Itch

I have Celiac Disease, an autoimmune allergic reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and other grass grains. An ordinary allergic reaction means that histamines are produced; an autoimmune allergic means antibodies are produced that cause the immune system to attempt to destroy the body. In the case of Celiac Disease, the destruction is directed at the small intestine and perhaps to the thyroid. The damage to the small intestine causes it to not absorb good stuff like food and vitamine while absorbing bad stuff like bacteria and toxins. Associated histamine production frequently causes diarrhea.

The various forms of damage show up on the skin. One particular manifestation is dermatitis herpetiformis, snake skin, where patches of transparent scab form, peel off and reform. The associated itching is intense. The damage also manifests in other forms of skin problems, most of which itch.

I'm suffering such an outbreak now and have been for about a week. The skin on my abdomen was a bright red that announced a fierce itch; now it has calmed down to a dull purple color that still itches enough to keep me awake. Melaleuca oil or aloe vera gel can calm the itch for about four hours at a time.

It itches more if I scratch or if I even think about scratching.