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unbearable itchy face and itch scalp

Dear all,
I have been having this itch on my face and my scalp for the past few months. I was never had this problem. I thought it might be related to the heat summer heat and wheather but now I am not sure. My face is red and like rash around my nose and my chin. The Worst part is the chin itch so bad I have to scrath it all the time. I tried dffernet soap, alcohol pad, lotion, olay, black afrcian soap, anti itch cream, cortisone, anti itch gel but nothing works. Its like the itch travels my face here and there itch. I even went to see a skin doctor but she gave me similiar cortisone cream but not working. It drives me nut. I cannot function like this always touching my face to scrath.
My scalp has been itch like something pinch in my scalp. I also scrath my scalp. I tried anti dandruff shampoo it helps a little but everytime I washed my hair next thing I know my scalp itch again. I tried different shampoo before this anti dandruff shampoo. The skin doctor prescripted a medicated shampoo but I still itch. I think the medicated shampoo is strong too.
So now I scatch my face and my scalp. It is very annoying and it is not people friendly. Who wants to look at me scatching.
I dont know why this is happening to me. I definetly have red and rash on my face. My upper back also itch but I thought it was heat rash but still itch even after I went to a skin doctor. It is very unbearable. Oh I am not sure if it is related to drano chemical which I exposed. MY upstair neighbour poured dwon drano in her toilet and sink and got my toilet backup with drano all over my batheroom. I mopped the floor but smelled odor which I thought it would be ok. It would go away but no the odor stayed in my apartment for few months. I was admitted to emergency since I got sick light headed almost fainted. I took a shower and washe my hair after I mopped the batheroom floor.
Ever since then my skin, my lung, my scalp like my whole body has problems. Now I have asthma and I am still seeing lung specialist. However, this itchy is the worst of all. I feel everything irritates me. I cannot stop this itch.

God helps me. Anyone knows what can stop this itch, Please let me know.
Thank you so much


This discussion is related to Contagious Itchy Face Syndrome.
59 Responses
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Avatar universal
Hi, all

From what I am reading all these post of itchy. I know it is not psychological or imagine. It is real but I dont know why I have it now. My face is red, itch, my scalp itcy and my upper back itch.. It exactly feels like what some of you described, something poking your skin and something crawling around or bug bite. It might be some kind of skin desease, it could be related to allergy, wheather, pollen or our every day life exposure.
I went to skin doctor but no help. I am going to allergy test soon. Something causes me itch, red and feel like something in my skin and scalp.

The only thing I could share with all of you who got itch in your face. I tried all the impossible things at pharmacy I could see and from doctor's prescription. Something I find helps my itch face is A and D ointment. It helps a little. It might be my face is red and feel burning and itch. At least I dont scrath so often and seems calm my face skin.

Well if you like, you could try A and D ointment on your face.

You know sometimes might be a simple ointment can help instead of all these chemical prescription cream from doctors.

I am still seeing doctors for my itchy but meanwhile I am looking for ways to help myself with my itchy problem.

Good luck to all of you and me.
Helpful - 0
563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
It can be due to an allergic reaction. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone as dermacort), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).But they are available under prescription and should be taken only after consulting a dermatologist. Symptoms  can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
any solutions to this problem? I am living in Australia and when i started working for this company in an office enviroment i started noticing this weird itch around my nose, up fore head and ears. it also gets itchy all over my body but not as much. i have no visible rash, bites or any marks what so ever. it also is contagious and i notice people around itching there faces around there nose and ears when i dont even itch myself. i havnt noticed any pattern to when it is worse but it is pretty contstant. this is ruining my life socially and mentally. i have read alot of different posts on this and been to the doctor a few times for him to say its all in my head when i insist it isnt. someone help! im desperate . i have used moisturisers, the steroid creams and antihistamines which doctor recomended but still no help. its not in my head and is contagious let me assure you of that.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you for Bhupinder Kaur and Needhelpstat reply

I thought I had an allergy reaction but it is not. I took allergy pills but still itch. According to my research, it is my dandruff causing my face itch.
I have itch scalp which I used anti dandruff shampoo but still itch. My face is red, itch with little red veins appear.

I went to 3 doctors. The last one seems to be working for me. She is a dermatogist. she prescripted this cream called :Hydrocortisone Valerate cream 15gm which works for me, now I could go to sleep. Regular over the counter hydrocortisone would not work. She also prescripted a medidcated shampoo Ke something I forgot the name. I washed my hair with this shampoo every other day and use anti dandruff shampoo in between day. I also saw some responds regarding my problem on website. If I find it I would let you guys know. Now my scalp still itch but does not itch that much. I will go back to my doctor in 2 weeks.

Do not use any oily cream or fragrance cream on you face. It would worse the symptom. I only use water to wash my face right now until my skin is better than I would use mild soup.

I guess the dandruff causing bacteria to build up and causing itching and redness. Around my nose area and down to my chin are itching so much.

With the cream now, it does not look that red or itch that much. I was crying when I had this crazy itch and keep washing my face. I could not focus at work. Now I am better.

I tried all kind of over the counter itch creams but did not work.
Hope this help.
I thought it was my head too but it is not.

Good luck

Helpful - 0
563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
From these symptoms it looks like seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrhoeic Dermatitis is believed to be an inflammatory reaction related to the proliferation of normal skin habitant Malassezia – a yeast, which produces toxic substances that infect and irate the skin. The disease is neither contagious nor related with diet but it may be aggravated by other illness like Psychological stress, immune compromised patients, neurological diseases like Parkinsonism and stroke.

Treatment usually involves use of antifungal, anti inflammatory and sebo suppressive or Keratolytic ingredients. Dermatologist also recommends the use of photodynamic therapy which involves the usage of UV- A, UV- B laser and red or blue LED light to inhibit the growth of the yeast and reduces the inflammation. If symptoms do not improve with ketoconazole then these treatment options can be planned.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
im in Aus as well.

i have this same problem.... been to 10 docs, 5 dermo's and got nowhere.

i have my suspicions what it might be, but theres no evidence of it.

if you find anything that works please let me know.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
sorry but this is a real problem, a contagious problem. this is not dermatitis. please dont post unhelpful replys like this.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
where abouts are you located in AUS?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Dear all.

Thank you for your replies

With my symptom, I use the medicated shampoo and the cream which improve my problem. Now I can sleep at night and focus at work.

I still have itch but less. I have some little veins or lines around my nose area. It looks scary. My doctor told me when my face stop itch. I need to use the cerevete cream on my face to moise my face. It helps.

I would not be suprise it is stress causing me itch. I have have been having a lot of stress in life. I also expose to chemical.
I hope my problem would be fixed and back to normal.

I clam my self my listening to music and go to exercise class so that I would not keeping thinking of my itch and keep washing my face and looking at mirror.

I go back to my doctor in 2 weeks.

Good luck to all of you and myself
All the best to everyone
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm in Melb. i got it from getting a haircut in the city.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
sorry about my posts.. i just read the original post..

i came here via a link that was posted in 'contagious itchy face syndrome' thread...

so i assumed thats what it was about.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
in response to your latest post Bhupinder about the seborrhoeic dermatitis ... i dont believe it is. when im around people they get itchy in same spots around the face aswell eg nose, cheeks forehead and ears even when i refrain from scratching. im not one who suffers from anxiety so its not in my head. ive read stuff about bird mites and dust mites and it does seem to be the very same symptoms. i work in a building where there is pigeons that hang around on the roof aswell ive noticed. i did read that the bird mites do not survive long without an active nest nearby though. can you see bird mites with the naked eye? originally when this itch first started it was only at work in the office but now it follows me every where. i have noticed litlle red pimple like bumps on my upper arms where my shirt sleeve sits but dont think they are related. also i noticed a rough scaley feeling dry bit of skin around the size of a button on both upper arms just below my shoulders ... also no idea if related as it doesnt itch. other then that no visible marks bites or lesions. a little while back though when this whole thing started i did have a few scabs on the back of my head for some reason, didnt have head lice or get bitten by anything to make me scratch which made them quite perculiar. my face does seem to be rather oily on my forehead of late though but dont know if its weather related as we have just come out of winter here in australia and the heat is back. let me assure you that it is contagious ... its like people are elergic to me. any ideas Bhupinder? im desperate and the doctor just says its in my head and wasting my time and money.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
thanks for response confuse787 I do not believe it is dandruff though. i have comb my hair and no flakes. i dont believe that dandruff would make others in close proximity itch aswell but i could be wrong. i have bought some anti dandruff shampoo since seeing your post though just to see but it doesnt seem to be helping. thanks for your quick response as i do appreciate all suggestions
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
aaaaaaaarghBugs i just read your post again and you said "i have my suspicions on what it might be, but theres no evidence of it". im curious of to what this suspicion might be of yours as i would like to do some research on your theory.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
it gets really confusing as there is no evidence.

best bet is a skin culture and i have been so far unsuccesful in getting anyone to do that, as no symptoms appear to the naked eye.
witch is my reason why they actually should do one.

could be 1.) fungus/mold that spreads from any infected material.
                  in that case, anything organic could be infected.

2.)  an infection of microscopic mites called collembola, but this has not been proved in humans in mainstream medical science. the only apparent real study was flawed and results are not as stated. so if thats what it is, its hard to prove.

3.) morgellons. theres 2 groups of people in this catogory, 9 out of 10 (mostly always self diagnosed) have fibers growing out of their skin. i dont have any of this.. i hope. just invisible fleas of a sort.
i have heard a couple of people say (more than one) they have tested positive for both fungus and collembola and also a yeast infection/imbalance. the theory behind it is, colembolla feeds of fungus and carrys it in its stomach and the mite is the cause of the specific type of infection.

it seems to be rare, but spreading. its also taken its toll on me, i cant really work, spend time with friends/family etc. its really put me on a downer..

if i find anything out, i will let you know.
just waiting on more appointments.. and this type of thing it takes months when you go through the public system, then get there and they tell me 'but you have put up with it this long, so it cant be that bad so you can wait'.. and stupid comments like that when they cant help / tell me im in the wrong place..  if you find anything out at all, let me know.

feel free to send a message if you like.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Dear all,

This crazy itch really is driving us nut. I have never had this problem until now.

I thought my face itch was better and now itch came back so I had to put back on hydrocotrisone valerate cream. My eyebrows, around my nose area and my chin itch most and I could see dandruffs like skin peels.

My scalp is not that itch since I use medicated shampoo and anti dandruff shampoo.

I am hoping my itch would be healed.

I think dandruffs also carry bacterias and If the hair, scalp not clean it would come down the face.

As for you, Piegeons birds carry disease also. If you work in that environment, you might catch something you dont know.

We all are going to keep research and do some study. Maybe with our combine force, we would figure it out what is it.

Only thing I can say is if it is not clean, fungal will build up as time goes.

Good luck to all of us and hope itch would be healed.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
it is face mites
Avatar universal
if you have a basic fungus problem that relates to dandruff,

try treating with: Nizoral cream 2%, or something that contains 'ketoconazole'. it may take a couple of days.

also maybe follow up weekly with olive oil or tea tree oil.


i hope you do not have the same unknown itch that i have (witch may be a specific unknown type of fungus or even a parasite), i still cant get anyone to tell me what it is.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
i should of said, if you use tea tree oil, do not use it 100% straight, it will dry the skin out and bring back your dandruff and possibly make it even more itchy.
add a small amount to a hair conditioner or moisturizer cream, up to 10 - 20% as it doesn't always mix well either.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hello

Yes, my doctor precriped Ketecortozone shampoo which helps my itch scalp.
That Nizoral cream 2% is it over the counter or prescripted cream.

I used tea tree oil on my face and it messed up and my dandruff came back. so I stop using tea tree oil. I use neutrogena facial soap to clean my chin area. I dont know what else to use or nothing at all.

when the humidity is back, I feel more itchy.

Thank you
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I just can't see how anyone can tolerate itchy. I cannot stand it. I just hope no itch and move on with my life. Now I take more time to wash my hair and my face and put cream everyday and night. I am tired of it. I wish I could change the whole skin and be done with it.

Good luck to all of us and God has mercy to help us all.
Helpful - 0
2 Comments
i have tried the only itching cream that really controls itch, and if you have ever had a yeast infection you know it's monistat but i don't know about side effects but it's stops itching of the worse kind and my face isn't itching now. better than what i was gonna try." bug spray" do not do that please, i guess it has drove me crazy!!! gone but not forgotten. i really love people just trying to help honestly. backy
confuse787; any updates or improvements about your itchy scalp?
Avatar universal
yes the nizoral is over the counter stuff, it might not be sold in your country but there will be something the same, with a 2% or so 'ketoconazole',

dont confuse it with 'cortisone' witch is for dermatitis conditions such as eczema.

ketoconazole is an anti-fungal & used to fight dandruff and mild cases of athletes foot/jock itch type thing.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have it too. I've had it for about a month.   My face and scalp itch.  What works for me is rubbing on a vitamine E oil, at least on my face.  It knocks it dwon about 90% and lasts all day.  I haven't seen a dematologist yet, but plan to in the near future..
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Dear all
I still have this crazy itch on my scalp and face.
I thought I was better with ketcortizone shampoo on my scalp and hydrcortizone
cream on my face. My doctor told me to use ketcortizone shampoo every other day and use
anti-dandruff shampoo in between. I got to wake up earlier everyday to wash my hair.
Also my hands are so dry from washing my hair everyday.
Then suddenly I have major breakout on my chin area. It hurt
skin like came off a little and skin peels all over my face. I got headaches and feel
weak all the time. I have itch, pain and sharp pain on my scalp now. I only had itch before.
My scalp was itchier than before now. I got fever before too.
My doctor prescribed clobex shampoo for me but doesn't seem to work. I feel
More itch. I have not gotten Lidex solution since phmarcy don't have it until
Today.
Now my scalp has red dot after using ketcortizone shampoo. I am not going to use
It anymore. I did not have any red dot or bumps before.
I think there is side effects on this ketxortizone shampoo and it also gives me headaches.
My face is on and off itch. I goes back to use hydrcortizone. There are a lot of white
Stuffs on my face pores. It might be dirt or germs I don't know.
Now my scalp is getting worse than my face whereas my face was worse than my scalp before.

Please help
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi guys
I am still having itch scalp and itch face and now my whole body itch and my neck got a rash and itch.

I have not been doing well. I went to 5 doctors already but no cure. I tried a lot of over the counter stuffs
for my scalp and face but only help a day or 2 then is not working.

Why do I have dandruff on my scalp and face and would not go away. My chin is the worst all the skin peel or you
call dandruff and looks ugly. why do human have this problems.

tomorrow i go back to my skin doctor.  I dont know what to do
Helpful - 0
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