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Dermatology  (Expert Forum)
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Severe Itching Head to Toe!
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
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MedHelp Member's Question

Severe Itching Head to Toe!

by quietsound, Mar 20, 2002 12:00AM
I have this severe itch that has lasted a few months off and on which starts at the top of my head and goes to my feet.  I see no rash except I do see some little red dots or little red bumps.  It's worse on my back, legs, arms, scalp,  Sometimes I feel as though something is crawling on me or sometimes I feel as though I cannot keep my arms and legs still.  I cannot sleep because of this.  It is worse at night but I do occassionally have it during the day (like right now).  it's the kind of itch that you scratch but cannot ever relieve.  I have tried everything.....creams, moisterizers...bath and body stuff....sometimes it helps and sometimes it makes it worse.  I also itch up my butt and up my front.  The itching feels like a prickley itch and feels like i have a very mild sunburn.  I just don't know what to do about this or even what this is.  I just know that I need to get some sleep!  Please help me.
Doctor's Answer

by Alan Rockoff, MD, Mar 20, 2002 12:00AM
I can't think of too many conditions which cause the kind of on-again-off-again itching you describe.



Does a roommate or sexual partner also itch?  Do you even have a rash along with the itch?  These questions need to be answered before definitive diagnosis can be given.



If I were you, I would make an appointment with a dermatologist, who may want to perform skin scrapings (for mites) or blood tests (for liver problems.)  Very likely, tests will discover neither and you'll be left with nodescript itch, perhaps stress-induced.



While waiting for the appointment, you may benefit from sarna lotion applied as needed, and Benadryl capsules 25 mg at bedtime.  Both require no prescription.



Best.



Dr. Rockoff
Member Comments (51)

by quietsound, Mar 20, 2002 12:00AM
Thank You Doctor for getting back to me on this.  No, my husband does not have an itch at all and no, i can't say I have a rash either..just some little red bumps.  I do have fibromyalgia and I don't know if there is a connection with that or what but it's been going on way too long now.  I made an appointment for this Friday morning.  It's just very uncomfortable to say the very least and I get perhaps two hours of sleep between 4 and 6am.



Thanks for your time!

by Alan Rockoff, MD, Mar 21, 2002 12:00AM
Good luck.



Dr. Rockoff

by quietsound, Mar 22, 2002 12:00AM
Hi Doctor Rockoff,



I just wanted to tell you that I went to the doctors and he really didn't know what this was either...he prescribed a lotion to put on.........Promasone or Pramasone and to stop using the body and bath gels and to use a bar soap.......i found that when I did that it dried out my skin more.......but i'm suppose to humor him here.  what would you recommend as a good bar soap over the counter that doesn't have alot of chemicals in it or a soap that does not dry out the skin.



Thanks.

by FredZ, Mar 23, 2002 12:00AM
Dove (unscented) seems to be the mildest regular bath and beauty bar. If I remember correctly, a major consumer outfit once reported much the same in their publication. I've always used Ivory since I left home and had to start buying my own stuff. If it has a "scent" it has an extra chemical in it. Good luck.

by jewel01, Mar 23, 2002 12:00AM
Dear Itching,

I have had the same problem since last June. It comes and goes but at least 3 to 4 times a week I am up all night itching... sometimes legs.. back.. scalp.. anywhere and everywhere.. at first the Benadryl seemed to sooth it but now it is no longer working. I havent seen a doctor for fear of the lack of a diagnosis or remedy. If you find anything that helps please let me know. It can be so miserable. I also know it isnt any type of mite because my husband nor my daughter suffers from this chronic itching. Good luck to you and hopefully sweet dreams!

by quietsound, Mar 24, 2002 12:00AM
Thanks for the suggestion about the unscented dove.  I used this one last night it was an oatmeal and almond bar soap and my skin was so dry after that i thought i was gonna die!  The lotion to me makes it worse that the doctor gave me.  I don't know, I don't think there is any cure for this at all and your right, it's not mites or everyone would be affected.....i'm the only one.  I wonder if it has something to do with the nerves in the body.....i don't mean mental state, i mean the nerve endings and nerves in the body......i wonder if this may have something to do with it since my itch anyway, seems to feel more internal than external and not being able to relieve the itch when i scratch.  I don't know what the answer is but if i ever find out what it is, i will report back so that you poor souls don't have to suffer any longer.

by kurv, Mar 26, 2002 12:00AM
I also have the same symptoms as quietsound. It drives me crazy. I try to explain it to my girlfriend, she thinks I am crazy. My doctor is no help. For me, it's the very worst when I get a little excited or worked up about something; like maybe chasing the cat through the house or when I get mad at something when I'm working on the car or something stupid like that. Sometimes I get a rash around my neck and down my chest and back. It embharassing and depressing, I hate it. Reactin, which is like benadryl I think, helps a little.

by no relief, Mar 29, 2002 12:00AM
I have had the same type of symptom...itching.  Fifth Disease was going around where I work, I went to a local rash clinic, they suggested going to my doctor because of charges.  Went to the back door of my doctor in case I was contagious, told me I was allergic to something.  Stopped anything new, took a five day dose of a strong steroid and was put on a seven day regimen of Zyrtec.  Came back within 2 to 3 weeks.  Same thing but was given 30 day regimen of Zyrtec.  Now after prescription ran out, have rash and intense itching again.  What is going on??  Didn't I hear that an "unexplained" rash had been reported to the CDC in Atlanta and reported in seven states?  Was told adults do not get Fifth Disease.  Guess my next step is to a dermatologist.  Hopefully one of us will get results.  Took Benadryl liquid tonight and once off here, I hope I get some relief.  Scrub brushes sure scratch the itch nicely!

by rebeccapms, Mar 31, 2002 12:00AM
I also have severe itching from head to toe.  I have been to a dermatologist twice.  The first time I was told it was dry skin--a very insulting diagnosis--like I would waste my money and time going to a dr for dry skin. The next visit was scheduled for a month later--I only waited a week before I called and asked for an earlier appt due to the miserable itching.  The dr prescribed steriod cream this time--still itching and it is spreading. I am living on benedrl and the steriod creams. If anyone has tried something that is working please let me know.

by TOO Itchy, Apr 03, 2002 12:00AM
I've had on & off itchy spots that I've scratched until I BLEED.  Been to NUMEROUS dermatologists.  Used EVERY topical sterorid, & out of desperation used EMLA & ELA-Max (topical anesthetics) so I could have temporary relief to sleep.  



Even though I don't feel particularly stressed, my last Derm, at USC suggested I talk to my internist & try Prozac, kind of as a last resort.



After 1 month, I'm finally not itching!!!!!  I'm taking 20mg a day.  So far, it seems miraculous.  I can only hope it stays away permanently.

by AlwaysItchy, Apr 03, 2002 12:00AM
I have had exzema for 28 years. I have ALWAYS itched. I live on Benadry 150mg every 4-5 hours.

I have my good days and then I have my normal days. I use steriod creams, anti itch