Nighttime worse for P?

[SonyaMiller]

Okay, so after weeks of treating my skin and trying to wait patiently for something to work... I now have a new theory:

P knows when it is nighttime, and decides to be worse.

I go through the whole day without itching or scratching sometimes, only to rake through 5 layers of skin as soon as it passes 9:00PM.

Does anyone else have this?!!? I figure it is the same when you are sick and you always seem worse at night...

Anyway, I am struggling with this, sleepless nights and painful skin... any advice would ROCK.

Thanks:)

[Kimbercat]

I had the same problem when I was flaring, and my theory is that you're busy during the day, so you don't think about the itching as much. When you're trying to relax to go to sleep, you're more likely to notice the itching.

If the itching is driving you crazy, you might try taking a Benadryl at bedtime. Some people have reported that that helps. There is also a drug available by rx called Atarax that many people have had good luck with. The only problem is that it can make you VERY sleepy (a good thing at night). You can also try soaking in Aveeno oatmeal baths, and then slathering on your favorite moisturizer (fragrance and dye free would be best). And one more trick that I learned is if I'm really itchy in one particular area, applying an ice pack sometimes helps me.

I'm sure others will be along to help, but I didn't want you to be left hanging overnight in case you want to try any of these tonight. Good luck, and I hope you're feeling better soon. :o

[lpagano]

My itching is always worse at night! Lately my ankles are driving me crazy, and as soon as I get home from work the itching starts, it will be fine all day, then around 6:30 it is non stop. I find that just wetting them down and applying a heavy layer of cetaphil cream seems to help. I don't take the Atarax as it makes groggy the next day, but I do pop a couple of Motrin and it does take the edge off.

[docmks]

Hi there Tasha,

I think almost everything is worse at night. It probably has to do with our circadian rythmns (i know it's not spelled right), I guess, and maybe it has to do with the slowing of our fight or flight response. I mean, we're kicking out adrenaline during the day like crazy and then when we start to slow down, our biochemistry changes. This may be related to things that are triggered by that change in our body's chemistry. Depression is often worse in the evening; my migraines often hit after a long, intense day. All these things involve neurochemical transmitters, and it's very likely that the itch/scratch cycle does too.

That hypothesis is not very helpful, however, in terms of your problems with itching. Mikek has some wonderful suggestions on previous posts about ways to combat itching. I personally use ice or cold compresses when my itching keeps me awake at night. I also have used both benedryl and atarax, but do know that you are going to really get sleepy and may even be groggy during the next day, so allow plenty of sleep time/nap time (which is also rest time and therefore not a bad thing).

Good luck to you; let's us know what starts working for you. It will get better.

MK

[MikeK]

Hi Tascha,

You've already been given some great advice. :) Here's a couple of other suggestions (some of which are so good that they're worth repeating!):
Putting on some moisturizer; Corn starch; Anti-itch powders, creams and lotions such as Gold Bond. (I usually buy the cheaper store brands.) My current favorite is Eucerin Itch-Relief Moisturizing Spray. I like it because it helps control the itch and it's easy to apply because it's a spray. Here's a link to some additional information: http://www.eucerinus.com/medicalsite/products/handandbodycare/anti-itch/anti-itch.html. Some very good friends of mine swear by Neutrogena Anti-Itch Moisturizer (http://www.neutrogena.com/ProductsDetails_36.asp). It has lidocaine in it. Ice packs; Taking a cool shower; Benadryl; Atarax (http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/rxdrugprofiles/drugs/ata1035.shtml). You'll need a prescription. It makes me VERY sleepy so I can only take it right before I go to bed.

I hope this helps.

Feel better.

Keep us posted.

Mike

[alli]

Hi,
I think almost everyone has mentioned benedryl.....but that's my favorite as well. I've used benedryl as an OTC sleep aid as well ( this was suggested by a friend who is a nurse) and I'll use it for those times you have to go to bed way earlier than your normal sleeptime ( like the night before catching a disgustingly early flight).

[Maracel]

Absolutely! I've noticed exactly the same thing. I sit down after dinner to rest, and the itching starts. I have all my lotions and potions right next to my sofa and instead of itching I start applying my current favorite potion of the day.

My theory on this phenomenon is this: psoriasis is an illness of our immune system, so any stress on our immune system is going to lower the barrier. At the end of the day we're more tired, less rested, more stressed, so it stands to reason that the psoriasis will overwhelm the immune system at that point. The rest of the day when we are more rested the psoriasis is kept at bay.

[aorta]

I cant sleep at night either. The itching is driving me insane. Atarax doesnt even help. The onle thing that gives me relief is to pour ice water over the itchy spots. My hands are the worst so I soak them in a bucket of ice water. Elidil cream seems to be helping a little, it took a few days to take notice. I feel for you man, I am afraid to lay down at night for fear of itching attacks to come. This disease SUCKS

[kimie]

I agree w/ Kimbercat. Not as busy at night, more the P will keep one busy... :D Too busy during the day to itch!...

Great advice on fixes, though! Personally, I'd been pretty good at night for some reason... :)

[fittingit]

I also itch at night and I take a shower and lotion up before laying down. I did find that when I ate any kind of fruit I would itch more. of course I am trying to clear up by eating the right foods and natural everything. I dont itch so much when i eat veggies in the evening. I take a couple of glucosamine before retiring and don't like to take on an empty stomach. I am kind of flaring at the moment but I did it to myself by eating to much salt for a couple of days so now I itch all the time. I get up in the middle of the night and put lotion on. Aveeno works for me. I also leave my legs uncovered so they r cooler and that helps a lot.

[mares78]

iv had psoriasis for 4 years and recently a gentelman noticed the patches on my arms and said his daughter had psoriasis for years and recomended me to try goats milk on it i rub it into my patches and drink it to and i started to see an improvement within days.

[SonyaMiller]

Woo! Man, are you guys helpful...

I got some Atarax. My doc said no more than 4 a night, so I started with one: nothing. Went to two: nothing. Three?: nothing. God, four?: nothing. Five: Out like a light, 10 hours later woke up with a hangover-like haze.

Yeah!

I'm going to try some anti-itch lotions because I'm scratching so hard I tear my skin... bad for healing.

Thanks everyone, I will take your advice and hopefully get some non-Atarax zzzzzz's...

Tash

[RichJ]

hi mares78,
welcome to the p family and you have met some of the wonderful people on here and will find alot of great info. welcome and nice to met you

have a good night all

richard

[nla]

I agree, I think ANYTHING that you have is worse at night. For me anyway, I have always thought that it's cause when I lay down I am no longer distracted by a zillion other things and your brain just sort of "tunes" into things; you're more aware of what hurts or itches.

Hope those that need it can get some much needed relief. Now that I've read this thread, I am suddenly starting to itch!! I think the power of suggestion may also be something to think about......... :)

Nancy