Night time itching ?

I've been increasingly itchy at night.
Small itchy bumps on my arms.

[b]I'm certain I don't have bed bugs [/b]as I have checked 3 times on different days in the middle of the night.

I washed my bedding a few weeks ago.

I've been using itch cream nightly for about a week.
Seems to be getting worse.

Thoughts, suggestions?

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SW-User

if not parasites, could be hydration (i doubt it. you seem too smart not to stay hydrated), hormones (strong correlation with nighttime itching, we make less hormones at night), a lifestyle factor (something your eating, drinking, coming into contact with) or an underlying health condition such as an autoimmune problem.

because of the range of possibilities, a doc is the best bet to suss it out quickly.

my first suggestion would be to stop using all soaps in the area and use a natural oil (sweet almond, coconut, etc...) instead of any creams/lotions after washing gently with lukewarm (never hot) water only. of course some soap may make brief contact when you bathe (shower preferred for this reason), just don't apply any detergents or creams directly to your arms or use a washcloth in the area, then pat dry. also you might consider using only scent and dye-free laundry detergents and softeners. that would be ideal in ruling out contact dermatitis, and it would give your skin a complete break to heal.

iamnikki · 31-35, F

@SW-User so use an oil to bathe? I know coconut oil is antibacterial but..

SW-User

@iamnikki no, i realize my wording is slightly confusing, sorry. use only lukewarm water to bathe your arms, then gently pat dry. then apply a thin layer of oil. we have a natural protective flora on our skin that can be disrupted by bathing with soaps all the time and applying chemical-laden creams. your acid mantel (your ph level) may need a break to heal. it really sounds like contact dermatitis