Relief I Never Knew About!

[elenaroser]

Having a "break through" outbreak of DH. I've been off gluten religiously for almost 10 years, but, every once in a while get the rash. A few years ago a doctor (finally) prescribed Dapsone and it works very quickly, especially if taken at the very beginning of an outbreak. But, this time I thought it was ant bites- I'd been at it in the garden and assumed the incessant burning itch was that. At least, until I started breaking out on the opposing arm, etc. By this time I had scratched enough to spread the break out and the tiny blisters were conjoining to form welts. Last night, itching like crazy, I was in the shower and decided to turn the water to extra hot and put my itchy arms under it. I was getting some relief and so I held my arms under the hot water for a few minutes. The itching stopped. And, I had relief all through the night. This morning the redness and swelling was much diminished. So, I needed to know what was up with this and Google told me that what I'd discovered by accident was a well known means of relief for rashes because the heat interrupts the neural response. Wow! I wish somebody had told me that sooner. When the itching returned later this morning, I did the same treatment and spent the day in comfort. By this evening the itching was starting to return, so, in the shower I treated my arms to a minute or two of hot water. As I write this I am enjoying complete relief. Don't burn yourself. I read that water 120-130 degrees F. is hot enough. Enjoy almost instant relief that lasts for hours! I hope it works for you. 

[Hopeful1950]

Years ago, even before I found out my rash was DH I bought a thing called "The Itch Stopper".  It works by applying heat to the itchy spot...now I know why!  I have always gotten some relief from a hot bath also.

Thanks for sharing this.  Finding relief for the unbearable itching is a constant quest for folks.

[Scott Adams]

Some people report that using Ben-Gay cream helps.