Ever had the German Measles?

My mom has the German Measles. She is taking the prescribed medication but she is still really itchy. Any advice?? It's driving her nuts. Thanks!

Most people keep their MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccinations up to date, and so don't acquire german measles. (at least in the US). However, since it is a viral illness, there is not much she can do. Colloidal oatmeal baths may help reduce the itching. They are usually available in pharmacies in pre-packaged form. (Aveeno makes one that is very nice).
If it's been awhile since you've been vaccinated for this, you need to make sure your titer levels are up, or you could catch it from your mom. Measles is heartbreaking to pregnant women, as it can result in fetal malformations or spontaneous abortion.

Sorry can't help I'm Scotish (try Gold Bonds Iitch cream)

no i've never had it. i think i would go crazy if i did. you should read up on it too.

Had it when I was 7. My mom cooked oatmeal and slathered it all over me. I was so grossed out that I forgot about itching.

there is this ointment to stop itching. take that. it helps. also i knew someone that died from it so check allergies. stuff like that helps.

What are topical (external) itch treatments?

Cold applications: Because cold and itch travel along the same nerve fibers, the use of cold can "jam the circuits" and deaden itch. Methods of applying cold include:

Cool water, either by running tap water over the affected area or placing a cold clean washcloth on the skin.
Cool showers.
Ice packs, either the kind you buy or ice cubes in a plastic baggie.
Hot water (in the shower, for instance) feels good temporarily, but it often leaves you feeling itchier later. Therefore, the use of hot water is not recommended.

Anti-itch creams and lotions: Look for over-the-counter (OTC) remedies with these ingredients:

camphor
menthol
phenol
pramoxine
diphenhydramine
benzocaine (or one of the other "caine" anesthetics)
You can apply these products over and over -- every few minutes if needed. These preparations help numb the nerve endings and stop you from a frenzy of scratching, which leaves the skin raw, sore, and even itchier.

Although hydrocortisone-containing creams and lotions are often promoted as itch-reducers, this ingredient only helps an itch that is caused by a rash responsive to cortisone, such as eczema and seborrhea. Since OTC hydrocortisone-containing creams and lotions are weak (even so-called "maximum-strength" products are only 1%), they aren't too helpful for itch even in responsive conditions. When itch is caused by irritations of other sorts (insect bites, for instance), hydrocortisone doesn't help much at all. If you use hydrocortisone for 10 days and experience no improvement, you should see a physician to help determine the cause of your itch.

What are oral itch treatments?

Traditionally, antihistamines are used to treat itch. The most popular ones are:

diphenhydramine (25 milligrams, 1-3 times a day)
chlorpheniramine (4 milligrams, 1-3 times a day)
These medicines can induce drowsiness in many people and must be used with care before driving a car or operating heavy machinery. Although antihistamines may help itch, they seem to do so mainly by helping people fall asleep. (Staying up all night scratching makes you edgy and itchier all the next day.) If falling or staying asleep is not your main problem, you're probably better off with a topical treatment.


When should the doctor be consulted for itch?

If home treatment isn't helping, or you notice that scratching is affecting the skin being scratched (infection, lichenification, or pigmentation), or the itch is disturbing your sleep, you should consult a doctor to ascertain why you're itching (sometimes, the problem really is more than skin deep). A doctor can also prescribe stronger cortisone-based creams (for eczemas and allergies) and prescription-grade antihistamines, if necessary, or treat the underlying condition that is causing the itch.

Please see the webpages for more details on Rubella (German measles).