A reader’s 78-year-old mother is suffering from persistent itching all over her skin.  It’s so bad that she scratches it until it bleeds.  She’s seen a number of doctors and dermatologists but everything they have prescribed – cooling lotions, antibiotics, antihistamines – has failed to work.  She’s also seen an iridologist and a naturopath and has been advised to swap cow’s milk for goat’s milk. But, again, this has had no effect.  She is not allergic to wheat.  Do readers have any suggestions?

A couple of readers point out that a number of drugs can cause excessive itching.  If your mother is taking any medication, read the datasheets carefully and consult with a doctor to establish whether this is a known side effect, they advise.  One reader notes that her own mother’s skin problems cleared up as soon as she stopped taking her blood pressure tablets.  She now takes coenzyme Q10 and fish oil instead, and her blood pressure is lower than it has been in years.

Alternatively, perhaps the persistent itching is a symptom of another condition.  As one reader explains, “Things that can cause excessive itching include liver disease, kidney failure, iron deficiency anaemia, thyroid problems and cancers, including leukaemia and lymphoma.  In these cases, the itching usually affects the whole body, rather than one specific area.  The skin may look otherwise normal except for the scratched areas.  Make sure she's been tested for all the above, especially if the itching is accompanied by other symptoms, such as extreme tiredness, weight loss, change in bowel habits or urinary frequency, fever, or redness of the skin.”

If these conditions have been ruled out, however, maybe something around the house is causing the problem.  One reader suggests that washing powder could be to blame, while another reckons it’s toxic toiletries.  Try using fragrance-free, non-biological washing powder or Eco Balls (washing powder replacement), and look for shampoos and shower gels free of sodium lauryl sulfate and other nasties.  Also, check the entire house for any other products that could cause skin problems. 

As for natural remedies to relieve the itching, suggestions include juniper or calendula ointment, zinc cream, aloe vera gel, baking soda baths and homeopathy.  Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids may also help.