Constant itching?

Jingle, good point and good insight. She might actually have some neuropathy.

Could she perhaps be mistaking tingling for itching? Sometimes I think I itch when I tingle.

Dry "thin" skin. I want an edit button!!!

Probably dry skin.

My mother has itching spells. The dermatologist prescribes a hydrocortisone cream for her. You can get some simpler and less expensive OTC brands of the creams in the first aid section of drugstores or grocery stores. Pick up some and see if it helps.

One problem people have is they get in a itch-scratch-itch cycle. Scratching an itch only makes it itch more. We can end up clawing our skin off if we don't break the cycle. If the cream doesn't work, see a dermatologist. He/she can check to see if the follicles are inflamed. If they are, an antifungal cream may be in order.

I don't know why older women have so much trouble with itching, but they do. The arms and backs are the most affected. It is very common and usually nothing serious.

Cerave' cream in a tub is a nive emollient, about 20 bucks a tub in the drugstore, but worth it, if it works, for all over dry skin!

Look up Morgellons, or Morgellons disease. Be grateful that the itching is probably not that.

Or aloe? It's cooling. Try it if you haven't already ... sounds like you have tho.

The "shouldn't itch" comment doesn't work just by nature of the fact that she DOES itch. Try benedryl/lidocaine/aloe anyway. Doctors don't know everything.

Rainmom, Happens to me within 30 minutes of eating, like a food allergy.
Thanks for sharing your diagnosis, will look that up.

FF,
My go to itch cream, yes, extra-strength benadryl lotion.

I have a condition called Notalgia paresthetica. It causes insane itching on my back, usually right below the shoulder blades - where your bra generally sits - thank you, very much - and where it's nearly impossible to reach to scratch. The itching is so intense that my tool of chose is a metel serving fork! I have tried every cream and pill under the sun for this but nothing really works because - the condition is neuropathic in nature. It is cause by never damage in nerves as they connect to the spine. The only real option I have is to deaden the nerve endings either somewhat permently - which doesn't appeal to me - or on a temporary basis - which is my choice - with a lidocaine cream which numbs the area. If your mothers itch is more than a symptom of dementia, try asking her doctor about a numbing cream - it's the only thing that has provided the slightest amount of relief for me.

Have you tried something natural, made by herbalists who don't add the various chemicals and preservatives found in mainstream creams?

Have you also taken her to a dermatologist to determine if there are any skin issues to address? Do you apply safe, healthy lotions to her skin?

Do you have a humidifier in the house? Have you measured the moisture level in the air with a hygrometer? Changed the furnace filters regularly?

If you're using dryer sheets, stop immediately. They have undesirable chemicals.

You might also try using an herbal soap with no preservatives.

My Mom had the scratching issue, also, and her dermatologist had her try a variety of different sample lotions and sample soaps until she found one that worked for her. Of course it was always one that you couldn't buy in the local stores.

Sometimes taking a shower that is too hot will dry out the skin, make it flake and become itchy. That happens to me in the winter. Plus I need to wash my clothes, bedding, and towels in detergents that are "basic" with no ocean breeze scents [love that smell], same with the fabric sheets, again "basic".

For me, I found Extra Strength BENADRYL® Itch Stopping Cream worked.