Posted by KB on August 9, 2001, at 8:58:11
In reply to Re: WHAT AM I ALLERGIC TO? HIVES FORM THESE DRUGS. » Poppy, posted by jotho on August 9, 2001, at 7:41:19
I have trouble with an itchy rash - it's not an allergy, but maybe some of these itch-relieving strategies will help for you:
1) Cold water/ice pack/jump in the ocean
2) Combine 1 cup whole milk and one cup cold water in a bowl w/ ice and apply liberally to the affected area (sounds crazy but was recommended by my dermatologist)
3) Over-the-counter topical anesthetic (the band-aid brand gel is pretty powerful) They're usually found in the first-aid section and are plentiful in the summer due to the prevalence of bug-bites.
4) Topical steroid cream (hydrocortisone, etc) - if the over-the-counter version isn't strong enough, a doctor can prescribe a stronger one - I've had good results with Psorcon, a high-potency prescription cream.
5) Oral antihistamines - Zyrtec is especially good for itching. Sometimes it helps to combine them - I currently take 10 mg each of Claritin and Zyrtec. Didn't get much relief from Allegra, but that might be just my particular condition . . .
Finally, try to restrain your scratching (do it lightly, use a paintbrush, etc), because if you wind up with sores, they can get infected and then it's really a mess . . .
poster:KB
thread:74206
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010809/msgs/74306.html