Increases in body temp. during dry winter months causing itching without sign of rash

[darren89]

Hello, during the winter months (I live in Calgary which is a dry area), beginnings of workouts or sports tend to increase my body temperature resulting in an itch all over my body. Visible dilations in blood vessels of the hands and arms are seen. Eating hot foods or entering a room temperature building after walking outside in the cold also triggers the persistent itching, without any visible signs of rash or changes to the skin. The itching is often followed by a quick chill and usually dissipates after I start to sweat. I have tried topical corticosteroid ointments in select areas of the body in which itching is more prominent but there has been no change. Daily moisturization of the entire body does not help much either. I have seen both a GP as well as a dermatologist several times and they have failed to help unfortunately. Any ideas as to what the cause of this problem is? It has been persistent for several years now. I am a 19 yr old male. Thanks.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Glad to know that the post was of some help to you.

Apply calamine lotion at the site of the lesions to help soothe the itching.

Do follow up with your doctor about the symptomatic improvement.

Let us know about any other doubts that you have and post us about how you are doing.

Regards.

[darren89]

I was prescribed antihistamines (10 mg/capsule). Although two capsules tend to clear up the hives well, there is still a lot of itching (but it has been somewhat reduced).

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Glad to know that the post was of some help to you.

Have you been prescribed any medications?

Let us know about any other doubts that you have ad do post us about how you are doing.

Regards.

[darren89]

I went to go see my GP and he said it might have something to do with consumed stimulants such as ginseng or energy drinks.

The next day, I went to go see my dermatologist and he stated that I have a chronic condition of Cholinergic urticaria, accompanied with dermatographism. These are both related to the release of histamine (cause of itching).

Thanks for your help.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Minocycline is known to cause blisteing, peeling, red skin rash, itching and soreness with respect to dermatological or skin related side effects.

Have your symptoms started after use of the drug? If so, it could be a possibilty that they are due to minocycline.

Consult your doctor and let us know what is advised.

Let us know about how you are doing and post us about any other doubts that you have.

Regards.

[darren89]

Yes I am eating a healthy balanced diet as well as drinking plenty of water on a daily basis.

I have no known allergies. I am currently taking 100 mg of minocycline each day (prescription for acne). Would this be the cause of any of my described symptoms?

Also, I have had a history of a fungus on my back for a while but was able to clear it up with a corticosteroid ointment.

I will go see my dermatologist again as well as my GP and see what they advise.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Are you eating a healthy balanced diet? Do you drink adequate water daily? You need atleast 1.5 to 2 litres of water per day.

You could take some oral antihistamine or antiallergic medications like loratadine or cetrizine and see if it helps with your symptoms. Apply calamine lotion at the site of the lesions to help soothe the itching.

Have you had allergic reactions in the past? Are you allergic to any specific substances?

You would still need to consult your doctor about the associated symptoms you are having and to rule out a bacterial or fungal infection and whether you need a course of antibiotics or other medications.

Let us know about how you are doing and post us about what your doctor advises.

Regards.