About fifteen years ago, I was working in central Africa and developed a severe itching on my right forearm (enough to prevent me sleeping, and I broke the skin with scratching). Thinking this might be some fore of mite I consulate the doctor. He didn’t find anything, and gave me some skin crème (Betanovate). Eventually, after about two weeks it went away.

Five years late, this time in Saudi Arabia the same itching developed but on the left forearm. I tried the betanovate again, but no relief. I was almost driven to distraction and consulted the doctor. He said that my skin was very dry due to too much exposure to the sun, and recommended moisturizing crème. Again, after about two weeks it went away.


Now, four years later, I am in Thailand and the itching is in the left forearm. I have scratches so hard and deep that the skin has broken and become infected. The local doctor has treated the infection, but has no idea about the itching.

On serious reflection, I now realize that on each occasion I was going through a stressful period in my personal life (first time getting divorced, second time losing my job, and this time severe financial problems). My job has always been a ‘stressful’ one, but that I am able to handle, which is why it never occurred to me until now that this itching might be related to a different kind of stress.

Is this possible? Have others suffered the same symptoms? What can I do for short term relief? Any help gratefully accepted.