itching

[walaou]

I have a really bad body itching, I can't even sleep at night because of this. It started 40 days ago and I joined the Gym, and I am not if this is the reason or just a coincidence, however, the doctor put me on an antibiotic course for 5 days thinking that it could be due to sweating and the skin pores could be blocked forming a typr of infalamtion/bacteria. This did not work and the itch gt worse, then the doctor put on panafcortelone 25mg 2 tabletsa day for 3 days then 1.5 tablet for 2 days then 1 tablet for 2 days and then 0.5 for 2 and stopped after a  couple of days the itch came back I had to take another course of panafcortelone 25mg  as before. I stopped last week and itch was ok then it came back but mild but it started increasign. last was very bad I had to take 2 tablets of panafcortelone 25mg  that made me feel better. Please advise and type of specialist I supposed to see. I am a male 46 yo

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hi,

Is it generalized itch on the whole body or it is localized to some area?

Itchy skin that isn't accompanied by other obvious skin changes, such as a rash, is most often caused by dry skin (xerosis). Dry skin usually results from environmental factors that you can wholly or partially control. These include hot or cold weather with low humidity levels, long-term use of air conditioning or central heating, and washing or bathing too much.

Other conditions cause itchy skin as well. Skin conditions like psoriasis,dermatitis,lice,scabies and hives, internal diseases like liver and kidney disorders, 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.Lastly,Phototherapy can also be tried.

http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/DS/00847.html

I hope that I have provided you with sufficient information. If you require any more then pls post us.

Regards and take care.



                                                                          

[lashellie1975]

It could just be nerves.I get itching.Are you diabetic?Diabetics get itching.Any nervous disorder could happen when we have other problems in our life.