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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Skin itches
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
Skin itches
by soultek, Feb 07, 2003 12:00AM
Hopefully, you can help me out here. My skin itches and when I scratch it, I end up with rashes where I scratched and the itching continues. I don't know what the problem could be. I eat healthy and excercise. I don't smoke, drink alcohol, or do drugs but I do smoke marijuana time to time and I think I might have an allergic reaction to it but I'm not sure. Can you help me out?
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Feb 07, 2003 12:00AM
, Feb 07, 2003 12:00AM
Wherever skin is rubbed or scratched, histamine is released and the skin welts up and itches more. This is normal. Some people welt up a lot--this is called "dermographism," or "skin writing." This is just a variant of normal. Antihistamines can suppress it, if the itching or appearance are very bothersome. Nonprescription antihistamines to try include Benadryl (makes you dorwsy) and Claritin (more costly, but doesn't.) Itch lotions like Benadryl or Sarna help too.
Allergies and foods generally don't have an effect one way or another. Neither does marijuana.
If these suggestions don't help, show a doctor.
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
Allergies and foods generally don't have an effect one way or another. Neither does marijuana.
If these suggestions don't help, show a doctor.
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
Dr. Rockoff
Kim