It sounds a lot like me...I can't put nice sheets on the bed because I scratch in my sleep and there are blood spots all over them in the morning. I'm told mine (the eczema) is caused mainly by a nickel allergy- although I came up allergic to so MANY things that there could be other factors as well.

I have a regular antihistimine that I take (Zyrtec 10mg), but if the skin is bad at bedtime I also take a Benedryl. The best thing is this stuff the allergist prescribed; it is Triamcinolone mixed into VaniCreme. I use it liberally and often, and it seems to help.

Also, it seems to be slightly better when I am well hydrated, so I've gradually worked up to about five litres of water a day.