Alternatives to Benadryl for Itching Relief

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1134
knitter
Jun 10, 2023 3:44 pm

Benadryl makes me sleepy, so I don't really want to take it during the day. Any other suggestions for relieving the itching with a pouch?

AlexT
Jun 10, 2023 5:01 pm

Is the adhesive causing a reaction, making it itch? Mine itches sometimes, but usually, mine is from me shaving my stoma area or the wrap I use while at work.

Posted by: Karen & Stella
Fay,

I am one of those few people who still have a lot of output at night. However, I suffer from short gut syndrome after seven bowel surgeries that led to the loss of much of my small intestine as well as my large intestine from the initial bowel cancer surgery. It does get better over time as your system adjusts, but an ileostomy can be a challenging adjustment. It's important to connect with a good Enterostomal Nurse - ET nurses who can help you problem-solve over time. It's been five years since my initial surgery, and I had a great visit with a new ET nurse in December. He really helped me with the problem of high output at night. I had been getting up every 90-120 minutes to empty my high output bag because of filling. If I slept for three hours without emptying, I would have problems. My ET nurse helped my husband and me make a nighttime collection system using a Rubbermaid juice container with a handle and my old CPAP hose. This is connected to one of my two-piece high output bags and allows for continual drainage. It isn't pretty, but it has been a real lifesaver. I guess the real message I want to share is to stick with it, find a nurse who you can work with, and together you will find solutions to whatever challenges you face. This website is also an important support for me and others. There is nothing you will go through that others haven't already faced and figured out. There is so much wisdom here. Read the materials they've put together for newbies. There are a lot of great suggestions to use. I hope things get better quickly for you.
Karen
Longroad78
Jun 13, 2023 6:26 am

If you're getting itching from the ostomy supplies and it is not from the skin irritation when removing and cleaning the area between changes, you might have a small allergic reaction to the product. Right now, I have to take it every 24 hours because I started having
Dermatographia 2 months ago. Allegra and Claritin block histamine like Benadryl but do not cause drowsiness and, according to my doctor, are not as bad on the body. There are cost-saving generic versions of these on the market at most big brand stores. I get the Allegra version bottle from Costco. If it is skin irritation itch, a small ice pack works great to calm things down.