Allergies - driving me nuts

[firenze11]

So I finally went to see my doctor about allergies and she quickly got me into a specialist. My appointment to see her was on Wednesday but the weather was so bad here with wind and blowing snow I had to cancel. So now my appointment is Monday, which is really great. The only problem is I can't take my antihistamine because I can't have any in my system for the scratch test Monday.

I was ok for a couple of days, I'm guessing the antihistamine was still in my system. Now, I'm just miserable with all the regular allergies annoyances. I'm doing what I can about itchy eyes and congestion. But the skin is going nuts.

I'm thinking of going to get some Aveeno body wash w/ oatmeal in it and maybe some aloe I can slather all over. Do you know of anything soothing for itchy, rash-y, annoying skin that can be used pretty much all over?

I cannot wait until Monday! At least I'll get an idea of what's causing all of this madness. Thanks!

[rocknrollgirl]

My DH just went through the same thing. I hope you get some relief this w/e.
Feel better.

[teigyr]

Aveeno has lotion that is really great. Also, hydrocortisone can help. When I've had reactions to things (get skin reactions periodically) where I get these horrible itchy hives, both of those things have helped relieve them a bit. It's not perfect...but it'll help get you to your appt without too much insanity

[OakLeaf]

Don't use cortisone before your testing.

I know, those 2 weeks can be miserable for me, too, if I schedule my re-testing for the wrong season or if there's an unexpected pollen or mold spike. The good news is that allergy shots (plus learning to manage my food allergies) improved my quality of life just unbelievably. Hope you get results as good or better than mine!

[kat_h]

The only lotion I ever use now is unscented Lubriderm. It was recommended to me by my tattooist because it doesn't cause rashes on sensitive skin and helps cool the itching.

[sah]

try using a saline solution to rinse your sinuses.. it really helps. Also a steamy wash cloth on the sinus for short term relief.