itch

[patatktown]

I have read much in the last few months about lymphedema, what it is and why I have it and how to live with it. Mine is not yet as bad as alot of what I have seen and I am scared to death it will get that way. I've had it for 2 1/2 yrs and I've had cellulitis 5 times with the first time spending 3 days in the hospital. I can keep the swelling down except for when it gets infected. The biggest problem I have is that it itches so unbearably and I can't keep from scratching it. I've tried 20-30 creams and pills and nothing stops the itch. It will drive me crazy until I can scratch it and I usually do until it bleeds and is so sore that it doesn't then itch. I know that the infections are my own fault but I can't keep from it. I haven't seen or heard anyone say they have this problem and the doctors don't know why it does this and they just keep saying don't scratch. Easier said than done. Has anyone had this problem and what have you done about it. I know at this rate I will lose my leg eventually because I can't go on getting infections without sooner or later losing my leg. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Alma]

Hello Patatktown,

It sounds to me as if you are dealing with “dry skin” as an after affect of erysipelas, which is a skin infection that affects the tissues and lymphatic structures that are located just under the skin.
This is a very annoying skin condition and it often itches. The best way to deal with it is to keep you skin moist with a Ph-neutral skin lotion, for example Eucerin. Often it takes more than once or twice a day to cream and moisten your skin, but that is better than scratching your skin the whole day with the risk of, yet, another infection.
It is not clear to me whether all the creams and pills you tried were prescription drugs. If not, I would suggest that you seek help from a dermatologist.
If yes, and the established medical world can't help you, you might try aromatherapy to treat the itch. If you are considering this, I strongly advice you to seek help from a certified medical aromatherapist. For information on aromatherapy, see also the article ‘Aromatherapy and Lymphedema treatment.’ I hope this answers your question.

Alma ;)

[Redhd62330]

I have recently been diagnosed with lymphedema of the leg and ankle. The itching is driving me nuts too. The tech who performed the vascular scan told me that I have lymphedema and now I have to wait until I go to the vascular Dr. to see what can be done for it. I hope he is knowledgeable about treatment for this condition. I have done quite a bit of online research and printed some things out to take with me for my appt so I will remember to ask the right questions. Back to the itching, I have been using Gold Bond lotion immediately after showering with Cetaphil and it seems to be helping. I also keep Gold Bond anti itch cream with me at ALL times.

[patatktown]

Thank you to Alma and Redhd62330 for responding. The doctor is now thinking that when I get an infection and stay on an antibiotic for 2-3 weeks that the infection is not going away completely and that is why it itches so bad. It doesn't look infected but I feel like I have to scratch away a few layers of skin and get to the itch which feels to be under the skin. I'm on an antibiotic again and will see the doctor again this week and may go into the hospital to be on an IV. When I did that a couple years ago I went a long time without itching. I wish you luck living with yours.