Question:
Anyone have SEVERE itching on legs post op...?

Since surgery 2 years ago, I have had success and only a few minor issues. One of them is that I get severe itching in my legs. It gets so bad that I can rub the skin right off. I have tried all kinds of lotions and creams thinking that it was just dry skin - to no avail. Any suggestions on what might be causing this or how to keep me from scratching my skin off?    — AllisonF (posted on April 6, 2006)

April 6, 2006
maybe your not getting enough water . i notice that I dry out all over if I'm not drinking . just a thought. good luck
   — amygirl

April 6, 2006
I know what you mean. I agree you need to get in a lot of water but I still notice I have to put a moisturizing lotion on 3 times a day to avoid the dryness. I can scratch my legs like a bear on a tree cuz it gets so bad. Apply lotion more often and get more water. You'll see a change.
   — kristiegarcia

April 6, 2006
im no doctor, but could it maybe be an allergy to something? maybe you could try benadryl (couldnt hurt). hope it gets better
   — shamrocks32276

April 6, 2006
Dry skin is also a symptom of thyroid problems, among many other things.
   — RebeccaP

April 6, 2006
For me, right after surgery I noticed very dry, itchy skin. I think it's from not getting enough fat in your diet. But I don't know at over 2 years out. Hope this helps.......
   — seanna

April 6, 2006
Couple of things leap to mind. Are you supplementing your protein or relying solely on food? Do you avoid fats/oils? Are you taking dry form vitamins A, D, E (esp E)? It can be related to nothing to do with your WLS, as mentioned below, but the way my brains works is nutrition first, while you're making doc appts to be checked further.
   — vitalady

April 6, 2006
I break out in hives which are really itchy. I have found using Aveeno (both the bath treatment and the body wash) really help with the itching. I hope that helps.
   — tonifrisina

April 7, 2006
Thank you for all of your suggestions! I just had my 2 year lab work and I'm low on B-12 and my iron stores. I had a B12 shot and am increasing my Vitamin C and D. Any other suggestions are more than welcome! Thanks!
   — AllisonF

April 7, 2006
Hi I am 18 years old and I have had Severe Eczema my whole life, so I know what you're going through when you say you could rub your skin right off. I have almost every prescription and non-presciption avaliable for itching. 1. GOLD BOND- Ultimate Healing Skin Therapy Lotion 2. CORTAID- They have a lot of phenomenal products(I usually buy a "compare to" brand because if you are buying more than one thing it can get costly): Anti-Itch Cream, Maximum Strength, 1% Hydrocortisone Intensive Therapy Cooling Spray *Note*- This next stuff is classified as "First Aid" but I use it all the time, it numbs the area, it doesn't sting and it is designed to relieve pain and itch. 3. Bactine Those are just a few, but I've tried 1,000's more so don't hesitate to contact me. I also want to tell you that you should only use products without a fragrance, some products with fragrance only lead to further irritation, and instead of itching the area lightly slap it, I know you're probably thinking "What the?", I was the same way when my doctor told me that, but it works. I have many remedies and tricks, so I hope this help you. Good luck, Katie
   — KMB

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