Itchy Palms and Soles of Feet

[buffymad]

For the past few days (on and off, very random) I get incredibly itchy palms/fingers and the soles of my feet. If I scratch it doesn't really take the itch away, it feels like its on the inside if that makes any sense! Any ideas what causes this? Not had it before other than in winter when you coming in from the freezing cold into a warm house. Obviously not the case now!

I'd mention that a couple of weeks ago I came out with an allergic reaction to something I'd eaten (Ryvita). As soon as I'd finished eating it I got incredibly itchy all over my body and came up in a red rash. I wanted to rake the skin off my body! I took an anti-histermine tablet which seemed to calm it down. Since that episode I've gone a bit blotchy on the inside of my arms a couple of times but not sure if that was to do with the sun or if it just randomly came up.

I mention all this just in case it has anything to do with my itchy hands and feet.

Don't think it can be anything to do with washing powder/soaps/creams etc - because it just seems to crop up at any given time - not necessarily when I've just used something or put some clothes on. I didn't think it was to do with food as this can happen when I haven't eaten for a while.

Any ideas anyone?!

[Sqad]

Is there an associated rash or redness with the itching?

[buffymad]

No - well, only when I scratch!

[Sqad]

buffy...sorry it took so long to get back....another pressing but less interesting engagement.

It does sound like an allergic reaction rather than an infection and as such, might I suggest that you take an antihistamine such as Loratidine twice daily for a week and get back to us.

[buffymad]

I'd previously bought some of Boots' own antihistamines - are they the same thing as Loratidine. And is it okay to take them twice a day (I know it says once a day on the packaging)?

[Sqad]

buffy...Boot's own? I have no idea, just look at the ingredients to see if it mentions Loratidine.

Yes it is perfectly fine to take one twice daily.

[buffymad]

Have checked and it says Cetirizine Hydrochloride. Any good (they do mention they're for hives and itcy reactions etc) or do I need to get something different with Loratidine?

[Sqad]

buffy...Cetirizine is fine.

[buffymad]

Forgot to update you - took 2 tablets a day for a week and was fine - no itching at all. However, when I stopped after a few days it came back - not as itchy as before but more of a hot feeling and tingling. Any ideas?

PS - Through a rather stressful situation last night I came out in the red itchy rash on my arms and legs and couldn't stop shaking. Had to take a tablet to help it disappear.