How To Appease That Itching Back
Posted: Sunday, January 18, 2009
by Joel Hendon
http://hebronics.org/index.html
Some folk have abnormally oily skin, while others have abnormally dry skin. Blessed are they who have normal skin. Mine has always been ultra dry. People with very oily skin can suffer from various problems with it but it seems to me that the majority of the undesirable maladies, plague those of us who have overly dry skin. Or maybe I am just seeking sympathy. I am very thankful that I have some kind of skin.
But regardless, if you have any type skin, your back is a portion of it that craves scratching or rubbing. Do you know anyone who doesn't moan oooh and aaah when their back is being rubbed? Even though you become accustomed to having your skin back there, if you stop and consider it, it will begin to itch, slightly. Just a subtle warning that it can drive you up the wall at a moments notice.
My skin is so dry that, when I disrobe to get my shower, my skin in certain areas, like my lower legs and arms, look as if they are covered in small flakes. They don't come off but they are there. They are gone after my shower, but I believe they are only crouched down, because they return shortly.
But our subject is that itchy back. It is positioned so that it is difficult to reach for scratching purposes, washing or applying any type medication. I become angry at every shower. Some people can toss the corner of their washcloth over their shoulder, twist the other hand around and take hold of the thrown over corner and scrub up and down, then change shoulders and scrub the other side. I never could feel as if I had cleaned my back that way, only a narrow criss-crossed strip.
So, I've always resorted to a back scrubber, crooked handled brush which always has bristles which are too stiff (they're painful) or too soft (half of your scrubbing is done with the hard part of the brush head). But I finally made my own using one of those handles, cutting away those bristles and securing a wash cloth folded around it and secured with a rubber band. It not only does a satisfactory job but is a wonderful conversation piece if any one uses our bathroom and sees it.
But bathe as you will, that dry skinned back is still going to crave some clawing. (mine is itching right now...*x@#'). But there are methods that honestly will help. I consulted my dermatologist about my back and my scaly legs and arms. He gave me a routine that helps but doesn't cure, and requires an awful lot of personal attention. But when I get neglectful, it reminds me.
First, he said to purchase some Cetaphil brand skin lotion and use it several times each day on my scaly legs, arms, hands and any other parts to which I had ready access, including my back. Incidentally, the rig I use for washing my back works for applying lotion simply by putting a soft cloth or handkerchief around it and securing it with the rubber band. The wash cloth being in the laundry hamper at the time.
Another part of the routine he advised to me, was to purchase a bottle of bath oil, did not seem to matter what brand, and mix a tablespoon of it in a pint of water, either stir or shake well just before using. Then, after your shower, while still in the stall, pour this solution on your shoulders and then rub yourself down as it descends over most of your body. Then proceed to dry yourself off.
Now, I warned you in the third paragraph above this one, that it requires a lot of attention. But it does help a lot if you just do it. And besides that bath oil smells good. I have to admit that I get careless about it and sometimes just put up with the itchy symptoms. God bless you and may your itches be few.
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Top-level comments on this article: (6 total)I liked this informational article. A family member of mine has pretty dry skin, but his hands are the worst. They literally peel from the finger tips down to the palms. Once it's done peeling - it pretty much starts again. This is very aggrevating and slightly painful after multiple layers are peeled. After many Dr. appointments and suggestions, we've found that applying a prescription cream once a day, as well as using a lotion like vasoline intensive care clinical therapy every few hours works nicely. In addition, getting enough magnesium and potassium is also important for drying skin. So eat those bananas and green leafy vegies as well as fish are great sources for that.Hi Bonita, and thanks for reading and commenting. And yes, I do eat bananas and green vegetables a lot as well as taking a supplement potassium and magnesium. I fare pretty well as long as I follow my routine, only thing, I get careless. My hands also crack and peel. The palms of my hand have even cracked bad enough to bleed sometimes.But This Cetaphil lotion as the doctor recommended will keep my hands in good shape if I don't forget to apply some at least 3 or 4 times daily, and if they should get pretty bad, once per hour will calm them down in a day or two. It is aggravating but, I'm just thankful that I can somewhat control it.
This is a really good article. I wish I could write something as good as this. I like th idea of using bath oil to keep your skin soft and moisturized.Hi Hayley, thanks for your nice comment. I've read a couple of your articles and your doing an excellent job for a beginner. Just keep working at it and you'll pick up improvements as you go. You might consider dividing them up into paragraphs more. It makes for easier reading. But you are doing great. Keep loving school and try to get as much education as you possibly can. I promise, it will be very rewarding..
Joel,You've outdone yourself with this article; but I'm sure you'll have even more great writes to come!And to this: "...Do you know anyone who doesn't moan oooh and aaah when their back is being rubbed?..." - Yes, I know someone...ME! I love to have my back scratched, rubbed and oiled down...it's so very soothing!Thanks for sharing this with us.Thanks Ronyae, for your nice comment. It always encourages me.
Hey Joel. My husband keeps his little back scratcher handy for the one spot on his back that's always itchy. May I suggest that dry flaky skin can indicate the need for Omega 3 oils. Maybe try a good quality krill or fish oil for a while (months) and see if it helps- certainly can't hurt and lots of other benefits as well.Hi Val, thanks for commenting. Fish Oil? How, in capsules or what? I can't imagine taking it orally in liquid form. But it is worth a try, if it will help, especially overall. I've taken Cod Liver Oil before and I don't like it.
Good information for someone with this problem. Very detailed and descriptive.Thank you Cheryl, I appreciate your comment.
Joel, I use precisely what your dermatologist recommended in addition to vaseline on my feet with footies at night. I have dry skin on my back and I relate so well to what you accurately described. Living alone and not dating presents challenges for back scratching. I have the brushes etc...and back scratcher. I had a roommate briefly and I told her: "Thank God, I got somebody to scratch my back!" We laughed but I was serious. The only thing I would add is caution with the baby oil in the tub/shower. I don't do that part any more. It's dangerous, especially for the next shower as you step in. I use the bathmat outside of the shower to apply the baby oil while still wet. I also use it while shaving. It makes the skin so soft.
I'm tickled to read this article from you. I thoroughly enjoyed it, Joel. Be well and God bless!Thank you Avis for such a nice comment. I appreciate the additional information also. My skin is always worse in the winter eventhough we try to keep the humidity up inside the house. But cold weather and wind are terribly hard on the skin. I just read an article saying that less bathing (showers) is better for you in the winter. But I only shower once per day and I can't stand the thought of doing that any less. I don't believe I could go to sleep..
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