 |
NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
|
|
|
NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
|
Skin Care and Diseases |
Why do I experience daily, general itch?06/08/2001 02:58AM |
For months now I have been experiencing extremely itchy skin. Sometimes I itch all over with no sign of rash or hives! Other times I break out in hives and itch even more intensly. I have tried four different allergy medications and have had blood work to rule out disease. Nothing is working and my doctor is saying "its all in my head". I am not crazy, I really do itch! What is wrong with me? How can I control the itching?
Pruritus can be maddening. If I understand it, you are approximately 22 years old and there is an extensive litany of diseases that can be associated with pruritus or itching. I would guess that you are in good health otherwise, and the most common cause of recurrent itching with very few skin findings is dermatographism which is pressure hives. You do not have to have large, swollen, red lesions in order to have this entity. Usually non-sedating antihistamines taken on a regular basis can control the itching. The extent of the blood work might come into question. I am sorry it is a difficult question to answer without a full physical exam and a review of the blood work that has been done. There are other tests that might be useful in trying to help you locate the principal cause of your disease.Non-systemic causes of itching can be as simple as the soap you use to bathe with or the detergents and fabric softeners you may use on your clothing. It would be important for you to keep a diary of all of your daily events including things you eat and take, and maybe you and your physician can get a clue. I would urge you to see your Board certified dermatologist at your earliest convenience for a complete review.
|
Charles L. Heaton, MD Professor Department of Dermatology College of Medicine University of Cincinnati |
|
|
Please note: only your personal physician or other health professional you consult can best advise you on matters of your health based on your medical history, your family medical history, your medication history, and how information from any of these databases may apply to you. Neither University of Cincinnati (NetWellness) nor any party involved in creating, producing or delivering this web site shall be liable for any damages arising out of access to or use of this web site, or any errors or omissions in the content thereof. (More) |