So, how scratch-resistant are you?

In My Humble Opinion
1

The thought comes from a combination of looking for new sunglasses, and acquiring a case of Poison Ivy this weekend. Although I feel the itchies, so far I have not scratched. In fact, I rarely scratch any itchies, except for a case of scabies that I went after in my sleep.

I taught myself not to scratch when I had a case of hives many, many years ago. I had hives for one and a half years, breaking out on several places on my body each day. Since it was a reaction to pressure and temperature changes, scratching only made it worse, and I had plenty of time to train myself to get used to the sensation without taking my skin off.

Since I work outdoors, I get mosquito, chigger, blackfly (gnat) and flea bites regularly. (If they made Frontline for humans, I would be a volunteer to test it!) Up until now, I had been resistant to Poison Ivy, but I knew it would just be a matter of time. Oh, and let us not forget Stinging Nettle and Wild Parsnip…

So, has this post made you itchy yet? :wink:

2

Blackflies…argh! I was sitting inside after maybe 15 minutes out and thought, what’s all this blood down my neck?? Farkin’ blackfly. :mad:

I am not very scratch-resistant at all; if I can I slather the area in ointment to stave off my scratching (too messy) and soothe the area.

Scratching feels so good!

3

I tend to be able to ignore most itches. Then I got poison ivy for the first time ever a few weeks ago. It was still mostly okay, but I’d wake up in the night scratching at it. Yow.

4

I’m considering bandaging my arm for the night - the blisters are swelling, and I’d rather they not burst in bed. I’ll have to bandage for work tomorrow, anyhow - manual labor and blisters won’t mix well, I fear!

(I just got back from buying a major load of Glyphosate and a new backback sprayer… watch out, Rhus!!!)

5

Am I the only one who found himself scratching as soon as he started reading this thread?

6

I have had a continuous case of poison oak for about the past 7 or 8 years (plus or minus a few clear months every once in awhile). In fact, I have a nice fresh case right now on my forearms, neck, and shins from a job I did last week down at Cachuma Lake in northern Santa Barbara County.

I can truthfully say that I am completely scratch-resistant. I just ignore the rash and, eventually, it goes away.

7

I’ve had hives for over 7 years. I don’t scratch - if I ever start I’ll never be able to stop.

8

I was told mine could reappear at any time, but so far, so good. Here’s hoping yours go away and leave you soon!

9

From the title of this thread, I thought you were referring to being impervious to (the discomfort of) being scratched :). After having many ferrets, I am almost completely scratch-resistant -I don’t even really feel it unless it is a real deep scratch (or bite).

But, to answer the question you actually asked, the counter-balance is I am almost entirely unable to deal with an itch that needs to be scratched. Straight-jacket required (either from going insane by not being able to scratch or to keep me from scratching ;)).