unknown itch

[acade]

I have a question about a problem my mother is having. She is 40 years old and fare skinned. She has a really severe rash. She has been to quite a few doctors about it but all they come up with is that it is an "unknown itch" and give her a cream called triamcinolone. She has had it for years and it keeps getting worse. The red rash,bumps, cover her torso and face. It recently spread to her legs and feet. She is also getting dime sized bruises on her legs. They were not caused by running into anything. Is it possible they are from itching? Do you have any idea what the itch is called and what causes it? Is there anything she could use to lessen the itching? Thanks so much for your help.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I really can't answer you very well, I'm afraid.  The bruises may well be from scratching, so they are porbably part of the same problem.



There are many conditions which cause itching, in all skin types, but causes can be hard to pinpoint.  At times blood tests or skin biopsies may be useful in finding out.  Also, there are medications which are sometimes more helpful that triamcinolone (a cortisone) at providing symptomatic relief.  Thse include topical anesthetics and oral antihistamines.



I suggest that your mother see a different skin doctor, who can take a fresh look and might therefore be able to come up with either a specific diagnosis, or at least a more effective strategy of control.



Best.



Dr. Rockoff