Ignoring the itch

[Kat]

So I know that those red scaly patches itch. And I know moisturizing helps. I know scratching is to be avoided if at all possible. BUT... I admit that I scratch way more often than I should. So I was wondering, what do you do to ignore that itch??

I've found I can refrain from scratching if I'm out in public or around people, at least not that satisfying digging in scratching. Although there have been times I've excused myself to go find a secluded spot to scratch.

I've also found that with scalp psoriasis I can go outside in the sun and since I have long hair I can shake my head and watch the specks that fall shimmer in the sunlight as they blow away, a bit like a snow globe! I'm easily amused at times. But that only lasts a few seconds so isn't really helpful. Actually it might even be a little bit weird.

So how do you ignore the itch?

[Fred]

Ha got me scratching as soon as I read the subject of the thread. 

Like you say I can ignore them most of the time if in public as you have to try harder, but it's not always easy. It's a bit like psoriatic arthritis, I put myself in a positive mode and tell myself it doesn't hurt. I find I can do things (or not as in the case of scratching) for a while, but I also have to stop thinking about it or it comes back.

Apart from that it's a good question, but I personally don't have an answer and now I feel all itchy. 

I'm off to take my mind off it and start planning dinner.

[Kat]

Ha got me scratching as soon as I read the subject of the thread. 

Like you say I can ignore them most of the time if in public as you have to try harder, but it's not always easy. It's a bit like psoriatic arthritis, I put myself in a positive mode and tell myself it doesn't hurt. I find I can do things (or not as in the case of scratching) for a while, but I also have to stop thinking about it or it comes back.

Apart from that it's a good question, but I personally don't have an answer and now I feel all itchy. 

I'm off to take my mind off it and start planning dinner.

Oops! Didn't mean to cause any itchiness!

But since I itch all the time anyway it seems I didn't think about that happening.

I do think keeping ones hands busy helps. It at least keeps me from doing the auto scratch where I start scratching without realizing it.

[Fred]

Oops!  Didn't mean to cause any itchiness!

But since I itch all the time anyway it seems I didn't think about that happening. 

I do think keeping ones hands busy helps.  It at least keeps me from doing the auto scratch where I start scratching without realizing it.

I still sometimes go for a good scratch where there used to be psoriasis but it's no longer there, it must be habit.

[KatT]

Benadryl or Reactine when I itch to the point that I can't sleep

[Kat]

Benadryl or Reactine when I itch to the point that I can't sleep

Good idea! Although I've never had much luck with Benadryl. Trooper is on Benadryl right now, the vet said 1 tablet per 25 pounds so 3 tablets once per day. He's been itchy so vet thinks it's allergies due to the warm weather not killing off the ragweed and stuff. Based on the 1 tablet per 25 pounds let's just say maybe I haven't had much luck because I don't take enough of it! I only take 2 and I definitely weight more than 50 pounds so I'm guessing people dosage is different. Didn't notice it helping with itching or with sleeping (it knocks my daughter out!) Didn't help with my allergies at the time either. But I know some people who have had great results with Benadryl so again, good idea!!

[jiml]

I've been lucky with my psoriasis (if you can call it lucky ) I've never had an itch with it for me it was just uncomfortable, but I did and still do occasionally get a patch on my head and scratch my head to try to get the thick scales out of my hair, which as soon as I get it clear with Enstilar by the next day there is fresh scale growth, it's an area behind my ear that I can't shift . But not itchy so can't help with that

[KatT]

there's Benadryl day pills and night pills.  the day pills last 4 to 6 hours.  last time I needed something to control the allergic reaction (swelling) from Simponi, the pharmacist recommended Reactine extra strength....last 24 hours, non drowsy...

[Kat]

there's Benadryl day pills and night pills.  the day pills last 4 to 6 hours.  last time I needed something to control the allergic reaction (swelling) from Simponi, the pharmacist recommended Reactine extra strength....last 24 hours, non drowsy...

I haven't heard of Reactine. I'll have to check it out.

[Forest Walker]

How can scratching be bad when it feels so good?  

I remember the times our dogs had a "hot spot" they would lick and nibble until medication healed the spots and how we would try to get them to not lick and nibble the spots.  My cognitively disabled brother would scratch his itches, sometimes until they became infected, and we would be frustrated with him for scratching.  

But now. . . .

I understand how it feels to have relentless itching and the need to scratch.  It does help to take the mind off the itching, such as being out of the house does.  It's become habit to scratch my legs while on a phone call at home.  Maybe because phone calls are usually stressful, relating to my brother's care.  

On New Year's Day, Daughter had borrowed Former Husband's car to travel in Seattle.  She's an inexperienced driver in her early 20's.  She was three hours late in returning, and it had become dark with the roads freezing over.  Son called me, worried about her on the icy roads, worried because she wasn't answering her phone or texts.  Former Husband called me with same worries.  My legs became a'flamed, the itching intensified.  

I knew the friends she was visiting and their moms from Daughter's high school years. I texted.  I called.  I scratched and scratched and scratched.  

Daughter arrived home shortly after I was brought into this story.  She was safe.  She experienced driving in the ice and learned from it.  She and her dad need to improve their communication.  But that's on them, now.  My legs are sore.  Maybe the scratching was harmful.

To immediately relieve the itching, sometimes a moisturizing cream helps.  Sometimes a cold, wet wash cloth.