my 8 year old son

[tommy5385]

My son started itching really really bad on his thighs, legs and feet I haven't really done anything different during the time it started it started this monday morning 10/19/09 the day before he had fish for dinner and broccoli (crocker) thats the only thing different that he had. he is not itching anywhere else except those areas I had to keep him home from school I tried putting eucerin lotion on him after a cool bath that hasn't worked it is severe he cries and it's driving me nuts should I take him to the ER

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hi,

You can give him the medicines that the doctor has prescribed and he should be fine. If the symptoms persist then please consult a dermatologist. Regards.

[tommy5385]

Thank you. I actually posted another question. I took him to the er on the 20th and followeed up with his pediatricain the next day of course because he didn't have any bumps they really don'y know what is wrong. They gave me a prescription for hydrocortisone cream to apply twice a day. The benedryl stopped working for him so the er doc gave me a prescription for Atarax it seems to work really well for the itching I am afraid that when I run out I will be back to square one again with the itching. Do you suggest at this point making an appointment with a dermatologist now or wait. I have kept him out of school for a week because of the itching.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be an allergic reaction like food allergy or contact dermatitis. Give some oral antihistaminics like Benadryl (cause drowsiness) or Claritin and apply calamine lotion as it helps in soothing the skin. You can also apply a mild steroid cream and if the symptoms persist then consult a dermatologist as oral steroids may be needed. Also then get the possibility of scabies(causes very itchy small bumps) ruled out.

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

[RJ233]

If your son is that uncomfortable with the itching and you are unable to relieve it, then yes I would take him to the ER. I would not make him suffer through the night for the regular office visit in the morning. They can give him something to help and then follow up tomorrow with the dr.