Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Severe itching with sleep problems

My son has had a severe itching problem for about 2 years now.  It tends to come and go, with episodes in summer, fall, and spring getting worse.  He usually has small scabs from itching so much, his face and arms are covered with them.  He itches in between his toes, fingers, head.  He has severe sleep problems b/c the itching is so bad.  No doctors can seem to give a sufficient answer - we've been told food allergies.

Medical history - he was born with a Vitamin K deficiency that caused a blood problem that was resolved within a month.  They suspected bad absorption of vitamins.  During blood tests b/c of this itching, his liver values were "elevated" but nothing further was done about it.  

What could be the cause and what tests should I use?  Could this be a form of liver disease?
5 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
maybe a reaction to chlorine in the water
try using distilled water to wash with
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
At one time, during all the tests, his liver values were elevated slightly, but returned to normal at a subsequent test.  Same for the white blood cells, elevated, then normal again.  He had a CAST test and that showed nothing.  We were told he had a slight allergy to rabbits, and a naturopath told us to avoid dairy, which seemed to help only mildly for a couple weeks.

He was treated for scabies just as a preventative, but they didn't think he really had it b/c it did not help.  

We're very much at the end of our rope.  He has been suffering like this for almost 2 years now, with these periods of severe itching, worse at night, worse when he defecates, and obviously when he's stressed.  No one can seem to help us.  We've seen dermatologists, allergists, homeopaths and naturopaths all to no avail. No one seems to have any clue why he gets this itching and eventually scabs and bleeds from so much itching.
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
A related discussion, I have also had these symptoms was started.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
A related discussion, Sewere itching problems was started.
Helpful - 0
242489 tn?1210497213
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
The only condition I can think of which comes close to what you're describing is scabies.  But scabies is a mite infestation that other family members would have by now.

Has your son seen a skin specialist?  Has he had any blood tests, liver or otherwise?  If not, I'd recommend both these approaches.  (I doubt liver disease very much, but unless he gets a blood test, you won't know for sure.)

Best.

Dr. Rockoff
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Dermatology Forum

Popular Resources
Learn to identify and prevent bites from summer’s most common pests.
Doctors argue for legislation to curb this dangerous teen trend in the latest Missouri Medicine report.
10 ways to keep your skin healthy all winter long
How to get rid of lumpy fat on your arms, hips, thighs and bottom
Diet “do’s” and “don’ts” for healthy, radiant skin.
Images of rashes caused by common skin conditions