Follow
Share
Read More
This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
My husband has itching issues, but he was exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam and that pesticide has caused all kinds of problems. Itching is the body's reaction to either a drug given, something the person is eating, or an allergic reaction to molds, mites, pollen, etc. Hydrocortisone creams are only a bandaid and work for some people, however, in my experience they are still a steroid and not really beneficial in the long run. One should not overuse these creams anyway. My suggestion as a nurse and one who really has researched this problem, make an appointment with an allergist, have your mom tested for allergens and see what she might be allergic to (foods, environment, even soaps and fabric softener, etc.). I loved eggs and when tested found out I am allergic to them. Do you know how many foods are made with eggs? So be a detective, don't discount her itching, but be her advocate. My husband has gone to VA doctors, civilian doctors and been given countless prescriptions for hydrocortisone. Several combinations other than cortisone have worked for him, but his case is really unusual. Again, it takes many, many tries at solving the itching problem. You don't mention if your mom has dementia. Another diagnosis that can present as itching is schizophrenia (but the person usually describes snakes crawling on them). Be a good detective and research all your options. Good Luck!
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

My Mother and I have itching. It takes a lot of heavy skin cream and vitamin E, to keep it under control. A humidifier helps. Perhaps changing her detergent would help, too. I even have to wear white gloves, when I can, on my hands.

So, she may really itch. Good luck to you and her.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

On feminine itching; my mom switched gynecologists (the first one found "nothing wrong". The new doc prescribed Vagifem, an insertible estrogen tablet twice a week. Voila, no more itching. My mother was suffering from vaginal atrophy.

Does your mother see a doc who specializes in care of the elderly? Old skin is incredibly thin and sensitive; she may need some kind of prescripton lotion; also, check if your detergent and fabric softer are biodegradable. My mom's doc says that's the key thing for folks with sensitive skin. My mom also loves to visits doctors, but it sounds like your mom is in real distress. Hugs!
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

Is she really itching? Because if she is, that would drive me crazy if it were me. I have a friend whose mother had a stroke years ago, and is itching like mad at the moment. Her mom scratched her shoulder while she was sleeping one night, to the point that when my friend went to get her mother up the next morning, she was covered in blood. With the blood thinners her mom is on, it took half an hour and a chat with the nurse at Kaiser on the phone to get it stopped. She recently had her mom's skin biopsied to see what the heck is going on. If I were you, and I knew that mom was REALLY itching and going crazy, I'd keep on those doctors till someone figured it out. Good luck.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter