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How do I get rid of constant itching,crawling sensation on my skin?
About 13 years ago, I notice that something wasn't right with my body. Out of the clear blue sky, I started feeling a crawling sensation on my face,scalp,legs,hands,just completely all over my body.I also began to have constant itching from really severe to mild.I am constantly scratching or rubbing something on my body.At times I feel like something is popping out of my skin,my eyebrows,and scalp.I sometimes feel spider like wisps coming out from my neck and cheeks. Sometimes the wisps are visible and its embarassing and it disgusts me to see them. When Im around other people they start to scratch. I hate feeling like this. Its complete torture. Ive tried EVERYTHING!!!! Nothing works. I cant go to the doctor they told me they cant find anything wrong and asked me if I use drugs. I can recall one instance when I was in a barn and I think maybe I might have contracted something from the animals. Im at my wits end. Can anyone help? Please keep the rude comments to yourself
400mg Albendazole twice a day foe 5 days cured a friend of this problem. His doctor said this condition is called toxocara caused by having xontact with contaminated dog or cat waste or soil
You are not alone. Look up Morgellons disease, which is not a very good name for a difficult syndrome some people are struggling with.
Hello~I am so sorry you are going through this. 13 years is a long time. Has your doctor done any blood work? Have you seen an allergist or dermatologist, you probably need a more specialized physician than just a GP. I did a Google search on some sites I trust, here is some info that I found:
Chronic itching, which can occur in medical conditions ranging from eczema and psoriasis to kidney failure, diabetes, cancer and liver disease, is very different from the temporary urge to scratch after a mosquito bite - and now researchers say they have uncovered the reasons why.
You may have itchy skin over certain small areas, such as on an arm or leg, or over your whole body. Itchy skin can occur without any other noticeable changes on the skin. Or it may be associated with:
•Redness
•Bumps, spots or blisters
•Dry, cracked skin
•Leathery or scaly texture to the skin
Sometimes itchiness lasts a long time and can be intense. As you rub or scratch the area, it gets itchier. And the more it itches, the more you scratch. Breaking this itch-scratch cycle can be difficult, but continued scratching can damage your skin or cause infection.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor or a skin disease specialist (dermatologist) if the itching:
•Lasts more than two weeks and doesn't improve with self-care measures
•Is severe and distracts you from your daily routines or prevents you from sleeping
•Comes on suddenly and can't be easily explained
•Affects your whole body
•Is accompanied by other signs and symptoms, such as extreme tiredness, weight loss, changes in bowel habits or urinary frequency, fever, or redness of the skin
Causes
Possible causes of itchy skin include:
•Dry skin. If you don't see a crop of bright, red bumps or some other dramatic change in the itchy area, dry skin (xerosis) is a likely cause. Dry skin usually results from older age or environmental factors such as long-term use of air conditioning or central heating, and washing or bathing too much.
•Skin conditions and rashes. Many skin conditions itch, including eczema (dermatitis), psoriasis, scabies, lice, chickenpox and hives. The itching usually affects specific areas and is accompanied by other signs, such as red, irritated skin or bumps and blisters.
•Internal diseases. Itchy skin can be a symptom of an underlying illness. These include liver disease, kidney failure, iron deficiency anemia, thyroid problems and cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma. The itching usually affects the whole body. The skin may look otherwise normal except for the repeatedly scratched areas.
•Nerve disorders. Conditions that affect the nervous system — such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes mellitus, pinched nerves and shingles (herpes zoster) — can cause itching.
•Irritation and allergic reactions. Wool, chemicals, soaps and other substances can irritate the skin and cause itching. Sometimes the substance, such as poison ivy or cosmetics, causes an allergic reaction. Food allergies also may cause skin to itch.
•Drugs. Reactions to drugs, such as antibiotics, antifungal drugs or narcotic pain medications, can cause widespread rashes and itching.
•Pregnancy. During pregnancy, some women experience itchy skin, especially on the abdomen and thighs. Also, itchy skin conditions, such as dermatitis, can worsen during pregnancy.
Complications
Itching skin can affect the quality of your life. Prolonged itching and scratching may increase the intensity of the itch, possibly leading to:
•Skin injury
•Infection
•Scarring
DIAGNOSIS
Tracking down the cause of your itch can take time and involve a physical exam and a careful history. If your doctor suspects your itchy skin is the result of an underlying medical condition, he or she may perform tests, including:
•Blood test. A complete blood count can provide evidence of an internal condition causing your itch, such as iron deficiency.
•Tests of thyroid, liver and kidney function. Liver or kidney disorders and thyroid abnormalities, such as hyperthyroidism, may cause itching.
•Chest X-rays. Signs of underlying disease that are associated with itchy skin, such as enlarged lymph nodes, can be seen by using X-rays.
TREATMENT:
Once a cause is identified, treatments for itchy skin may include:
Medications
•Corticosteroid creams. If your skin is itchy and red, your doctor may suggest applying a medicated cream to the affected areas. He or she may also suggest that you cover these areas with damp cotton material that has been soaked in water or other solutions. The moisture in the wet dressings helps the skin absorb the cream and also has a cooling effect on the skin, reducing itch.
•Calcineurin inhibitors. Certain drugs, such as tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel), can be used instead of corticosteroid creams in some cases, especially if the itchy area isn't large.
•Antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft), may help reduce various types of skin itching.
Treating the underlying disease
If an internal disease is found — whether it's kidney disease, iron deficiency or a thyroid problem — treating that disease often relieves the itch. Other itch-relief methods also may be recommended.
Light therapy (phototherapy)
Phototherapy involves exposing your skin to certain wavelengths of ultraviolet light. Multiple sessions are usually scheduled until the itching is under control.
Alternative medicine
For stress-related itching, you might find some relief of your symptoms through meditation, acupuncture or yoga.
Chronic itching, which can occur in medical conditions ranging from eczema and psoriasis to kidney failure, diabetes, cancer and liver disease, is very different from the temporary urge to scratch after a mosquito bite - and now researchers say they have uncovered the reasons why.
You may have itchy skin over certain small areas, such as on an arm or leg, or over your whole body. Itchy skin can occur without any other noticeable changes on the skin. Or it may be associated with:
•Redness
•Bumps, spots or blisters
•Dry, cracked skin
•Leathery or scaly texture to the skin
Sometimes itchiness lasts a long time and can be intense. As you rub or scratch the area, it gets itchier. And the more it itches, the more you scratch. Breaking this itch-scratch cycle can be difficult, but continued scratching can damage your skin or cause infection.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor or a skin disease specialist (dermatologist) if the itching:
•Lasts more than two weeks and doesn't improve with self-care measures
•Is severe and distracts you from your daily routines or prevents you from sleeping
•Comes on suddenly and can't be easily explained
•Affects your whole body
•Is accompanied by other signs and symptoms, such as extreme tiredness, weight loss, changes in bowel habits or urinary frequency, fever, or redness of the skin
Causes
Possible causes of itchy skin include:
•Dry skin. If you don't see a crop of bright, red bumps or some other dramatic change in the itchy area, dry skin (xerosis) is a likely cause. Dry skin usually results from older age or environmental factors such as long-term use of air conditioning or central heating, and washing or bathing too much.
•Skin conditions and rashes. Many skin conditions itch, including eczema (dermatitis), psoriasis, scabies, lice, chickenpox and hives. The itching usually affects specific areas and is accompanied by other signs, such as red, irritated skin or bumps and blisters.
•Internal diseases. Itchy skin can be a symptom of an underlying illness. These include liver disease, kidney failure, iron deficiency anemia, thyroid problems and cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma. The itching usually affects the whole body. The skin may look otherwise normal except for the repeatedly scratched areas.
•Nerve disorders. Conditions that affect the nervous system — such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes mellitus, pinched nerves and shingles (herpes zoster) — can cause itching.
•Irritation and allergic reactions. Wool, chemicals, soaps and other substances can irritate the skin and cause itching. Sometimes the substance, such as poison ivy or cosmetics, causes an allergic reaction. Food allergies also may cause skin to itch.
•Drugs. Reactions to drugs, such as antibiotics, antifungal drugs or narcotic pain medications, can cause widespread rashes and itching.
•Pregnancy. During pregnancy, some women experience itchy skin, especially on the abdomen and thighs. Also, itchy skin conditions, such as dermatitis, can worsen during pregnancy.
Complications
Itching skin can affect the quality of your life. Prolonged itching and scratching may increase the intensity of the itch, possibly leading to:
•Skin injury
•Infection
•Scarring
DIAGNOSIS
Tracking down the cause of your itch can take time and involve a physical exam and a careful history. If your doctor suspects your itchy skin is the result of an underlying medical condition, he or she may perform tests, including:
•Blood test. A complete blood count can provide evidence of an internal condition causing your itch, such as iron deficiency.
•Tests of thyroid, liver and kidney function. Liver or kidney disorders and thyroid abnormalities, such as hyperthyroidism, may cause itching.
•Chest X-rays. Signs of underlying disease that are associated with itchy skin, such as enlarged lymph nodes, can be seen by using X-rays.
TREATMENT:
Once a cause is identified, treatments for itchy skin may include:
Medications
•Corticosteroid creams. If your skin is itchy and red, your doctor may suggest applying a medicated cream to the affected areas. He or she may also suggest that you cover these areas with damp cotton material that has been soaked in water or other solutions. The moisture in the wet dressings helps the skin absorb the cream and also has a cooling effect on the skin, reducing itch.
•Calcineurin inhibitors. Certain drugs, such as tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel), can be used instead of corticosteroid creams in some cases, especially if the itchy area isn't large.
•Antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft), may help reduce various types of skin itching.
Treating the underlying disease
If an internal disease is found — whether it's kidney disease, iron deficiency or a thyroid problem — treating that disease often relieves the itch. Other itch-relief methods also may be recommended.
Light therapy (phototherapy)
Phototherapy involves exposing your skin to certain wavelengths of ultraviolet light. Multiple sessions are usually scheduled until the itching is under control.
Alternative medicine
For stress-related itching, you might find some relief of your symptoms through meditation, acupuncture or yoga.
1 Comments
Strange that of the causes, insect bites or worse, isn't mentioned
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