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Itchy Skin

I have itchy skin.  I am presently a 32 year old law student, and sit next to someone in all of my classes who, as I've noticed recently, itches his skin all over quite a bit.  I'm not sure if there is a correlation.  My condition started about a week ago one evening as I got ready for bed.  I started feeling prickle sensations in random parts of my body (all over) and it would make me scratch the areas.  When I went to bed that night, I could not sleep, as it become more pronounced.  I took a shower in the middle of the night, changed the sheets, etc., to no avail.  Then I went to the emergency room the next day.  They gave me Peremethrin cream to put all over my body for 9 hours--for scabies--but I don't believe that's what I have.  I have tried taking Benadryl this past week as well to stop the itch, but I still feel the prickles and the itch all over.  My doctor's nurse (the only one I could see) said that I should just take the benadryl for a week--but I'm desperate!  I can't study like this. Could I have parasites or something?  It doesn't seem like the Peremethrin did anything, and I have done two cream treatments now in a week.  HELP!!!!! PS, I don't think it's stress, as I have been just as, if not more stressed before in my life.
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563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
Itchy skin that isn't accompanied by other obvious skin changes, such as a rash, is most often caused by dry skin (xerosis). Other conditions cause itchy skin as well. Skin conditions like dermatitis, scabies and hives, internal diseases like liver and kidney disorders, diabetes, iron deficiency anemia, irritation and allergic reactions to chemicals, wool, soaps, cosmetics and certain foods  can cause itchy skin.

You can apply an anti-itch cream or lotion to the affected area. Oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl can also be used. You should take a comfortably cool bath and wear smooth-textured cotton clothing. You should choose mild soaps without dyes or perfumes and use a mild, unscented laundry detergent when washing clothes, towels and bedding.

Please take a second opinion from a dermatologist if the symptoms persist. He/She will start with the specific medications. If an internal disease is found, whether it's kidney disease, iron deficiency or a thyroid problem, treating that disease often relieves the itch. Lastly,Phototherapy can also be tried.
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

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Avatar universal
I just posted a question, sound similar to you, but i have actual bites!  But I get the same prickly feeling you are describing and I was wondering about some sort of body mite also....read my question, look what I have been through!!!
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Avatar universal
I doubt that you caught something from your classmate. More like dry skin or stress. Diet can play a huge role as well as possible allergies. Check for new detergents, soaps, dryer pads and changes in diet.
Stress can play havoc on your body.  Don't dismiss it.
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