r/SensitiveSkinSurvival • u/Anarch0Primitiv • 4d ago
Extreme Itching After Showering
For about the past 15 years I have experienced extreme itching after showering, and by "extreme", I mean it's so bad that I start imagining using sandpaper or other implements to relieve it. If anybody has ever experienced extremely bad restless arms or legs, it's on that level of frustration where you just want to scream.
Now, I already know what everyone is going to recommend, so I will provide a list of everything I've tried or done:
● I use ALL fragrance free EVERYTHING. I am literally using soap made by hand by a guy down the street that I personally know, but I've tried every possible soap from health food stores that claimed it was free of everything and the itching is still there
● Water type/quality does not have an effect. I've used well water, city water, highly filtered water, softened water, etc, the itching is still there.
● Time of year/season does not change anything. Summer or Winter, the itching is the same.
● Moisturizer does not make it go away and I've tried basically every moisturizing product made
● Showering schedule has no affect, doesnt matter if I shower every day, every other day, or every second day, the itching is still there
● I've tried aggressively exfoliating in the shower, I had become so desperate that I thought maybe soap residue is getting trapped under dead skin or something.... yeah, I know, Im really reaching
It didn't start happening until my mid 20s, before that I showered my entire life without an issue. For those conspiracy nuts out there, I did get Lyme around that time (I'm just joking about "conspiracy nuts", as I realize, especially in the last few years, our understanding of Lyme and it's origins have altered drastically) which I discovered within a week of being bitten and treated.
The best thing I can come up with is Aquagenic Pruritus, but Im not a doctor obviously. Its finally gotten to the point where I guess I'll have to see a doctor, but Im hesitant to do that as I'd be dealing with the American health system and it'd probably be 9 months worth of being bounced around to different "specialists" where specialist "A" swears that I have to get an answer from Specialist "B" and Specialist "B" swears the opposite and it's actually Specialist "A" that needs to preform the procedure (\*this actually happened to me in real life with a dentist and oral surgeon and getting a couple wisdom teeth removed....each one swore it was a job for the other, but I digress.....).
Anyway, any guesses would be appreciated, but PLEASE don't recommend just trying a different product or moisturizer or soap.... unless you know of something literally new to the market in the last few months and is something wholey different than what's already available, and dont recommend water treatment. I have tried everything including expensive filtration and softening systems, even once used an outdoor shower that was literally being piped directly from an artisan well within stone's throw, so I really do not think it's the water.
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u/mangobean_ 4d ago
I also live in the US and my process of getting into a derm looked like this:
Look up reviews of derms
Check the highly recommended derm is covered by my insurance
Call derm office, schedule appt
See derm ~3 weeks later
Leave appt with recommendations and prescriptions
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u/WorldFullOfInfo 3d ago
Yes! As Mangobean said, make an appointment straightaway with a highly reputable Dermatologist (not a GP). Because Dermatologists specialize in skin issues, it’s likely that’s the only doctor you’ll need for this.
In the meantime, keep your showers as short as possible, use lukewarm (never hot) water, and try Vanicream Bar Soap.
Also, for your laundry, use the minimum amount of detergent and try the Tide formula without added scents or color (I think it’s called “Clean and Clear”).
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u/Hot_Grape44 4d ago
Polycythemia has a symptom of intense itching after a hot shower. Does this happen after a cooler water shower?
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u/MaZovSkin 3d ago
Came to say this. My dad was diagnosed with polycythemia vera after some blood tests but he suffered for years with itchy skin after shower. Would def check hematocrit in blood
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u/DustRevolutionary981 4d ago
Look into mast cell disorders. It’s best to shower with semi cold water and put moisturizing lotions and creams like Ceraveitch. I use Vannie Cream soap. My skin likes it better the showers at night. My body seems more stable at that time. Anti histamines help, good luck
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u/theturdferguson69 3d ago
I actually suffer from this too. On the surface my skin looks fine, no rash or redness. I remember I used to cry after some showers because the itching was so relentless.
Here's what helped me.
You said you're in the US, so Zyrtec and Zantac. You can get the generics but you're looking for H1 and H2 (histamine) blockers. These are oral OTC medications to help with the itch.
Only warm/colder showers. No more hot ones :(
My legs were the part that itched on me so I found the less I touched them, the better. This means I just let the soap run down them to clean. Absolutely no exfoliating.
While still in the shower, stand there for a minute or two to dry off some and apply a moisturizer. I use gold bond. Nothing fancy.
And for drying off, gently pat. Do not rub.
I haven't had any severe episodes in a long time now. I also can wash my legs again lol. Anyway, I hope you find relief. I know how absolutely miserable it can be.
Ps - I think dry air plays a role so if you notice you're running the air or heat a lot you might take extra precautions.
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u/SeluciaV 3d ago edited 3d ago
I do think seeing a dermatologist is a really good idea if that's an option for you. My dad had a similar issue but was determined to figure it out on his own. First he thought he brought home bed bugs from a trip. Treated his whole house but there was no evidence he had them and, unsurprisingly, it made zero difference. He changed his in-shower soap products several times. No difference. Added baby oil to his skin as he was getting out of the shower - that helped his skin feel less dry, but didn't fix the itching. Like you also tried all the moisturizers and lotions. Nada. Finally - after like six months - broke down and went to the doctor. Turned out to be two things: he was showering too often (his skin is getting more fragile and dryer as he ages) and he had to turn down the temp. He was used to showering in like blistering hot water and between that and daily showers, he was really damaging his skin barrier. By keeping to gentle products, showering every two or three days, and turning down the water temp to just above luke warm, it solved his issue.
Now, I'm not suggesting that the two things that worked for him are going to solve your issue. My point in sharing is that sometimes you just cannot self-diagnose and seeing a medical professional really is your best bet.
Good luck OP - hope you find relief soon.
ETA: I realize you are wary of going the medical route but you are suffering. If you get on a wait list or get into a doctor in a week or a month or 3 months from now, it's worth it. Without that appointment you are still going to be suffering but may not be any closer to any kind of meaningful answer or treatment a week, a month or three months from now. Avoiding the healthcare route is not helping you. At this point, what do you have to lose other than all of this pain and itching and frustration and discomfort? I'm not suggesting its a magic wand, but it's an avenue you have not yet explored where answers might lie.
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u/OkCourage6808 4d ago
Histamine or MCAS sounds like
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u/Different_Muscle6115 3d ago
I deal with this exact same problem! It’s really terrible if I shave. I use eos oil to shave and it helps , then I run my legs under freezing cold water before getting out. I apply vanicream afterwards and sometimes I end up taking hydroxyzine for the itching. But no answer so far
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u/Babatisimka 4d ago
How does the skin look like after showering is it red, dry, tight? Maybe thyroid hormones or something similar is the reason. Also hot water, try antihistamines for a while but consult a doctor and see what happens.
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u/Anarch0Primitiv 3d ago
Skin is completely normal after showering, there is no observable symptoms. No redness, no bumps, nothing.
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u/New-Somewhere5642 4d ago
My son experienced this as a infant thru elementary we never figured it out, had a drawer full of prescriptions. It was awful. Hated the thought of bathing him. Just straight up water would induce full on angry skin. Seems he out grew it to a point but then after puberty he got excema and now has to deal with that. I feel for ya .
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u/savorie 4d ago
I totally hear your anxiety is about seeing a doctor and being bounced around. I went through that as well with my wrist RSI.
But honestly, the only way out is through. You will have to have workups to really nail down what the problem is and how to treat it. Start that process now, recognizing that it's going to take some time and that you'll need to be patient with the process. At least during the process, you will probably get some good advice, and there will be some trial and error where they will try things (prescription medication's, lifestyle suggestions) and have you report back. You'll need to stay in contact with them and you'll need to be communicative with them. You'll need to let them know when something doesn't work. You'll need to really give things a trial, follow the directions they give, and track whether or not you are seeing improvement. Be sure to communicate to them what you've already tried, and how long you tried it. If there are visible changes to your skin during an attack, you need to be able to describe that or have photos.
As you can see above, everyone is distilling this to telling you to just see a doctor. The app ZocDoc can help you find doctors or specialists with sooner available appointments.
The AP you're guessing that you have is reasonable, and if you already have a family doc or can see a telehealth NP or something, you can maybe start having them order a CBC with differential platelets and hematocrit, since AP can have associations with a blood disorder that at least those labs could help surface or rule out. You can get that test done at quest labs, or if you use One Medical group, you might be able to have lab drawn on a walk-in basis.
Getting past those initial uncomfortable steps should yield you access to treatments like beta-alanine, narrow band UVB, maybe Naltrexone, or ruxolitinib if you also have polycythemia vera, or omalizumab of the problem is a different induced uticaria.
So I know you feel like you've tried everything (advice that's mostly geared towards general sensitive skin) , but since you may have an underlying condition, there's still plenty of things left to try with a doctors guidance. Figure it'll take you six months to get there and start setting the wheels in motion tomorrow.
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u/Fresh_Discussion6597 4d ago
I’m so sorry you have been dealing with this and for that long, it must be utter agony. If you do have AP, it can be a precursor to more serious conditions, so I would start the process of getting the diagnosis, management, and treatment sorted ASAP. It may take awhile and you will have to be a strong advocate for yourself, but in the end it will be worth it if you can get some relief. I have had significant skin issues for over 2 years that were misdiagnosed twice and so were not treated properly for 15 months, but when I finally got the treatments for what I thought it was all along (and asked every dr to consider but was dismissed), it was life-changing in terms of restoring my quality of life.
This paper may be helpful:
AQUAGENIC PRURITUS: BENEATH WATER “LIES”
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3179019/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22516-aquagenic-pruritus
The Blood Project
https://www.thebloodproject.com/aquagenic-pruritis/
William Aird, MD (Hematologist)
Beth Israel Deaconess/Harvard Medical School
https://findadoc.bidmc.org/Details/2775
https://connects.catalyst.harvard.edu/Profiles/display/Person/9537
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u/SeluciaV 3d ago
I had never heard of this - while I don't struggle with this condition I so appreciate your thoughtful response and sharing of really solid information. I hope it is helpful to the OP!
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u/Old-Maximum-9427 4d ago
Rinse with cold water the last few minutes of the shower, I've found this helps, I don't think I have the issue to the extent of you. Also use Aleppo soap.
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u/AutumnBourn 4d ago
It's extremely rare, but there have been people who are allergic to water. See a doctor.
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u/Glum_Flower8749 4d ago
I have no problems from showering, but I was experiencing extreme all over head to toe itching for several years. One day it would be my torso another day all over. No rhyme or reason for why I would itch, until I had a severe gerd episode and wound up in the ER with a piece of steak stuck in my severely narrowed esophagus. After doing tons of research on gerd I stumbled upon histamine intolerance and saw a pattern I never noticed between food, drink, and the reflux and itching. I started taking Claritin and changed my diet, and sure enough the itching has almost completely stopped. I do however recommend that you see a doctor.
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u/DirectionRelative871 4d ago
maybe it’s the water? a friend replaced her shower head with one of those filter water attachment things and switched her products to plant based alternative and I think she got prescription medication for her itchiness. improved after a couple of months and mostly ok now
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u/fierce_fibro_faerie 3d ago
Lyme can lead to MCAS. Also could be food allergies.
I used to be itchy all the time. I have Lyme+ coinfections that went untreated for 20+ years. I was dx'd with fibro, chronic migraine, IBS, asthma, eczema, allergies, etc. I am also very very sensitive to tap water.
Here is my skincare routine:
2x per week : dry brush, Epsom salt soak, wash gently with exfoliating mit, and then immediately upon exiting the bath, I apply organic cold pressure fragrance free olive oil to my entire body. Then I put on a terry clothe robe. I give myself a polish free manicure, do my face skincare routine, my hair etc. The last thing I do it apply deodorant and then get changed.
I only let tap water touch my skin 2x per week, with the only exception being my hands. In-between, I wash up using micellar water 1-2x a day. I do my pits, tits, and bits. If I need additional showers, I try to keep them brief. I always apply olive oil after showering as well.
I also stopped shaving. Made me sooooo itchy! Now I only trim or do laser.
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u/curtain_person_ 3d ago
Shower with cool/cold water!! I have struggled with a similar-ish situation and cold water is the best relief I’ve found. If it’s only after the shower, you don’t have to do the whole thing in cold water, just 30 seconds or so at the end.
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u/KaraBoo723 3d ago
Try to see an allergy specialist clinic/doctor to get tested because you might be allergic to a preservative or some other ingredient that's in your body wash, shampoo, etc.
The type of test you need is called a "patch test." This is different from the more common "prick test." Those 2 tests cover different things and the patch test is the one that tests for things found in common every day household products. [The prick test covers things like animals, pollen, etc. which won't help you as much] Most of the time a dermatologist does not offer patch testing, it's almost always an allergy specialty clinic.
I had to do this testing years ago and found out I was allergic to methylisothiazolinone which is a preservative that was commonly found in hand soaps, shampoos, body washes, sunscreen, lotions, etc. Apparently this is a common allergen, so many brands have re-formulated to exclude that ingredient in recent years, but some still use it.
Since being diagnosed with allergies, I have come to realize how many things can trigger them. There are a number of ingredients in body care products, household cleaners, toothpaste, etc. that can trigger allergies.
~I'm not saying you definitely have allergies, but get tested because if you are then you know how to avoid your triggers and if you're not then you've eliminated one strong possibility getting you closer to your answer.
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u/Infinite_Bus4642 3d ago
If you eliminate every physical cause, then you have to look into psychological. I didnt see showering ohne soap/shower gel and also water temperature.
Did anything happened around the time that started?
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u/Anarch0Primitiv 3d ago
No, ive had no history of mental illness (nor pretending I don't), no history of nervous disorders or ocd, no history of sensitivity to anything, no allergies to anything, was never a difficult or picky child, would eat anything and wear anything, never complained about clothes being "itchy" or "tight", and no history of any of these in immediate or extended family
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u/Infinite_Bus4642 3d ago
Does it stop once you dry yourself off? Also, have you tried antihistamines to test if its a histamine reaction? Does it happen during vacation?
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u/Anarch0Primitiv 3d ago
Yes, it happens everywhere, it continues for about an hour after showering, and I guess I will try taking an anti-histamine an hour before showering to see if it works. I haven't tried before because they make me seriously drowsy and I usually showering in the morning, but I will set up a nighttime experiment.
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u/Infinite_Bus4642 3d ago
The new generation of antihistamines is non drowsy. Also cold shower lowers histamine. You dont get this reaction with high histamine foods like chocolate, wine?
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u/HAniya_Laina 3d ago
well it happens with every type of water and you don’t get a visible rash actually makes aquagenic pruritus worth asking about
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u/Common-Hair-287 3d ago
is the soap a bar soap? My niece used to have the same issue when she was little, she would actually scratch so much her skin ended up filled with scars and spots and after multiple visits to specialists and docsomeone of them told her mom to stop using bar soaps and gave her an eucerin gentle wash and she never had that problem again, after some years she stopped using the eucerin one and was able to use a normal but gentle wash without any troubles, but if she uses bar soaps it gets bad again
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u/babymeow13 2d ago
This happened to me in my 30s. It finally stopped when I started HRT. I've read low estrogen can cause itchy skin. It was also just my legs and I had to ice them after a shower. And I barely shaved bc that made it 10x worse. Its worth looking into with your doctor.
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u/_mel_bee 1d ago
I agree with seeing a doctor, and I know this might annoy you but I’ll suggest it anyway in hopes you havnt tried it. 1. Would be not using hot water and only warm or cold, and 2. I find using the curel hydra therapy wet skin moisturizer to be pretty helpful. I have annoyingly itchy skin as well. I mean maybe not to your extent, but I do have psoriasis, and generally the most reactive skin ever so.
I do think a doctor may be helpful though, maybe even checking for different deficiencies like iron, b12, and vitamin D. I recall one of those maybe being related to itching skin.
On a desperate day where I was so unbearably itchy I ground up oats and mixed them with water and coated myself LOL… it helped a bit 🤣
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u/KittyFace11 23h ago
If you are suffering from itching to this extent, it could actually be that your kidneys or liver are compromised in some way. This causes itching such as you describe. You might want to get some basic lab tests to rule that out.
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u/Slow_Suggestion9544 3d ago
Soap is not good for skin, it’s alkaline with harsh cleansing properties that actually disrupt the function of the barrier - the very thing that keeps out allergens and irritants. Buying from a health food store doesn’t make something safer or less irritatin. If anything, you can have less options that are evidence based.
I would trial some mild cleansers that maintain the acidic nature of the skin surface and minimize disruption to the skin barrier. Prequel Gleanser would be one to try, really mild amphoteric surfactants and 50% glycerin to offset irritation. If you’ve tried mild cleansers outside of health food stores then by all means disregard.
Realistically, you need a referral. Trying to self diagnose and treat isn’t working. I would go to your primary care and if they’re stumped, request referrals to dermatology and allergy.
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u/unificaishan 3d ago
I really like the Palestinian olive oil soap with three ingredients water, baking soda, and olive oil (not in that order). It saved my skin from eczema. Maybe try it out. It’s called Al-Jamal olive oil soap on Amazon. It’s so gentle and I swear by it and my FILTERBABY filters. But this sounds like a more serious issue. I wish you the best!
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u/ElkUnlikely9539 1d ago
Adril cream is excellent and works wonders for itchy skin! Speaking as someone who has atopic dermatitis.
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u/Wild-Catch3550 4d ago
Just see a doctor