Korean Job Discussion Forums

[chocolacharat]

Okay so my sister has an allergy to something. She has taken several IVs, injections, and other medications in Korea but it's not helping at all.

She's basically healthy and stuff but she is so itchy she can't stop scratching. Does anyone know if there is anything I can buy to relieve this? We have precribed medicine from the doctors but it's not helping much, and they said she has to wait until tomorrow to switch but she hasn't slept in about three days.... anyone have any suggestions? What happened to calamine lotion? =(

[dr. love]

This is sounding more and more serious. I imagine they have given your sister a high dose of anti-istamines but are obviously not giving her any relief. It may not be an allergy she is suffering from. I would suggest visiting another doctor if you don't see an improvement soon.

If you are ouitside seoul and would like me to recommend a hospital, please send me a pm

[HijackedTwilight]

It can be a number of things. If she can see a dermatologist, that would be best.

In the meantime she should moisturize her skin and avoid taking more than one shower a day or doing anything else that dries out her skin (even though very hot showers provide temporary relief)

[NightSky]

as I said on your other post I recommend you take her to a pharmacy. they often know their stuff better than doctors. cheaper too...

[ED209]

Does sound serious. Can she change her ticket dates and go home early? No point hanging out here all miserable like. Or just get a second opinion.

[Kimchi Cowboy]

When it comes to itchiness, there are no shortage of possible causes. It could well be "environmental", but that's pretty broad. Some questions:

How long has she been here? How long has she been suffering the itchiness?

What kind of soap does she use? Has she tried switching brands? What about shampoo? Is she using the same brands as she used back home, or is she using Korean brands? For me, soaps make a huge difference.

What kind of laundry detergent is she using? Hot or cold wash?

Does she have red spots which may indicate bug bites? Is it possible she has bedbugs? Has she considered new linens or a new mattress?

Does she have dry, flaky skin, or is it otherwise normal?

What about diet? What's different now compared to "pre-itch"?

Best of luck to your sis, I hope she can get this sorted out.

[tzechuk]

It could possibly be helicobacter pyloris... which you get through eating raw vegetables (the worms in it)...

I had extremely itchy skin once and no dermatologists were able to figure out what was wrong. I then went to John Linton at Severance Hospital. He ran a blood test and bingo. I had it. A 7-day dose of strong antibiotics cured me.

[SuperFly]

Most itches, like most sneezes, are psychosomatic. In fact, you can often trace back in your mind the thought you had just prior to the itch. The thought likely will be of someone or something or some power that you want but do not have. A pleasure or satisfaction that you seek. This void sets off an itch.

The thoughts which trigger itches are just below consciousness, and since they regard something you desire, your conscious mind is comfortable with them being revealed, and you can access them by a few quiet moments of self searching as the itch arises. Try it; it's interesting.

http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2008/01/21/hlsa0121.htm

[Siesta]

I know of a couple of teachers who got scabies here in Korea from their students. When it starts to appear it looks like an allergic reaction on the skin and apparently the itching is pretty unbearable at night if untreated. It seems that doctors here have a problem diagnosing scabies despite it not being that uncommon.

[Adventurer]

[chocolacharat]

She hasn't changed anything. In fact the doctors think it was the plane food. And her entire body is itchy. Everywhere. She hasn't eaten properly or slept since she's gotten here, and she arrived on Sunday. I'm going to see different doctor tomorrow morning just to make sure. I'll keep you posted...

[Adventurer]

[Hope]

Just in case your doctor failed to try the obvious make sure you go to the pharmacy and pick up an antihistamine such as Zyrtec. I had a problem with itchy skin (particularly around my ears and neck). The dermatologist gave me all kinds of expensive creams and pills...none of which worked. I realized I was not being given an antihistamine and went and got it myself. When I told the doctor that I picked up an antihistamine on my own and problem cleared up she seemed rather annoyed. Also...if the problem continues...don't bath/shower in the tap water....try using bottle water.

[chocolacharat]

She has had a lot of gas but this is the first time it happened. I'm going to see a different doctor tomorrow but after explaining her symptoms on the phone he also thinks it is a food allergy. We'll have to see...

[cbclark4]

Vaseline intensive care advanced healing formula.

Also any of the oatmeal based lotions Aveeno comes to mind.

I used to get an almost insane itch, it was from my diet I had cut back
way too much on hte protiens and fats. I lost a lot of weight but my skin
was dry dry dry.

When you get out of the shower pat dry leaving a sheen of water then
paste the lotion on pretty heavy and let your skin absorb it you can use a
fan or a hair dryer don't hold the hair dryer too close and use it on high
speed low heat.