Psychosomatic Itching

[mish_kebab]

Hey there,

I know this isn't a place for professional advice, but I've had itching on and off for aaaages now; I don't know if it started around the time I started getting symptoms or not, but it's definitely lingered for as long as I've had my symptoms of Anxiety/Depression.

I was just wondering if anyone else has had issues with excessive itchiness or compulsive scratching all over their bodies with no real symptoms until I scratch and then obviously it needs to heal after. Sometimes my skin seems to be dry, but I don't know if that's because of the scratching itself.

It definitely seems to get worse when I'm feeling worse, but I'll have to monitor that as I've only really started to ponder a possible link today.

If anyone has had any experience with this, who did you go to for advice? Your GP, a psychotherapist, a psychiatrist? A hypnotist?

Hoping to hear from you soon,

Hamish 🙂

[Starwolf]

Hi Mish_Kebab,

Thank you for sharing your concerns with us.

Itchiness can be one of anxiety by products, in which case its association with stress levels is undeniable. However, it can also be caused by a myriad other medical issues, (allergies etc...).

I suggest you get it checked by a GP, mentioning your history of depression/anxiety. If it is unrelated, you may need medication to treat the underlying problem, perhaps a referral to a dermatologist. No need to keep struggling alone with this irritating condition. Finding its cause will be a wise first step towards a more comfortable lifestyle.

[mish_kebab]

I've discussed things with my GP, but at the moment he seems to think it's psoriasis but everything he's recommended to me hasn't really made a difference to the random bouts of itching. It just helps when I scratch myself into oblivion.

Would it be worth asking to get recommended to a psychiatrist..?

[geoff]

hi MK, I know that when I start itching it only gets worse until it gets to the point where I start bleeding, psychologically I can't stop because the temptation is far too great, so now when it gets to that point I rub brown vinegar onto the itch, and keep the tissue soaked in vinegar on the itch, it does sting a little but it certainly stops me scratching it any more.
The slight sting maybe what you need to stop your itching.
You could just as well rub down your arms or what ever before the scratch appears and see how that goes. Geoff.

[Starwolf]

If treatment recommended by your GP hasn't worked, you may need to go back to let him/her know and ask for a referral to either a dermatologist or psychiatrist. I think the best bet would be to eliminate physical causes first, just to make sure that nothing else is at work (for example, liver problems can also result in itchiness).

[Airies]

Hi there Hamish,

ive been itchy for ages myself. Don't know whether it's nervous energy or what. Mainly my scalp and lower legs which at times appear on fire. I scratch my legs to the point of bleeding then have to spray with something.its only been in the past year and I put it down to hypersensitivity to smells, products,meds or my condition.i had DBT a while ago and don't know whether it's related to that.All I know is that it's bloody annoying:)

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi mish_kebab,

Thanks for posting. It sounds like you have ruled out any underlying causes of itchiness. Certainly psorasis can be related to stress and often flares up when the body is under a lot of stress.

What sorts of things has your GP suggested? Often creams and sometimes medications can be a first point of call. Being mindful of the products you use can also help; as soaps, face and body scrubs and harsh cleansers or even laundry detergent can aggravate the skin. Try to use gentle washes where possible and get a cream from the chemist to help soothe your skin.

In terms of the stress, there are lots of things that you can try. If there is an underlying condition such as depression or anxiety a psychologist may be helpful. Yoga, exercise and mindfulness can also be useful - as not only do they have a calming effect on the brain but keeping distracted and busy can help with the impulse to scratch.

Hope this helps

[geoff]

hi MK once again I was offered topical ointment by prescription but for me it never worked, but for some it does, however you can go to a dermatologist who can do tests on your skin to see what you do react to in a negative way.
I had to take one of my sons to one and they did their tests on various items and why he reacted and why he got affected to a specific product like yeast etc. Geoff.

[Froggy30]

Hi Hamish,

I had insane itchiness for quite a while but there is many reasons for itchiness so I can't say if the reason for mine is the same as yours.

I'm wondering if you have high histamine like myself. Do antihistamines work for you to relieve the itchiness?