Why does he do wierd things? Why? I don't understand

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That's why I suggested Vaseline. It really doesn't have much of a smell at all.

Could you take him to the store with you and have him pick out a brand of lotion he likes? See if you can get a travel size lotion bottle and have him lotion himself, a more socially acceptable substitute for licking).

I'm sensitive to smells too, though I'm sure not as sensitive as he is. I like Lubriderm scent-free lotion. It's not too smelly, and not greasy. I hate greasy. Oh, and it isn't technically moisturizer, but you could try oil-free sunblock. They don't have a strong scent like regular sunscreen and they are non-greasy. I like oil free sunscreen because it's very light, but he might like something more moisturizing if his skin is dry (mine isn't that dry). He could use baby oil if the oiliness doesn't bother him. I hear if you put it on after a bath and pat it off it moisturizes. It doesn't have a smell at all. I can't stand the feeling, but it might not bother him. Putting nail polish remover on his hands would stop the licking but I think the smell would be almost cruel

If he's not playing cat it sounds like a sensory thing. Middle Son won't ever wear short sleeves or pants. He has to have as much skin as possible covered up. Thankfully he's OK letting his hands, face and some neck show. The air feels really weird to him. Eldest Son finds great comfort in putting things in his mouth, which we are trying to break him of for the sake of health/avoiding GI infections. He's a teenager. I think your son is probably giving you a straight answer. He doesn't know that it doesn't feel the same way to you and probably expects his answer to make sense to you. Avoiding detergents might help as they strip the skin of natural oils. Real soap can be hard to come by as most of what's labeled "soap" is really detergent, possibly with trace amount of soap added, probably with the best parts of the soap removed and sold seperately as glycerine. Maybe if his skin feels better he won't want the spit on it.

Now he's incorporated the eyes. He licks 2 fingers on one hand, touches his eyelids and runs his fingers down his face. Depending on the state of his hands, he'll streak something (like dirt) down his face and he's painted lines down his face. I asked if his eyes itch and he nodded without eye contact, so I gave him Benadryl. Didn't help a bit.

Don't know if it helps, but while not the same behavior I did something similar as a child; could not stand the oils in lotions (still can't) and would like my hands. Also, on one of the occasions I tried a sport (baseball) I would do the same thing (or run through my arms) to be able to hold onto the bat. Give it time, and try to think what would be illogical for you perhaps, what could the direct correlation be instead of trying to 'reason' around the issue, would help.


M.

I don't know where you are, but this year has been particularly bad for pollen and mold allergies in my area. If your son is complaining of itchy skin and eyes then you can take him to an allergist and have a skin prick test done. If it is allergies then you'll know, and if not at least you can rule it out.

You could maybe try adding some oatmeal or jojoba or other soothing stuff to his bathwater. I believe they market lots of bath lotions and bubble baths etc.

Also, have you tried changing his soap? Some soaps are very drying to people with sensative skin. Cetaphil is a very non-drying soap.