Dh, Histamine And Skin Pressure

[JustNana]

I have a question. I have noticed that when I'm first getting a new "itchy" that it's on a site that has just had some pressure on it. Like if I use scissors I will get the intense itch right where the handles were pressing on my fingers. To me, this is acting like a hive situation. When I was younger I would sometimes react to a medication with hives and pressing on a spot or absentmindedly scratching would instantly exacerbate or create the welts. I k ow this was histamine related. Anyone ever notice that pressure or a scratch will initiate a DH lesion?

[JustNana]

Just to clarify I am not getting welts now. I get the intense itch and then later, sometimes, but not always, little blisters, not a "rash."

[squirmingitch]

I think I'm correct here in saying that's where the herpetiformis part of the name comes into play. DH acts like herpes. I've seen this discussed elsewhere in this forum. In herpes & dh when you get a cut, burn, abrasion, bruise, anything disturbing the skin then the herpes or in this case, the dh often does or can present in that place. The degree to which it presents is varying. I suppose it depends on many factors --- the severity of the disturbance to the area, the stage/severity at which your dh is at that point in time & of course, the individual. I have noticed this too Nana. To varying degrees. I understand you said you just get the intense itching. I have had that happen. I have also had the little blisters form & once in a while, the rash.

[JustNana]

Squirmingitch,

Oh I could cry with relief. This whole Celiac, DH, Hashimoto's thing has me severely doubting my own perceptions. But this particular manifestation has popped up a lot recently.

I have noticed an improvement in the crazy-making itch in the two months I've been gluten-free. For instance, I haven't had the middle of the night thing on stomach or butt or scalp. And I've had a couple of 12-24 hour periods with only minor problems. It seems like the itching is more localized now, on ears, forearms, hands and feet (the worst) and shins, with occasional forests into other spots.

My hands and fingers are most troublesome. Palms are red, fingers wrinked and hot pink sometimes. With little fat to buffer the scratching, this is the area (along with shins) that gets the most scabs and small bleeding places.

I gat freaked out sometimes thinking maybe I have additional problems like kidney failure...I haven't given up my nightly wine.

I can relate to so many of your experiences. But I don't remember reding about the pressure causing new itches.

Thank you.

Very much!!!!!

[squirmingitch]

Sure thing Nana! This disease does strange things to our brains. Seriously though --- Seriously! I'm glad you are getting some relief from the itchies! Especially while sleeping. That sleep deprivation can make you crazy! And the itchies can make you not want to go to bed.

(((HUGS))) dear.

[JustNana]

I could feel that (((hug))).

Thank you so much. Yeah, the nights can be killers. For the last year or so I have gone to bed with husband then migrated to living room couch. I have even made sure I had something like a hair pick (the old metal kind) within reach to dig at scalp. Cold seems to help. For the longest time I would wake up and get a bag of frozen peas or corn from the freezer to use on the worst places.

I don't know why but I hid all this from hubby. I felt ashamed somehow that I had this unexplained itching. Maybe an unconscious association with lack of hygiene or something. Anyway... It's heaven to vent and be truly heard. Thanks again. 

[squirmingitch]

I can relate. No matter how badly my head is itching i refrain from touching my scalp when I'm anywhere in public view -- including standing just outside our door. It has always been associated with poor hygiene & I think that's been drilled into our heads (pun) from birth!

My mom carried a clean toothpick & would use it on her head. She always thought it was "nerves" --- now I know what it truly was. I felt the bumps myself.

[thleensd]

I know this is a few months old, but I'm looking through to see other people's histamine comments.

Years ago I was diagnosed with "chronic idiopathic urticaria and angioedema" (hives and swelling - unknown reason). I also had dermagraphia... The swelling was actually a delayed pressure reaction. Look up pressure urticaria. It is well-known.

From what I can tell, if your body is in a place where histamine is overactive, this is one of the possible reactions. Not in your head at all! =)

I'm trying to find info on healthy gut bacteria and histamine... that's the research road I'm going down. It seems a healthy, balanced gut will fix so many things! Now...... how to get there!?!

Cheers.