Alcohol

[concerned8923]

Hi,

I am 23. Since October several health related issues have happened to me. I am in the process of dealing with them and am not looking for criticism or judgement.

I have been drinking heavily for about 5 months. I am noticing a drastic decline in my health. I don't know if the health issues I am dealing with are in relation to my drinking. I drink about 3-4 times a week but I drink a lot. To the point where I don't remember anything the next day. Also, when I drink the night before I will drink the next day and then again in the evening. Sometimes this goes on all weekend.

My health issues are as follows:

I feel like I constantly have bugs crawling on me.
My skin is always itchy
My gums bleed
There is something going on in my mind. I obsess over certain sounds or pictures and they make me feel almost manic in a sense.
I am developing red spots all over my stomach and they are moving to my neck and arms.
- they are not itchy.
I have gained weight. I'm the highest I've ever weighed.

Is this a result of my drinking?

I don't want to live like this. My friends are supportive but they still drink with me. They know I need to stop drinking. I am currently seeing a therapist.

[concerned8923]

Hi,

I went to see my doctor today and he did in fact diagnose me with pityriasis rosea. I have a head cold right now and he said that's what it may be from. He said it stems from a virus so it makes sense. However, I left the doctors office not fully convinced because he said it would clear up in a couple weeks. I've already had this 2 weeks prior to me getting a head cold (which came on yesterday).

What are your thoughts? I am happy that it isn't from drinking. My liver results came back normal too, in case you're wondering.

- M

[concerned8923]

Hi,

I will take some B12 and see how I feel. I have a scheduled doctors appointment on March 19.

The worst part for me is the feeling of bugs on my skin. I can't stand it.

I will keep you posted and thank you for your concern.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

For such hot sensations, parasthesia should be ruled out. Parasthesias are common in alcoholics and metabolic disorders like diabetes, hypothyroidism, and hypoparathyroidism. They can also be due to peripheral vascular disease, nerve irritation, vitamin B12 deficiency or malnutrition.

Get your blood sugar and thyroid hormones levels evaluated. You can take some vit B12 for some days and see if the symptoms are gone or not.

In case the symptoms persist then get it evaluated from a doctor. The rash can be due to liver disorder or pityriasis rosea. The rash may be accompanied by low-grade headache, fever, nausea and fatigue and itching. Topical and oral steroids are needed. Water, sweat, and soap may cause irritation and should be avoided in the disease. Topical zinc oxide and calamine lotion are useful for pruritus.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.