Mystery Itch Post-OP: autoimmune progesterone dermatitis

Probably about 6 months post-op (I'm not 2 yrs post-op), I started having very itchy skin - especially on my jawline to bra line.  It seemed to be cyclical and have no apparent cause - no new fragrances, lotions, etc.  I posted about it and had a few responses of similar itchiness, but no answers.

Well... I think it may be related to the menstrual cycle and a hormone allergy - specifically to the estrogen and progesterone levels.  I'm noticing that it starts monthly now, about a week prior to my period and eases up as my period starts.  At first, there is no visible rash, but after a week, I can see tiny bumps. 

I will have to document my 'cycle' and see about testing my hormone levels at the time the itching occurs.

Good luck to anyone else experiencing the same symptoms.  Note, the itching isn't limited to my neck and chest, but sometimes is on my hands and forearms.

I have had itching on my hands since surgery.  There is no visible bite or rash, but it itches and itches and I scratch it until I break the skin.  I have found that taking Zrtec keeps it from happening.  If I don't take it for a few days the itching returns.  I did some internet research on this, and it seems that Zrtec is the answer for most people with this issue.

I had the itching and it was total body.  I  itched myself raw.  It was driving me crazy.  I went in to the Dr. and he found my B-12 was real low.  I started B-12 shots and the itching has STOPed!!  Yea!!  I thought I was going to go CRAZY from it.  I am not sure if this is the same, just wanted to let you know that I understand and hope for it stops for you tooo.  Good Luck!!

I have experimented with my levels of B12 and Biotin... thinking I solved the problem.  For me, it was probably more about timing than getting the vitamin levels on track.  My lab work shows no problem with my vits, so I started looking elsewhere.  In the last few months, the cycle has gotten to be more frequent.  Before it was much  more sporadic.  This makes 2 months in a row where the itching started about a week prior to my period.  I'm going to see what happens next month before calling the doctor. 

I'm glad you found the answer to stop your itching.  It can really drive a person insane!!!

Best wishes!

I would like to start off by saying I'm feeling for you.  I have yet to have my surgery on the 9th of this month, but I have been struggling with these issues since my last pregnancy 2003.  It happens about a week before my period begins.  Starts with tiny bumps on my hands and just right above my wrists.  And it itches boy does it itch!!!! I've seen a dermotologist and my regular doc.  Have went through every cream possible and several medications for itching and nothing really seems to help.  By the time it heals it's about time for it to start all over just a neverending cycle! It has gotten better in the past 8 months I don't get it on my hands anymore just a little spot on my left lower arm but it is still annoying! Good luck let me know if you find a "cure"!

Isn't it terrible!  I'm glad to hear it is getting better for you.  Some allergies (if that is the cause) do ease up as your body learns how to respond... and others can seem to pop up out of nowhere.  Changes in where you work or live or what you eat can bring on new allergies... so I'm assuming that changes in our body can do the same.

Best wishes.  Good luck as you start the next phase of your journey to a healthier you! 

I should add that I have a lot of allergies... environmental, food.  I get allergy shots weekly and take a nasal spray nightly.  I've tried Zyrtec and Claritin, but neither helped.  I also used a steroid cream and anti-itch creams.  They helped take the edge off the itch, but only for a short time. 

If you research 'hormone allergy' (articles by Dr. Roby), you can find a list of additional symptoms. 

I think that losing weight releases hormones stored in the fat (opinion only).  This can trigger changes in things (like allergies) post-op.  It can change how your immune system reacts.

I hope you get some relief, I can relate to itching, I have had two episodes now of itching on my left hip, last time was a few years ago and I itched it until it was black and blue, and bloody.  Its doing the same thing again, I put on all kinds of lotions thinking it was just dry skin.  But I really think it might be from stress, I am super stressed out right now and the itching is just horrible, it keeps me awake at night its so bad, I would scratch the skin off I think if I had the chance.  I had to file my nails down really short and rounded to stop from really hurting myself in my sleep while I scratched.  It is literally driving me insane.  Last time it lasted for a few months and then just stopped.  I am hoping for the same thing this time but who knows.  Maybe this is the final straw before insanity really sets in.

Good Luck
Heidi

Years ago, I had legs that itched and felt like they were on fire.  The doctor told me it was stress and anxiety and gave me Prozac.  Either it worked, or I just didn't care anymore...   I can't really remember much more.

Best wishes at finding an answer!