Itching, flushing, restless and fatigued

[Lynda-K]

  My husband is 46, 230 lbs and 5'10".  He is in general good health, has no preexisting conditions, rarely drinks.  He has been complaining for the last six weeks about feeling itchy all over.  He is sometimes flushed.  The itching is intense enough that it frequently keeps him awake at night.  Benedryl does not stop the itchy sensation.  He describes the itching as being underneath the skin.  The itching and flushing does not seem to be related to eating.  About two months ago he did stop taking all perscription and nonperscription drugs in order to "clear-out" his system.  His perscription was for xanax which he took to help him sleep and nonperscription drugs were various but generally allergy or pain relief medications.
  He finally went to see his doctor.  His blood pressure was 140/100.  His general blood screening tests came back normal except for a slightly elevated liver enzyme.  I don't know which one.  The doctor has ordered additional blood work and wants to see him on Monday.
  What are they looking for?  What questions should we ask?  I suppose at this point it could be anything or nothing?  Can you provide some guidance and opinion?  We like to go into these situations as prepared as possible.
  Thank You!
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Dear Lynda K,
Unfortunately, you do not provide sufficient detail for us to provide information regarding possible explanations for your husband's complaints.  Itching associated with liver disease is often seen in patients who have jaundice.  More genrally, there has been a long time in which there has been an impairment of bile secretion either due to blockage of the bile ducts or an abnormality of the liver cell function.  I do not think that your husband's skin itching represents liver disease.
This information is presented for educational purposes only. Always ask specific questions to your personal physician.
HFHSM.D.-rf
8keywords: pruritus, liver disease
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