itching all over

Four days ago now, I woke up with my hands and feet itching but no rash.  Through the day it slowly spread throughout my body. It was driving me crazy.  I went to my doctor and he said that it must me an alergic (allergic) reation from something.  I just wanted to get your opinion.  I have never been alergic (allergic) to anything and I haven't tried anything new as far a cleaning products or food.  Plus, when I scratch, it causes my skin to sortive raise up and create a rash.  It only rashes up when I scratch.  Also, the bottom of my feet have retained water.  It is sometimes painful when I walk.  Is it possibe to become allergic to something that you were not allergic to before?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Yes, it is possible, but it's also possible that you have mechanical hives, in other words, hives caused by mechanical pressure, not by allergies.  This is called dermographism ("skin writing"), because it produces lines wherever the skin is rubbed.  This can be controlled pretty well with antihistamines.  You can test this by trying OTC antihistamines (Benadryl, chlortrimeton).  If that helps, your doctor can perhaps prescribe a nonsedating one.  Usually this condition is bothersome for a while, then subsides.  Have a doctor check it out, as soon as you can set up an appointment with a dermatologist.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[KATKAT]

ABOUT 4 WEEKS AGO I THOUGHT I WAS HAVING AN ALLERGIC REACTION...MY SYMTOMS (symptoms) ARE VERY SIMILAR TO HEATHERS (FEET, HANDS, ETC.) I TOOK BENEDRYL AS OFTEN AS I COULD AND WAS PRESCRIBED MEDICINE BY MY OB GYN (JUST HAPPENED TO HAVE AN APPT. WITH HIM).
AFTER 2 WEEKS OF ITCHING, I WENT TO MY DERMATOLOGIST WHO GAVE ME
A SHOT OF KENELOG AND VITAMIN B-12, PUT ME UNDER THE LIGHT AND SPRAYED ME WITH NITRIS...I HAVE BEEN TAKING ATARAX AT NIGHT. I THOUGHT I WAS GETTING BETTER AND NOW IT SEEMS TO BE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN...ANY SUGGESTIONS...KS