Extreme itching on feet and hands with no relief when scratched

Also, when I say I should have followed up with getting a colonoscopy with a gastro, but "couldn't afford it", that was 10+ years prior along with other ER visits. The last 5 ER visits were within a 2.5 week span

I am new to this thread and just saw your posting from August. I am so sorry you are experiencing this. There have been several great ideas in the responses for ways to deal with this. I am almost 75 and have been dealing with eczema since my early teens. However, about 25 or 30 years ago, I started dealing with the same things you are dealing with now. There are rashes that itch and itches that rash. This is the latter. Talking with my doctor, and since I was not having a flare up when I first saw him about this, he said it was probably hives associated with something I ate, something I came in contact with, or something on my clothes. It was only my hands and feet. He said to start with Zyrtec. He also suggested using a cortisone cream for flare ups. Those asking about clothes washing, shampoos, soaps, etc. are exactly correct to ask those questions, even though they seem obvious. You may still use the same detergent to wash dishes, but the manufacturers may have changed the formula just enough to cause an issue. It took some time, but the Zyrtec worked for me along with applying Cortisone 10 cream for flareups. Any cortisone cream will work. It is just a matter of finding the one that will work best for you. I tried some of the generic brands. They worked but some took just a little longer to calm the itch from a flareup. I have been doing this for 25 to 30 years. For me, during the summer, I really like fresh from the garden tomatoes. The acid in them can cause a flare up for me if I eat too many. Others with this issue may have found another food that causes the problem for them. I only use unscented soaps and laundry detergents, and steer clear of anything perfumed. Also, anxiety and stress can trigger a flareup. I am happy to say that I am over 6 years cancer free, but I still get a little anxious when it comes time for my annual checkup. As for my flareups, they are very few and very far between now. Only one or two a year. And when I do have a flareup, I am aware of what is going on and get some cream on the itch right away. It is calmed in a matter of minutes. As for Zyrtec, I am now using a generic brand that has been working just fine for me. It is quite a bit cheaper than Zyrtec, the active ingredients are the same as Zyrtec. My heart goes out to you, and I really hope you are finding some relief.

You should see a dermatologist as soon as possible and stick to lukewarm water, avoid hot showers. This sounds like it could be more than a typical skin issue. It would also be a good idea to get some labs done, like thyroid, liver, kidney, blood counts, iron, and B12.

Hyperthyroidism?
Get a TSH

I take fexofenadine (in the UK it's Allevia and sold over the counter) every day and it's been a life changer for my itchy, menopausal skin. Still get the itchy feet at times though but the itching on rest of my body is so much more bearable now.

@mja62 I take four tablets a day along with a low dose of prednisone to help keep my medication allergy hives and itching at bay. Always talk to a doctor about a higher than directed dose of any OTC medication.

@jmhwmt51 when the itching becomes unbearable, I use ice packs on the itchiest areas. It takes care of it quick. Be cautious of cold injury. You don't want that.

@deniseheart Thank you for the suggestion. My itching has been under control for several years, with only an occasional flare. It is usually during the summer when I have eaten too many tomatoes. I know it is coming and try to get ahead of it. However, the other day, I noticed that I was scratching my left hand. I immediately used some of my trusty cream, but I will definitely keep ice packs in mind the next time it flares up. Looking for non-medicinal approaches is always my goal. Have a wonderful day and thanks for reaching out.

@swiss344 OMG, You sound like me And Whitlyn822! The itching-to-bite-it Thing — out of nowhere … coming from The Inside!!! ALL ME! and I can’t think of Anything that I’ve changed. I WILL try the Zurtec (OTC?) tomorrow!! Also, the patches of scalp psoriasis have stealthily begun to affect my EARS inside! & my dermatologist has Retired!☹️!!
If You two or Anyone Else has Any thoughts, suggestions, etc., I’d be HUGELY GRATEFUL!!! It’s ALL driving me C-R-A-Z-E-E!!!! Many Thanks, and Best Luck!!

I hope you take the advice of getting your labs done. I had intense itching from an autoimmune disease called PBC, primary biliary cholangitis.
One of the side effects of the condition is intense itching to the point of scratching your skin off.
I was prescribed naltrexone which did a wonderful job of controlling the itch. Might want to look into both those things.