New symptom - itching is driving me crazy!

[White Falcon]

Just when I think it can't get any worse, it does... This takes my misery to a whole new level....

For the past week, I have had itching that I have never had before. The parts that are itching are the top halves and middle area of the outer labia, parts that are not usually my worst areas. The area also seems a bit swollen and puffy. I haven't done anything strenuous or unusual. I spend 95% of my life lying down, wearing no underwear. My doctor had no advice or ideas. Just said that those nerves do all sorts of things, and it's not surprising.

Anyone else have this? Any advice?

[DoubleEdgedSword]

Hi Falcon,

A fellow Canadian!

I have this symptom with PGAD when I go through a pain cycle.. Just coming off one now. I saw my doc last week and he gave me some corticosteroid cream to put there. It made a big difference in just a couple of days. It took those couple of days for my body to adjust to it (made it a bit more itchy and burning just at first), but I use it two or three times per day and I'm a lot more comfortable. Ask your doc for one. Mine is ratio-Amcinonide 0.1%.

[carolynm]

I'm wondering about benadryl for neuropathic itch? Or Claritin? Anyone tried these antihistamines?

cm

[Violet M]

I had terrible neuropathic itch -- things that helped were:

1. A weakened solution of capsaicin
2. Extra strength vagisil
3. Ice/heat
4. Sitting in alternating hot/cold water

I never tried other topicals such as ketamine or neurontin ointments. Not sure if they would help.

[White Falcon]

Thanks for all your replies. Good to know I'm not the only one with this.

I have ketamine in a vaseline base, but cannot tolerate it on those sensitive tissues - it burns like crazy - as does pretty much every other topical script I've tried (estrogen, lidocaine, valium, cortisone).

I tried just plain vaseline at bedtime, but was much itchier by morning. So maybe the vaseline itself is the problem....

I tried a Lysine ointment meant for cold sores (aka herpes). No help, but didn't burn.

I have had some relief from vitamin e. I puncture a vitamin e capsule (oral vitamin) and squeeze onto finger and apply. So far, it hasn't made it worse.

I was considering an antihistamine, but I doubt the itching has anything to do with allergies. But I will take some Allegra right now. Will post if it helps.

[Lernica]

I notice in your signature that you've had a hysterectomy (as have I). Have you tried an estrogen cream? Vagifem comes to mind, available with a prescription. It helps with the vaginal itching. I use it prophylactically twice weekly.

Good luck.

[DoubleEdgedSword]

Just when I thought I was coming off the pain cycle and stopped the corticosteroid cream, I find it had only diminished and I'm back to using the cream again.. *sigh* Next time I won't be so eager to stop using it as soon as I feel better.. Live and learn!

[Lernica]

DES,

Sorry to hear that the itching has returned. Please be careful about the cortisone cream as prolonged use can thin the skin tissue and result in more sensitivity and even tearing.

[DoubleEdgedSword]

I had only used the cream for a few days.. Really about a week. I went back yesterday to get my cyst/abscess and my 'roids checked on, and now I have an infection 'down there'.. I'll have to get my Rx filled when I'm out today. I'd have to think it could have been a combination of the cream and foam I'm using, and maybe finishing off the antibiotics I was on too.. So no more cortisone cream for now and we'll try to clear up the other problem..

[Violet M]

DES, are you allowed to immerse it in water yet? Maybe a sitz bath 4 times a day with warm water and epsom salts would draw out the infection and be soothing at the same time.