[YEA]  10/23/2010: Jb from Byron Bay, Australia: "I once suffered from night time itching which had a huge impact on my life as I was unable to sleep or function properly during the day. The itching occurred mostly on my back and was severe. I tried many different lotions and remedies, with only mild relief. I saw a chinese doctor who instantly told me there was an issue with my liver causing the itching. I have since found out that this is a condition that also affects some pregnant women (I was not pregnant). I traced my issue back to the overuse of painkillers for back problems. The doctor told me I must stop taking the painkillers. He put me onto a diet that included a lot of selenium such as brazil nuts and sweet potato. I also had to reduce sugar intake and avoid refined flour products. He prescribed some chinese medicines but I was unable to take them as they made me feel sick. Regardless, my problem was eliminated and I am forever grateful for his diagnosis. I can take painkillers without issues but I only take them rarely now. I was fortunate to find a good chiropractor so I don't need them as much. I wanted to share this with Earth Clinic as this website is a godsend."

[YEA]  12/29/2008: Sue from Bismarck, ND: "Winter has arrived and so has itchy skin. The remedies I am trying are using hair conditioner or clothing fabric softener. The clothing fabric softener worked the best when I rubbed a diluted tablespoon amount on my skin then rinsed it off. I searched the internet for warnings of use on the skin and found none.

The hair creme rinse or conditioner also worked but did not last all day and night as the fabric softner did. I apply the watered down tablespoon-size excess from my hair and rub it on my skin. I would use a teaspoon rubbed together in my hands to cover both my legs. Then rinse off.

I read a post on another site that suggested using hair conditioner rather than shaving creme for women's legs."

[WARNING!]  03/18/2009: libby from pleasanton, ca replies: "Both of these products can contain very allergenic chemicals so be careful. a lot of people's skin might be way too sensitive even if they are watered down."

09/18/2011: Scratchitch from Houston, Tx: "I'm not sure if I finally have this under control but I'm hoping with all my might that it's finally going away.

Back in May I visited a friend and we went to her lake house. When I came back home I started getting these "bites" on my torso. At first I thought they were chiggers as we were out in a woody area but as time went on these little bites started moving around my torso. It wasn't very itchy but I was worried about bugs so I went to my dermatologist's PA who didn't think it was chiggers but gave me Peremthrin just in case. I applied one application and didn't think much about it. Slowly the itchiness increased and spread from my torso to my arms. And I didn't think much about it until one morning I started feeling itchy on the skin around my pubic bone. The next day my vagina was swollen and was incredibly itchy along with my anus. I had a few yeast infections before and recognize the feeling and knew this could not be a yeast infection.

I saw my gynecologist who also didn't think it was a yeast infection but took a culture just in case. That came back negative. The husband and I started researching what it could be and feared scabies pinworms given that the itch was worse at night. My GP prescribed Abendazole for the pinworms (at my request) and Prednisone to help alleviate the itching. Prednisone temporarily relieved the itching but I started taking more than one tablet a day (as prescribed) because the itching began to return faster.

I saw another dermatologist who determined it was scabies and gave me more Permethrin. My husband and I both applied it that night. For one evening I didn't itch and assumed it was scabies (gross). The next day the itch came back with a vengeance. At this point, I'm losing sleep and my mind trying to fight the intense urge to itch.

I found this site: http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/scabies.html and began reading about how others have the same symptoms and their holistic remedies. I started to bathe in Borax, hydrogen peroxide, clove oil, orange oil and eucalyptus oil. After getting out I would mix clove oil with a carrier oil and apply it to my skin. It burned in areas where I scratched my skin raw but the burn was a nice departure from the urge to itch. Anytime the intense urge came back I would apply more clove oil mixture as a preventative to scratch. I began to cone myself like a dog by wrapping plastic food wrap around my arms and torso so I couldn't unconsciously scratch my skin at night. At this time I thought I was treating scabies and every night it was a fight to not tear my skin off.

I'm a home maker (thank goodness because I don't think I could go to work with this sort of miserable itching) and spent all day cleaning my house and washing sheets in fear that I might have an infestation of mites. One night it was so bad I scheduled a internal medicine doctor, 3rd dermatologist and return GP appointment the next day. I was prescribed Atarax by my GP, more Atarax and Prednisone by my Internal Medicine doctor and Hydroxyzine and Allegra by my 3rd Dermatologist. Both my Internal Medicine and dermatologist ordered a battery of lab work. All came back normal. So frustrated at this point. But my 3rd dermatologist, a former army doctor, said that he saw scabies all the time in the army and what I had was not scabies. He gave me the Allegra and Hydroxyzine to treat the symptoms of itching and asked me to come back in three weeks. I only took the medicine that he prescribed however the relief was so temporary I scheduled an appointment with an allergist - determined to find out a cause or a solution to this problem. The allergist was thorough in asking about the timeline, doctors I saw, symptoms I felt and a wide arrange of questions to really understand my problem. He said he would have ordered the same lab work as what my dermatologist and internal medicine doctor ordered. He prescribed Zyrtec to take in the morning and a double dose of Hydroxyzine at night. I asked him what could cause this and he suspects it might be the "scratch-itch cycle" (my GP also thought it might be this at the time of my second visit). I hoped the drugs would be enough but I still felt strong urges to itch and was still miserable. I hoped that given enough days maybe this would finally work but when every minute feels like days it doesn't take long for you to get really frustrated with waiting.

I started looking back at my planner and seeing what was going on around the time this started. Last November I had jaw surgery and had my mouth wired shut for six weeks. At that time I could not take Levoxyl and afterward forgot to resume to take it. So this April I returned to my Endocrinologist because I was feeling horrible again and she tested my blood and confirmed my thyroid was working overtime. I went back on Levoxyl 50 mcg and started feeling so much better. But then a month later the "bites" started. I then Googled "Levoxyl" and "itching" and found if you take more than you should people started feeling bad symptoms including itching around their labia. I know I shouldn't go off medication without consulting my doctor but I had to test the theory if Levoxyl was causing this - so I stopped taking it five days ago. I'm not 100% back to normal but the intense urge to itch ha been reduced to a mild nuisance of tingling. I prefer this over the former. Today I'm feeling so much better but I'm not entire sure as to what it can be attributed to. Either it's (1) I'm off Levoxyl (2) I'm taking Prednisone now (3) it's finally rained after months of drought in Houston and maybe it was something in the dry air that was agitating my skin or (4) the high dose of Turmeric I took - a natural anti-inflammatory. I just want this done and over with. If it is scratch-itch cycle I hope to break it soon because this itch is debilitating. Good luck everyone else and I hope you find the relief/solution to your discomfort."

03/13/2013: Deborah from Newark, New Jersey Usa replies: "I wanted to comment on intense itching all over. If you are experiensing this, please check what kinds of medications and over-the-counter medicines you are putting into your body. I went through a period of about 2 years (maybe more) of CRAZY itching all over my body without being able to get a doctor to tell me what was wrong with me (the diagnosis was eczema, which just means your skin itches--duh). I developed a secondary staph infection on my shins and nipples. After arguing with doctors about the cause of this mystery eczema I finally decided to insist that they take me off a bunch of oral meds I had been prescribed for blood pressure and an assortment of issues associated with kidney disease. I was taking TEKTURNA, AZOR, AND SENSIPAR. I, I, I finally determined that I was ALLERGIC to all this crap I was being made to take. None of my doctors would say that I was allegic. I have to be the one to tell them that I am allergic, being evidenced that I get the hives. If I don't remind them that I am allergic to these medications, they would precribe them to me all over again. The biggest point I am trying to make is that you must be an advocate for your own health. Not saying that doctors don't care, but they have so many things on their minds; you're not their only patient. Please inform yourself as best as you can so that YOU are the one telling your doctors what you are going to allow them to do to you."

02/15/2009: Dianna from Austin, TX replies: "my skin used to always feel dry and tight after a shower with soap. however, since i have stopped using soap on my skin it no longer feels as dry or itchy. what i do now is soak in an epsom salt bath (1 to 2 cups epsom salts and 9 drops of lavender oil) and i just scrub my wet skin with a loofah or scrub brush. afterwards i put virgin coconut oil onto my still damp skin. soap is not really necessary unless you are extremely greasy or dirty. i have been doing this for years and i've also found that since i stopped washing my underarms with soap that my sweat smells less stinky - i could probably go without deodorant! but i use a crystal deodorant stone just in case...
good luck"

02/15/2009: Mary from Chicago, IL replies: "I would stop using soap altogether. I bet that is part of the problem. Just use it on your private parts. Arizona is really dry, so you need to hydrate your skin inside and out. Might help if you drink more water, take omega 3s and stay away from soap!"

02/18/2009: Sonsa from Phoenix, AZ replies: "Not all soap causes this reaction. I started making my own soap because my skin is so very sensitive. All natural, handmade soap is vastly different than the commercial variety. Shea butter, lavender and other skin soothing and moisturizing ingredients can be included. I make soap for friends and family too. If you would like more information, please contact me."

03/18/2009: Libby from Pleasanton, CA replies: "Someone said to use soap only on your "privates" but this is actually a very bad idea. These areas are even MORE sensitive than the rest of your body and several sources say not to use any soap at all unless you already know that it doesn't irritate you (you've been using it without a problem for years). It sounds weird but usually warm water and a washcloth is sufficient as long as you do it every day, obviously. Most "feminine" products actually have chemicals in them that can be very harsh and irritating. Personally I won't use anything that isn't 100% natural because I am so ridiculously careful about it."

03/19/2009: C.S.M from VERO BEACH, FL replies: "These symptoms are most likely from the use of hot water and from dry skin:

Cholinergic Urticaria (Physical Urticaria, Sweat Allergy, Heat Hives)

Here's a good link:

Go halfway down the page to "Itchy Leg After A Shower":
http://www.healthhype.com/itchy-legs-causes-and-treatment.html

Bottom Line:

Cholinergic Urticaria (Physical Urticaria, Sweat Allergy, Heat Hives)

Urticaria (hives) are red, swollen bumps or patches appearing on the skin due to allergic reaction to some substances or, as it is the case in cholinergic urticaria, physical stimuli like exercise, heat, sunlight, cold, pressure, vibration, water, spicy food, or emotional stress.

Try prevention first. Avoid the use of hot water. Use lukewarm water instead. (I know that is not a fun suggestion--Sorry!) Consider moisturizing the skin with a light coating of a natural oil--like coconut, jojoba or olive oil after showering. Other treatment involves medicines--Benedryl etc.

Best Wishes. Hope you feel better!"

03/20/2009: Dianna from Austin, TX replies: "stop using soap. i used to be itchy every time i took a bath or shower until i stopped ALL soap. what i do now is bathe in a solution of 1 or 2 cups of epsom salts and a tub full of water. i scrub with a loofah and after i get out while my skin is still damp i rub virgin coconut oil all over my skin. then towel dry off the excess. since i have stopped using soap my skin isn't dry and i can even skip the coconut oil if i want to."

09/01/2009: Rebecca from Grand Rapids, Mi replies: "I have the same intense itch, no rash, that i believe you're talking about. It just started one day and i thought it was just sensitive skin. When it didn't go away after a couple of weeks I changed to hypoallergenic soaps, detergents, anything I could find. I even use all natural cleaning agents for the house. I stopped shaving because I thought that was the culprit. I wake up in the night (and wake up my partner) itching, in tears, trying to stop and having very little self control. Im told that if I can just stop the cycle, then it will go away. The only thing that seems to make it better is the steroid creme I use on my eczema outbreaks (which I try not to use but when it helps so much it's hard to stop). I don't wear shorts anymore because I'm ashamed of the scars and scabs all over my legs. Any ideas would be appreciated!!"

09/03/2009: Jc from Milpitas, Ca replies: "Fill up the bath tub with water add 3/4 cup of bleach soak for 1 hour every day for 2 weeks, You should start to see big improvements if you really do have eczema... You might have Psoriasis

Zinc works very well on eczema......

JC"

09/03/2009: Kyra from Cortlandt Manor, Ny, Usa replies: "I would not suggest soaking in bleach, I would however suggest eliminating soap and using some borax, epsoms or sea salts, baking soda, peroxide, and tea tree oil in your bath regularly. Trust me you will be amazed at the difference in your skin. It has done wonders for my children's and my skin. I would also suggest using extra virgin coconut oil as a moisturizer. The initial reaction of people is that it is too oily, but you will find that your skin will absorb it very quickly. Taking the oil internally will also help to combat the itchy and dry skin. Good luck!"

03/31/2012: Lou from Tyler, Tx replies: "Add a couple of scoops of Virgin Coconut Oil to your bath water. It works great! Don't run the water very hot. Don't drink coffee or caffeinated sodas. Avoid perfume and makeup for a while. Don't use fabric softener sheets--use the perfume free dye free liquid kind. Hope this helps."

05/20/2013: Anonymous from Honolulu, Hawaii replies: "My integrative MD told me that itchiness can be from caused from several things, and that what is going on in the inside of body is being reflecte onto the skin, itching maybe the liver being overloaded and you need to detox or you could have systemic candida this a stool test will determine if you have it or not. It could be blood fungus. It can be thyroid. Even if your thyroid shows up normal you may be still be having low thyroid symptoms, it can be hormones see a bio-identical hormone specialist. Here are some possibilities : parasites , mercury fillings, lead poisioning (from lead paint or pipes) vitamins, prescribed medication, shampoo, soaps, detergent, plants, pets , your car interior, the paint in your house or plants around your house , the fibers that you wear, the area that you live or work may have issues or it could simply be vitamin deficiencies. I read recently that itchy skin could be from eating seafood which are mercury magnets! Anyhow, the list goes on, and on, but you see my point. There are so many causes

I had crazy itching for years, it felt like biting, itching burning and I felt total exhaustion. My MD had no answers I went an ND and I had low thyroid even though my thyroid test looked normal on the tests I had symptoms that all pointed to hypothyroidism ... I needed iodine, Lugols and Solid Hawthorne extract is what I take, I also had low ferritin when both of those issues were addressed I felt fine. But it took years and many doctors to get to this answer!"

[YEA]  05/10/2010: Cat from Austin, Tx: "Grandmother Guffys Method for forever soft, clean, ageless skin.

My grandmother Guffys skin was as soft and smooth as a babys butt till the day she died at 94. One day, when I was a younger woman constantly on the go, she noticed how dry and ashy my skin was and elected to tell me about her method of bathing. It was the only thing she said she did to keep her body clean and soft. First, she never took long baths (and NO, she did not smell). She said bathing dried out skin. Second, she never used hot water on her skin. Third, she never needed lotions. I listened; yet, despite the evidence before me, I did not take her advise. Hot showers were invigorating, I exclaimed. Who ever heard of not bathing, I secretly thought. Why do not the young listen! For years now I have suffered with extremely dry and itchy skin. FINALLY! I recalled my grandmother Guffys bathing method for clean, itch-less, soft, ageless skin. Here it is:

1) Massage 2-3 tablespoons of (antibacterial, anti-fungal) coconut oil over your entire dry, naked body, but not your face. Be sure to include your private areas and feet - get utterly greasy with it! Let it soak 5 minutes.

2) Take a clean, white, DRY bath cloth, folded in fours and scrub your entire body. When one side of the cloth gets cruddy, refold to a clean side of the same cloth. Don't forget private areas.

3) Shower/rinse in very lukewarm to cold water and ONLY wash your private areas with diluted baking soda and water or an organic non-soap or as I sometimes do, diluted ACV.

3) Get out of the shower and barely pat dry.

Believe! This works! People who touch my skin always exclaim at how soft it is AND my husband who has scratched my back many a time has taken to gently rubbing my arms a lot. Just try it! It is not real expensive or hard to do and results are quick. If you are allergic to coconut oil, switch to a light olive oil or sesame oil. Soon you will do as I did - throw away all your bathing soaps and bottles."

05/12/2010: Anna from Chicago, Illinois replies: "Wonderful helpful post - thanks! But just a quick note - be careful about using oils other than coconut because most oils don't have a long shelf life and will transfer to your clothing making them smell of rancid oil if you don't consistently use a hot water wash cycle. Coconut oil is ideal because it has a long shelf life and is slow to go rancid."

07/28/2010: Terri from Waymart, Pa replies: "If you don't mind my asking, what did your grandmother do for her face? Thanks Terri"

09/30/2011: Terezia from Dallas, Tx replies: ".... Wow, this is the routine I myself worked out many years ago, after noticing that a dab of coconut oil put in the bath water doesn't just condition the skin, but cleanses better than soap.... so I just omitted the bath part and kept the coconut oil-dry towel regime.

I do take fast showers with home made soaps, but that's secondary to the coconut oil cleansing.

Definitely stops itching, and improves skin texture.

(fluoride in water is also known for rapidly aging the skin, aluminum in commercial soaps drys skin out... What else is in tap water... We have no idea)

I'd also recommend dry brushing (see bamboo drybrushes at Amazon) with essential oils (lavender, geranium, petitgrain, orange, anis, chamomile... I like lavender anise) against itching. Dry brush instead of morning shower or after you are dry (and already itching :)"

04/12/2012: Cat from Austin, Tx replies: "I only saw my Grandmother, who lived with us when I was a young girl, use pure, cold water on her face every morning. Though she KEPT a bottle of witch hazel on the shelf by the sink, I never saw her use it on her face, just plain water. But here's my mother's grandmother/ witch hazel story: When my mother birthed a huge 3rd child, she was so badly ripped up that she could not move for the terrible pain. My grandmother, who had been travelling, visited her at the hospital the afternoon of the morning birth and assessed the situation. She then went to a pharmacy and purchased a giant cotton pad and witch hazel. She soaked the cotton pad and placed it between my mother's legs. My mother said, within minutes, she could actually feel the drawing of the pain by the witch hazel and within two hours, she was walking around, pain free. I did mention once before that my grandmother was a healer/mid-wife from a rural community of the early 1900's. She was known far and wide, especially to the "train jumpers" that she fed from a huge black kettle in her back yard, near the rail-road tracks, during the great depression. She was a woman who saw people in need and dived in -- AND, it didn't matter to her what color, religion, philosophy, or background came off those trains. People were hurt and starving, so.....

peace out, CAT"

[YEA]  02/03/2013: Teriinttown from Tacoma, Washington replies: "This is incredible and it worked to stop my itchy skin and cured my chronic dry skin. I am grateful to no longer shower in tap water as well. Thanks for sharing. Have you got some Grandma Guffy advice for shampooing the hair?"

[YEA]  06/23/2007: Em from Dunedin, New Zealand: "I was being driven crazy at midnight last night by an itching foot which, I think, is a side effect from a prescribed medication. I have tried so many remedies including those suggested by my doctor. Well, last night I came across your site and in desperation smeared my poor old foot with Manuka honey and lo and behold it stopped almost instantly ! The relief is exquisite so thank you for the great information. I will be passing it on. Kia ora. Em, New Zealand"

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED]  04/08/2009: John from Los Angeles, CA: "Plain old ice applied to the area will give temporary relief and allow you to fall asleep. usually about five or six minutes is long enough. Its no cure but at the moment it can be a blessing."

[YEA]  04/13/2013: Esprit64 from Somewhere Maine, Usa: "If you have Candida overgrowth, you're familiar with the burning itchy skin that routinely flares especially in hot/humid weather. The skin parts most affected are your underarms, genital and butt areas, but, Candida will also present as red/raw spotted areas anywhere that your skin folds (i.e., under breasts, bellies, etc.).

The only thing that I've found that calms the symptoms immediately and eventually, within 1-2 days of treatment, solves the problem--is Iodine. This is not a cure--just a temporary, but, welcome improvement. Skin problems will return until you rid yourself of the Candida overgrowth.

Buy the cheap, over-the-counter Iodine that sells for $2 for a small bottle. Also buy a box of baby-type-wipes (tissues or cotton balls will not hold up to the rubbing of the Iodine on the skin).

As you know, Iodine stains the skin. You may wish to test how badly it stains your skin as each person has a different chemistry in their body. For me, my fingers stain, but, after one hand washing, there's minimal stain, and, when I wash again a few minutes later, the stain is gone. You may react differently, so check. Consider doing this treatment at night before bed--after a few hours, Iodine is eventually absorbed through the skin.

Until you are comfortable with how accurately you apply the Iodine, you may also wish to remove any rugs or good towels from the area making sure anything else around doesn't stain if drops fall.

Take a baby wipe, fold it in half twice to create a small pad. Pour Iodine onto the pad and simply rub the Iodine directly on any skin part except the genital/butt area.

For the genital/butt area, buy a small pail or tray big enough for you to easily sit-in. Using the bathtub for this treatment won't work--too much water, too little Iodine to be effective. Remember, once you sit, water will disperse, so the sides of the pail/tray should be 3" high or more, but, not too high, otherwise it won't be comfortable to sit in. Fill the pail/tray with warm water, then pour 2 tsp of Iodine into the water, stir. Sit in the Iodine water for 20 minutes.

After treatment, your skin will calm, and, you'll feel human again."

[YEA]  11/17/2011: Helen from Merimbula, Nsw: "I have suffered with extremely itchy skin for probably the last twenty five to thirty years and it is worst in hot humid weather or sometimes in cooler weather if I have too many clothes on. It starts around my elbows and then spreads to the rest of my arms sometimes my back , neck and hands. I have seen many doctors and tried many different creams, soaps, tablets etc. Then around a month ago I started taking Krill Oil for my arthritis and miraculously my itch has gone."

03/02/2013: Lou from Tyler, Tx replies: "Dr. Mercola at mercola.com tells what kind of Krill oil is the best to buy. He also does videos on Youtube."

EC: Excerpts from Wikipedia's entry on Krill Oil here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krill_oil

"Several studies have shown toxic residues in Antarctic krill and fish..."

Ecological Concerns

..."The harvesting of antarctic krill is relatively new. At present, no limits have been placed on the amount of Krill that can be harvested. This has caused a number of Marine biologists to express concern over the lack of research into the effect that such exploitation of Krill may have, not just to the long term survival of several species of baleen whales and the Adelie Penguin; but also in terms of other animals further up the food chain. In this regard, Antarctic Krill is fundamental to the survival of almost every species of animal that lives in the Antarctic or sub-Antarctic waters and island groups .[5]

08/04/2010: Lily from Brisbane, Australia replies: "Hi, Shary, I had this same rash and found out it was caused by soy. On study I found that soy was in just about all processed foods, even bread. I am still learning what to eat. I hope you find the cause of the rash and maybe you can try (hard to do) to eliminate soy and see if that is the problem. My rash was also around the middle and only on the torso. Good luck with this. Lily."

08/06/2010: Shary from Centennial, Co replies: "Hi Lily. Thanks for your comment regarding soy. I don't knowingly use the stuff as it gives me GI tract problems, but I will definitely be more diligent about reading labels and avoiding foods that list it as an ingredient."

06/21/2012: Priya from Beaverton, Or replies: "My one and a half year old baby has the same problem, itchy skin. Even myself and my husband has this itchy skin which started around 2 or 3 months back. The only thing that works for us is homeopathic calendula lotion. It does wonders for us. We bought it at new seasons store and it is made by a homeopathic company called Boiron. My childs itching seems to have reduced a lot. I did a bit of research on calendula and it seems like it is the best soothing stuff ever, good for every thing, last day I accidently got a cut on my finger, applied calendula and it healed so quickly. now I use it for any cuts wounds and burns and find it so soothing, cant do without it honestly."

08/06/2012: Tom from Rocker, Montana replies: "In June I suffered a bad scrape on a leg and during the curing process the leg itched big time and 3 months later it still is itching, vinegar helps relieve the condition but be sitting down when you apply it to the skin as it will burn where you have scratched."

08/29/2012: Kamla from Jaipur, Rajasthan, India: "My mother aged 71 is having itching problem all over the body. She is very thin and weak and cannot digest allopathic tablets. Her groin region, genitals and thighs are the worst regions and the skin while itching is separated and removed like foliates. Her urine test showed presence of bacteriua E. Coli. Please inform the cause of the disease, what foods she should avoid and what food she should take."

08/29/2012: Reader Of Ec from Los Angeles, Ca replies: "I'm so sorry to hear about you mom. At her age, shingles or mite infestations such as or similar to scabies should be investigated. If she itches more at night it may be a mite presence.

An Epsom salt bath may help with 5 tablespoons of baking soda. Soak for 20 min. Use unrefined cold pressed coconut oil after the bath. If the skin becomes extra dry, add baby oil to the coconut oil. I find that baby oil though not the healthiest oil around, does last longer than coconut oil alone on severely dry skin.

I would recommend taking olive leaf capsules if it may be shingles.

Also, direct sunlight exposure will help if its mites, shingles or fungal - as does sulfur soap.

As far as foods to eat, freshly juiced organic apple with 7 carrots and one whole lemon peel and all. 16 oz twice a day. You can juice 32 ounces at once in the morning and consume 16 oz but the other 16 should be refrigerated and consumed with in 5 or 6 hours.

Raw brazil nuts contain natural selenium. Selnium will give power to the immune system. Also vitamin D will help heal the skin.

With each glass take the olive leaf capsules. Do this every day. Relief will begin a few days into this protocol.

Look into neem oil. In your location, it should be easy to find a high quality neem oil freshly produced. It will kill bacteria, fungus and mites on the skin.

Avoid eating surgars."

08/30/2012: Anonymosaurus Rex from Somewhere, Alone, Listening To Radiohead replies: "Hi Kamla, Your mother needs to be eating lots of fresh yoghurt that has live culture in it (the kind that you can add to milk to make more yoghurt with), as well as plenty of lahsun, lal mirch, and haldi. Lots of amalaki, fresh or powdered will help your mother's immune system too.

She needs to avoid any meat for at least a few weeks, and you need to make sure all her vegetables are scrubbed and rinsed clean of any dirt.

Make sure that she is washing herself and her hands regularly, and replace her toothbrush with a new one. Also, make sure that her drinking water is from a clean source. If you aren't sure, you will need to use water purification tablets.

I hope that helps. Good luck!"

02/06/2013: Reader from Eau Claire, Wisconsin replies: "Reply to Rakesh, India

I had/have similar problem for 30 yrs. Started out with itchy palms, then soles started itching, then entire legs itched. No skin surface issues. Dr. Prescribed different antihistamines over the years. They all worked. Eventually I was on Claritin D, which became available over the counter. For many years now, I just use an inexpensive store brand of Allergy Relief 10 mg Antihistamine. As long as I take one tablet every 24 hrs, (I usually take in evening) itching is non-existent. However, if I forget, my palms will start itching before morning."

09/16/2011: Rashika from Durban, South Africa replies: "Hey, Sasha I know it sounds simple but do you think you could just have dry skin. Try using a good moisturiser or possibly a medicated one. Also you said you shower a lot. This causes the skin to dry out. My legs and back used to itch a lot, now I use a good moisturising lotion frequently and my problem is solved. If I come out of the shower and don't apply lotion I start itching. The other possibility is an allergy so watch if there is reactiion after certain foods."

09/16/2011: Jay from Toronto, Ont, Canada replies: "To Sasha from Toronto, Canada: Your ichiness is most likely caused by the common yeast/fungus called Candida. You can read many postings on this site about Candida. The quickest way to reduce the ichiness is to use diluted organic Apple Cider Vinegar to wipe the area down and to apply organic virgin Coconut Oil liberally to areas most affected and let the oil get absorbed into your skin. Coconut oil is good for your skin and hair and you can eat and cook with it. Coconut oil is naturally antifungal and it is absolutely safe.

Candida can be difficult to get rid of and feeds on any type of sugar necessitating a fairly strict diet along with taking a strong probiotic(not yogurt) to fight this fungus. There is a lot of information on a Candida diet on this site as well as others."

09/02/2011: Linda from York County, Southern Maine replies: "Leo, if you're not taking probiotics and/or enzymes you may want to consider doing so. I had a very itchy scalp and, while it may not be the same as you're suffering from, once I began probiotics the itch went away. I've suffered from eczema for MANY years and thought this was just another spot on my body that was being affected as it seems to migrate... Probiotics may be your answer. Best to You, Linda"

10/04/2012: Straycat from Minneapolis, Mn, Usa replies: "I've had an itchy scalp for more than two years now. When I run a comb through my hair the teeth of the comb will catch on something, yet when you look at it there is nothing to be seen with the naked eye, but it does feel rough to the touch. My Dr. perscribed Hydroxyzine for the itching, but it did nothing for it. I have tried just about everything I can think of from cidar vinegar, tea tree oil, vitamin e oil, vitamin e capsules, fish oil, pure aloe, nothing helps or even provides any relief. I even stopped using any hair care products like hair spray and gels and I switched to tea tree shampoo which is all I use now. I've stopped taking my medications (1 at a time) to see if it was an allergic reaction to the. , but nothing improved. I have tons of sores on my scalp from scratching and they get bigger, the more I scratch at them (I don't even know I am scratching anymore). It does seem to get worse when I get warm or in hot weather.

Many years ago I suffered a head injury and the hematoma never bled and caused the tissue on my head to broke down and left open wounds after the hair and skin were gone. At times some of the patchy areas, those I can see that is, remind me of that time, but I really don't think they are related especially reading that others have similiar conditions.

Any remedies will be greaty appreciated. I'm willing to try anything just for some relief. I'm desparate."

10/05/2012: Squiggley from Santa Fe, New Mexico, Usa replies: "I had this too until I stopped using any shampoos at all. I wash hair daily with a conditioner (yes, it does cleanse). Follow with a rinse of a few drops of GSE (Grapefruit Seed Extract) in about 1/2 cup of water (do not get in your eyes)."

10/05/2012: Citygirl27 from Richardson, Tx, Usa replies: "Coconut oil is fantastic for scalp issues. Massage it into your scalp, and leave for 30-60 minutes (or even overnight if you can). Do this daily for one week, and see how you feel. Do 1 more week at a time, judging improvements. I would also recommend a sulfate-free Tea Tree shampoo. Thereafter, keep away from shampoos/conditioners with sulfates. Now the market for those products is really expanding, so there is a wide selection now, even in regular drug stores."

10/20/2012: Straycat from Minneapolis, Mn, Usa replies: "Thanks for the suggestions. I actually just bought some coconut oil and am going to give it a try. I've also started taking tumeric and the itching is almost non-existant and my head is actually starting to heal. In addition to the tumeric capsules I also make a tumeric smoothie everyday. Here's my smoothie recipe if anyone wants to give tumeric a try.

plain or vanilla yogurt
1 - 1 1/2 tsp tumeric
a few dashes of pepper
tangerine juice
coconut milk
lots of ice
a banana, cut up

Blend until smooth

Thanks again for the tips. I was going out of my mind"