How I Treat An Itchy Flare
Dental Problems
In the last two months I’ve had four dental appointments. The fifth appointment comes next week. That comes to 10 cavities filled. Actually, two of the teeth were just broken. They break off when I’m eating, no matter how many hard foods I avoid. Sjogren’s disease has wrecked my mouth! Either way, I think I’ve bought the dentist a new car.
Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?Matthew 6:25
The cost of all this dental work is sky high, even with my dental insurance. It’s more than paid for itself, but it’s only July. I’m hoping that this last appointment will be the last for a long time. But, I doubt it. I’m still diligent with brushing and flossing.
I don’t know if all the dental numbing shots might be a trigger for this flare. Both wrists with AVN are killing me and I’m not able to use my right hand without severe pain. I’ve had days were it just hurts too much to walk (in my AVN surgery foot). My psoriasis is out of control and it’s so hard not to scratch myself raw.
I’m praying that this flare will soon fade. While I wait, I’m doing some blog technical construction. Chronically Content may be down temporarily. I hate to have down time, but I’ve been assured that it won’t be too long.
How I Treat An Itchy Flare
When my hands are super itchy, I sometimes hold a small ice-pack in my hands. Cooler water is better than too warm. I take cool showers, which helps with overall itchiness and keeps my body temperature cooler. Hot showers makes my dysautonomia rage and I can’t cool down for hours. I also feel more rotten than usual.
At night I wear cotton gloves. Before putting them on, I add steroid cream or clotrimazole cream. The gloves also keep me from scratching in my sleep. Hubby has seen me scratching in my sleep many times, so I try to not forget the gloves. I’ll do all of these things so that I can skip another dose of Benadryl. I’m already taking two Zyrtec every day. I take entirely too many drugs.
When I’m having a flare of Psoriasis, I feel much more comfortable in a loose cotton dress. When I have itching, cotton feels the best. I also use fragrance free laundry detergent and Aveeno sensitive skin soap. There have been so many types of creams and lotions that have ended up in the trash. It’s expensive being chronically ill. There is a lot of trial and error finding treatments that work.
Dermatologists, and there have been many, usually prescribe steroids. Unfortunately, I’ve used steroid creams for so many years and it can contribute to Avascular Necrosis. I’m avoiding it now, because once those bones die, they’re done.
While I’m on the subject of treatments, I have been taking some Ibuprofen. My kidneys said “no” but my pain was so severe and wide-spread, I just gave in. This pain flare is so annoying.
Do you live in an area that had the poor air quality from fires in Canada? We had an alert that told people to stay indoors. It was awful, but I stay indoors anyway. I’m thankful for the days of rain that seem to have improved the air quality.
Well, I’m sorry for the negative vent. Heavy pain does make me sullen and often, grumpy. So far, I’ve been quiet and sullen. Better pain days should be ahead. I hope and pray that you all have a flare-less week.
God bless.
@2026, copyright Lisa Ehrman
Disclaimer: I’m not a medial expert. This post contains my experiences and opinions and is to meant to be taken as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, please consult your personal physician.
