itching

[Meg1981]

I moved to my new house 2 months ago and now all i do is scratch, my head and chest area are the worse. I feel like pulling hair out and just am going nuts. i cant sleep and am waking up scratching all the tiem. on oct 9 i was taken to er for being ill and was told have a little carbon monixde poisoning, is this the reason of itching? i only get red bumps after scratching for awhile and have tried creams and bendaryl with no results please HELP!!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Topical corticosteroids may indirectly provide relief of itch associated with inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, but they should not be used to treat generalized itch. Potential side effects of long-term application of topical corticosteroids include skin atrophy, cutaneous eruptions, and dryness.They are not intended for long-term use.I feel that you should consult a dermatologist and get a confirmatory diagnosis first.Pls don’t use carticosteroids at random because they have side effects and a dermatologist should always be consulted before using them.

Regarding the air purifying system,yes they might benefit if dust mites or molds are thought to be responsible for your itchy skin.But pls get it confirmed first from an allergy specialist.If you are found to be allergic to them,then their avoidance is the best treatment.
Hope it helps.take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing and if you have any additional queries.

[Meg1981]

i tried the cortizone 10 and dermaterm shampoo 2day and both helped considerably. i still ahve a few spots of itching that havent gone away, so why did these 2 items help me way more then benadryl? also i am allergic to perfumes so i do stay away from them.  do you think maybe getting a air purifying system might help?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Since your symptoms of itching have started after your moving to the new house,it might be due to air borne allergens like dust mites and molds or allergies to any allergens present inside the house that may be causing allergies.

Diagnosis of skin allergies includes Skin ***** tests (pricking the skin with a needle or pin containing a small amount of the allergen ('***** Testing' or 'Scratch Testing'), Patch tests (by applying a patch to the skin, where the patch contains the allergen.)and RAST.

Other conditions cause itchy skin as well. Skin conditions like psoriasis,dermatitis,lice,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. Covering the affected area with bandages and dressings can help protect the skin and prevent scratching. You should choose mild soaps without dyes or perfumes and use a mild, unscented laundry detergent when washing clothes, towels and bedding.

Pls 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.If allergies are found,then avoidance of the allergens is the best treatment.Lastly,Phototherapy can also be tried.


Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing and in case of additional queries.