I can't sleep because of itching

March 28, 2017 8:14 AM

In the last few months, I am often unable to sleep due to itching. Last night was the worst night, I think. I was up until 3am and woke up periodically through the night until I got up at 7am.

This came on about three months ago. The itches seemed to be bad at bed time. I am a little uncertain whether that's actually true or that I don't notice them as much when I'm occupied with other things. However, I definitely notice them now. They haven't abated since last night. Some nights are better than others.

I'm really uncertain who to see about this although I do have a call into a doctor.

Here are some helpful bullet points.

* I was taking 30mg of melatonin nightly for several months. When I read itching might be a side-effect, I cut back to 10mg a night and then none. This has not helped.

* Someone mentioned to me that caffeine might be a trigger. I generally stick to one 10oz coffee in the morning and sometimes a diet drink midday. Otherwise, no changes in itching or consumption. Although, caffeine is my immediate future. :-/

* I've tried an anti-histamine. This has no effect.

* I've tried anti-itching cream. This has no effect.

* I've tried moisturizer. This has no effect.

* In the last two years, I've been fully tested for allergies. None detected. I would be willing to do it again if a doctor thought it would be useful.

* I have no visible rashes and no visible hives.

* I talk Lamictal which is in conjunction with Cymbalta. Lamictal has a potentially fatal rash as a side-effect, however this is only seen during initial dose or if a dose is missed and resumed at the same strength the following day. (One has to go back down to minimum and then ramp back up to working dosage. Nevertheless, I have not missed any doses in all the time I've taken it.)

* Different bed sheets does not help.

The doctor I have a call into is my psychiatrist because of the Lamictal. I do not have a GP because my regular medical plaza got into a pissing match with my insurance company and cut everyone off. I have to find another source for medical care.

YANMD. But thoughts are appreciated.

posted by tcv to Health & Fitness (43 answers total)

Have you tried different detergent?

Are you in a cold and/or dry environment? Do you have a humidifier in your room?
posted by AFABulous at 8:20 AM on March 28, 2017 [8 favorites]

Could be bed bugs or something similar, do you get the itching if you sleep somewhere else other than your bed? I would also suggest finding a GP to do some basic blood work to rule out a medical cause.
posted by impishoptimist at 8:20 AM on March 28, 2017 [6 favorites]

I also suggest checking carefully for any signs of pests, but I would do so throughout the entire house. It could also be good to take photos in case things look different by the time you can see a doctor.
posted by Verba Volant at 8:25 AM on March 28, 2017 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Hi all,

I am in a humid environment. Re: Detergent, I don't think I've tried something new. I was initially going to say that sleeping elsewhere makes no difference, but those blankets would be washed in the same detergent.

Bed bugs are unlikely and there are no fleas.
posted by tcv at 8:27 AM on March 28, 2017

Following with interest, as I believe exactly the same thing happens to me from time to time. I describe it as a "piercing" itch. One place itches, I scratch it, then another place itches. It's crazymaking.
posted by Dolley at 8:27 AM on March 28, 2017 [4 favorites]

Bed bugs are my first thought as well. I know you've switched bed sheets already, but have you checked under the mattress or in nooks and crannies in the bed frame? Bed bugs love to nest in wooden furniture as well as upholstery. I had an infestation that went undetected until I incidentally lifted up the wooden slats my mattress rested on and saw the bloodsucking bastards hiding underneath and in the cracks.
posted by tobascodagama at 8:27 AM on March 28, 2017 [4 favorites]

It seems very unlikely to be bed bugs because if it were bed bugs, there would be bites, right? There would not be "no visible rashes."

Where are the itches? All over everywhere?
posted by Don Pepino at 8:32 AM on March 28, 2017 [5 favorites]

Are you hot? This happens to me sometimes and it's usually because it's hot in my bedroom.
posted by Automocar at 8:32 AM on March 28, 2017 [1 favorite]

You mentioned that you tried an anti-histamine, but have you specifically tried Zyrtec? This started happening to me a few years ago, and Zyrtec is the only thing that helped. If I go off of it for a few days, the itching comes back, take my daily pill, and I'm good again. Obviously, total anecdata, but it wouldn't hurt to try.
posted by AaRdVarK at 8:32 AM on March 28, 2017 [2 favorites]

Response by poster: The itches are everywhere. It does seem like whatever is in contact with a surface is more prone to itches, though.

The reason I doubt bed bugs/fleas/etc is that I sleep with someone and they are not affected like this at all.
posted by tcv at 8:34 AM on March 28, 2017

I take buproprion, which is different than your meds, but it does have the occasional side-effect of itchiness. Sure enough, I got the itch—and it mainly happened at night to me too.

Turns out that it was a probably a certain manufacturer's version that was making me itchy. Once my psychiatrist switched me to a different manufacturer's buproprion it stopped. Could have been psychosomatic too, but eh! As long as I'm not itching. I'm wondering if that could be it, but YMMV.
posted by Empire Today at 8:46 AM on March 28, 2017 [4 favorites]

If you're interested in ruling out the bed sheets as a cause, try a different detergent, add a scoop of baking soda, and use white vinegar as a rinse.
posted by bq at 8:47 AM on March 28, 2017 [1 favorite]

Have you had your liver functions checked? Liver issues cause itching.
posted by Ftsqg at 8:51 AM on March 28, 2017 [8 favorites]

I know that Cymbalta has a listed uncommon side effect of itchy skin. From what I understand, it fits your description fairly well - only at night, disrupts sleep, no visible bites or localized sites, just an overall itchy feeling.

What antihistamines have you tried for it? Some antihistamines work better on drug induced itchiness than others, in my experience (I get opiate itch with some of my meds).
posted by strixus at 9:03 AM on March 28, 2017 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Hi all (again!),

I am interested in trying a new detergent. I'll get something hypo allergenic, I suppose! No fragrance.

I haven't had my liver checked, no. Would liver compromises show up in a blood screen? Just wondering. I have to find a new doctor. :-(

As far as antihistamines go, I've only tried Benadryl which ... well, it doesn't sit with me well at night. I get into this strange sleep/can'tsleep mood with it. It's very uncomfortable. And it didn't help the itching. I'll try Zyrtec because it can't hurt to try, I suppose.
posted by tcv at 9:31 AM on March 28, 2017

Low iron can cause itching that seems to be immune to all OTC remedies.
posted by COD at 9:31 AM on March 28, 2017 [3 favorites]

I second it possibly being the Cymbalta, or if fibro is what you're taking it for, the fibro. Google Cymbalta itching and also fibromyalgia itching. Lots and lots of reports of unending nighttime itching.

Since your bed sheets are presumably washed in the same detergent that your clothing is, it's doubtful that it's your laundry stuff but for sure it can't hurt to rule it out. Try sleeping on the sofa one night to see if you itch. Another thought - have you gotten a new mattress or pillows lately? I had a slight allergic reaction to a memory foam-type pillow recently and it took me a few weeks to figure out what was making me wheeze.
posted by the webmistress at 9:34 AM on March 28, 2017 [2 favorites]

Liver enzymes and bilirubin levels can be checked in a blood test. Elevated bilirubin can make you itch, and it is worse at night.
posted by Wossname at 9:35 AM on March 28, 2017 [3 favorites]

Response by poster: I am less inclined to blame low iron though I have had unexplained anemia in the past. I give blood every time I am eligible and they take an iron test. I've never been turned away.

I'm taking Cymbalta for depression. I hadn't thought to look up Cymbalta and itching, but it does seem that you can find any symptom related to anything online. And it does seem like all roads lead to cancer at some point! :-D

No new mattresses or pillows lately. I can sleep on the sofa, but all blankets, bedding and clothes are washed in the same stuff.

Certainly the best thing to do here is get another GP. Meanwhile, I'll try some of the other possibilties.
posted by tcv at 9:52 AM on March 28, 2017

Three ideas:

1)

Try Seventh Generation Free and Clear detergent (unscented; don't get the lavender one at first). I'm allergic to propylene glycol -- it's a surprisingly common and undiagnosed allergy -- and this is the _only_ detergent I've found that doesn't contain it.

However, if your clothes aren't itching, maybe it's not so much an issue? Worth a try, anyway.

Also: make sure sheets and clothes are _thoroughly_ rinsed. My old washing machine sometimes requires a second rinse cycle to make this happen. It's more of a problem if the machine is overcrowded.

2)

A really hot shower and/or bath can release histamine during, so that you are less itchy for a time after.


3)

Is your skin in the right balance? Make sure it's not too dry, and also not too moist/oily. If you're sure it's not too dry, and it might be the other way, try scrubbing with a washcloth (check for detergent allergy first, though, or this could make it a lot worse). You can also try antifungal powder.
posted by amtho at 9:52 AM on March 28, 2017 [1 favorite]

I often get itchy when I need to exfoliate. And moisturizer makes it worse until I get rid of all the dead skin cells. My favorite way to exfoliate is with the Salux towels, which would have the advantage of no potential allergens, but there are many many ways to shed those dead cells.
posted by DrGail at 10:13 AM on March 28, 2017 [1 favorite]

I have eczema, and switching to showering before bed instead of the morning made a major difference to me. I think it's probably because I'm not carrying the day's accumulated dust to bed with me, and it keeps my sheets cleaner than they'd otherwise be.

As well as changing detergent to something unscented, avoid using any fabric conditioner.
posted by pipeski at 10:22 AM on March 28, 2017 [1 favorite]

I sometimes get uncontrollable itching and I find that a cold flannel piece of cloth (wet it and put it in the freezer) gives a bit of temporary relief. Keep a few on the go. If it doesn't subside then see your doctor and get a prescription for prednisone.
posted by h00py at 10:43 AM on March 28, 2017 [2 favorites]

This is (hopefully) a bit of thinking outside the box, but maybe get your blood glucose tested. I have had clients with diabetes who were suffering from really awful itching, especially at nighttime.

That said, I don't think it's a common first sign. But especially if you have any other DM symptoms (frequent urination, thirst, hunger, fatigue, or sudden weight loss, etc.) you should get it checked.
posted by sively at 11:26 AM on March 28, 2017 [1 favorite]

I was really itchy a couple of months ago, to the point where I was going to go to my doctor, but I read a comment here about taking not so hot showers and gave it a try. I usually take really hot showers but since then I have reduced my shower temperature to warm but not hot and the itching has stopped. Its a pretty painless thing to try because you don't have to go out and get anything and the only side effect is that you're saving some money on heating water, although I do find my showers less enjoyable now.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 12:29 PM on March 28, 2017

Could you have sciatica? This sounds nerve related to me. I get INSANELY itchy when I have a pinched nerve somewhere. Benadryl and other anti itch/histamine stuff doesn't work when it's nerve related.
posted by Hermione Granger at 12:41 PM on March 28, 2017 [2 favorites]

Also, if you notice that the itching is not *only* at night - but is worse anytime you have skin contact with any surface (clothing, bed stuff, whatever) check bloodwork for thyroid levels as well if you're doing bloodwork anyhow. : )
posted by bitterkitten at 12:44 PM on March 28, 2017

I second the Zyrtec recommendation. I was prescribed it when I had a repeating case of chronic hives, and of all the antihistamines, it does seem to be the most effective for itchy-type reactions. Now it's OTC so that helps.

My hives also tended to occur where there was pressure (so, backs of legs, arms, back, elbows, knees, ankles because of socks, waist because of waistband, etc).

In terms of amelioration, I will suggest taking a cold bath, or shower, before bed to help calm the itching. Ice does not work nearly as well as immersion in cold water. It's not fun, but then neither is insane itching.
posted by Autumnheart at 12:46 PM on March 28, 2017

This may be obvious, but - are you getting enough water? Especially for a medication like lamictal, hydration is key and it's easy to get dehydrated. I get super itchy if I don't have enough water.
posted by bile and syntax at 1:13 PM on March 28, 2017

I get this on my legs a day or two after shaving them, when the hairs are growing back in. And it seems to spread -- once my legs get itchy, it feels like the rest of my nerves decide to get in on the itchy, itchy fun. Could it be something like that?
posted by sarcasticah at 2:15 PM on March 28, 2017

I have seen info that suggests itching can be a symptom of problems with the lymphatic system
posted by canoehead at 2:27 PM on March 28, 2017

Coming at this from an entirely different angle, given harsh personal experience: for MONTHS prior to any actual physical evidence, my body would itch (primarily legs, but also upper body to varying degrees) to the point I wanted to flay my skin off. Particularly at night, which made sleeping quite difficult. No matter what I took or tried, the itching wouldn't abate. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, welts that looked like weird bug/spider bites appeared. Soon, the spreading of same became chronic, with ever-more itching. Went to a Dermatologist for the first time in my life, and he diagnosed the raised patches as plaque psoriasis, with severity past the point of biologics.

I'm not trying to imply this is what you have, just raising the possibility since never in a million years did I think I would develop this condition. Having no experience with the medications you mentioned, I cannot speak to whether side effects are a directly contributing factor. Still, should you eventually develop welts/odd rash-like symptoms, I would advise heading straight to your new General Practitioner for a referral to a Dermatologist. Had I sooner, I might not have progressed to the point of needing Humira. Just a thought, nothing more.

Hope you figure it out, and feel better quickly!
posted by Amor Bellator at 2:31 PM on March 28, 2017 [1 favorite]

I itch at night sometimes. I think it's because at night I have nothing to do but be aware of my body. I make sure I am moisturized after every shower, I try my best to resist scratching, I use topical anti-itch creams. It gets worse when I'm stressed. It gets better when I'm well rested and relaxed.

I'm sorry I have no real solutions. It really is a PITA when you already have to go through extra effort to go to sleep at night.
posted by pearshaped at 2:51 PM on March 28, 2017

I have had this kind of itching in the past and still get it on occasion. In my case it is caused by eczema. As other people have mentioned, moisturizing after every shower and using topical itch creams can help. If it is eczema then it's best not to have your shower be too hot -- that can dry your skin out more and leave you more prone to itching. Note that eczema doesn't necessarily have an associated rash -- the rash is often caused by scratching the itch rather than the rash itself being the source of the itch.
posted by number9dream at 2:57 PM on March 28, 2017

I was going to mention hot showers too, when I have the water too warm, I get all over itching. Maybe try a cooler shower.
posted by Jubey at 3:40 PM on March 28, 2017

I would try one of those antihistamines that you take every day (fexofenadine is one type). Keep it up for a couple of weeks and see if it helps.

This happened to me. It came on out of the blue and kept me up at night, although the itching was localised to my neck and face. I hadn't changed anything that I knew of, so eventually I put it down to seasonal allergies. The daily antihistamines worked until it just seemed to go away of it's own accord and didn't come back when I stopped the drugs for a few days (which I did every couple of weeks to see what would happen).

I never did find a cause, but trying to find it was making me crazy so I just stopped obsessing over it.
posted by Youremyworld at 4:05 PM on March 28, 2017

I have that too, and it happens when I'm suddenly exposed to a lot more sun than previously. Might that be happening to you? In my case, it's not sunburn, and the itching is primarily in places the sun doesn't reach. I tried everything mentioned above - changed all my soaps, use a ton of moisturizer, benadryl cream, cortisone cream, gave up hot showers, nothing worked. Antihistamines help a little, but only after I take them for several weeks.

You might try asking your doctor for a prescription for prednisone - I've seen that suggested for urticaria and other unidentified itching.

Does your skin get hot when it's itchy? If so, rubbing ice on it might help, if you can stand it.
posted by still_wears_a_hat at 4:13 PM on March 28, 2017

I doubt it is the lamictal. That rash will put you in the hospital quickly. I second the 'no hot showers.' And it matters which moisturizer you use: nothing with lanolin works for me and aloe is worse. But Cerave - the cream in the jar, not the lotion in the bottle - is a miracle.
posted by kerf at 9:23 PM on March 28, 2017

I have this, too--it's worse in the summers, for me, and it's hours of endless itching. I'll scratch my legs in my sleep, leaving raw patches. It's awful.

So far, no otc antihistamines help, but sometimes when I'm really desperate, lidocaine will--I buy this from amazon, and I wouldn't say that it's amazing, but it will usually offer an hour or two of relief.
posted by mishafletch at 11:47 PM on March 28, 2017

I get all over itching from the hard water that flows from my apartment shower. The alkalinity of water can change the way soaps etc. work with skin. There's often other weird stuff in water that can cause reactions in your skin, like chlorine. Hard water is also the reason my towels tend to dry like cardboard. It's a lot of fun all round.
posted by BeeJiddy at 4:24 AM on March 29, 2017

What works better than taking an H1-antihistamine such as Zyrtec alone, for itching, is combining it with a H2-histamine blocker such as Zantac. Zantac is sold as an acid reducer for heartburn, but it is also useful for itching.
posted by artistic verisimilitude at 11:45 AM on March 29, 2017 [2 favorites]

Response by poster: Update: I am reducing the Lamictal per Dr. instructions.
posted by tcv at 5:55 PM on March 29, 2017

I have urticaria, a.k.a. chronic hives. Sometimes the itchy areas look red or rashy, but mostly they don't. I do find that itchiness at bedtime can be a big problem because I'll have just taken off my clothes, especially my socks. The itchiness tends to follow somewhere that rubbing or pressure has been on my skin.

Benadryl is the OTC antihistamine that I haven't tried. I have found zyrtec, allegra, claritin, and chlorpheniramine to all be very effective. I hear that the effectiveness of each varies from person to person. A tolerance builds up so that I rotate the drugs every one to two weeks. If Benadryl didn't seem to work that doesn't necessarily mean another drug won't work. Be aware that Benadryl and chlor are very drowsy-inducing, and are thought to be bad for you long term. The others are much less likely to make you drowsy and are thought to be much safer for the long term.
posted by polecat at 9:13 PM on March 29, 2017