There were good tips on stuff to use too. 

 Hope we are able to get relief someday.  I have had it so long that no one even asks me about it anymore.  They just assume it is part of my illness.  Sucks!

Blue,

Never thought of that. Yes there are a lot of posts about itching and rashes! 

Was thinking maybe some relief in summer, but then there are heat rashes and I get rashes from bug bites and allergens on skin etc. Oh my!

Feeling you!

Hello alz+, hate to throw a damper on your question, BUT if one has skin issues, it is best to stay away from scented detergent and softeners.  While it won't smell marvelous, it is best to use non-allergenic detergent and fabric softener.  I use these and while I miss that wonderful perfumey smell, my skin is happier.   Now I would really love the smell of items dried on a clothesline, but I am not reverting back to clotheslines any time soon. 

I remember the days when I had to do that; remember clothespins and clothes poles?  Gosh, I remember my father going into the woods in the UP of Michigan to get just the right wood for a clothes pole to hold the clotheslines up.  Women sure have come far since those days.

Sorry about the perfumery . . . .

J.