Itching Under the Skin

[susie761]

I have had itching under the skin on my back on the left and right side under the shoulder blade for months now.  No rash appears, but the skins itches.  When I scratch it feels good and hurts at the same time.  What do you think this is??

[Pzon]

I have had itching under the skin on two occassions.  Once months after my C-section, I had it under the skin over the internal muscular incision.  The second time I've had itching under the skin was once a few days after a minor injury to my knee.  After many years on rare occasion I still get the itch at the C-sect site but have never had the knee itch again.  I believe it had something to do with the itch from healing.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Without examination,I cannot confirm a diagnosis but it can be sweat dermatitis, allergic reactions,contact dermatitis,brachiradial pruritis or fungal infections.

Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone as dermacort), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide). If still the symptoms do not improve then pls get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist.Brachiradial pruritis and fungal infections have to be ruled out. . Brachioradial pruritis is an intense itching sensation of the arm usually between the shoulder and elbow of either or both arms.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.