Itch prickly heat like skin problem

[cerestoo]

I am a 79 year old and have been experiencing burning, prickly itchy skin since October 2013. I am itching from the top of my head to to the top of my feet. It feels like a light case of sunburn or like a razor burn after shaving.The sensation will be symmetrical, i.e. both arms, both sides of the head or face or ears. The prickly heat turns into an itching with sensations of pin pricking. Once the itching starts it is very hard to get it under control.  I've used  benedryl with no results of relieving the itch. When my skin itches there is  no real visible rash. I had been using the popular anti bacterial soap for my daily showers for years with no sing of abatement. Then a lady told me to give Dove soap a try. I think she thought I had a dry skin problem. So since January of 2014 I've been using Dove with fairly good results for my daily showers. If, after I towel myself dry and there are parts of me that still itch I've come to know that I've missed soaping up and washing that area. So I'm learning to be sure to wash every part of me with Dive even the tops of my feet. Yes the itch comes back slightly during the day to a much lesser degree and at fewer spots. I also keep a dry sliver of Dove soap near by and rub it on the itchy spot. The spot in question usually quits itching in a matter of a few seconds. I'm fairly comfortable these days and have contained my itchy skin to a high degree. But I'd still like to know what's causing the original itchy prickly heat like skin problem I have. Please.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Many conditions cause itchy skin as well. Skin conditions like psoriasis,dermatitis,lice,scabies and hives, internal diseases like liver and kidney disorders,diabetes, iron deficiency anemia, irritation and allergic reactions to chemicals,wool,soaps,cosmetics and certain foods  can cause itchy 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.

[Caryopteris]

It's good you stopped the antibacterial soap and switched to Dove.  Some people do best with the unscented Dove.

Instead of applying soap to itchy spots, you might want to keep a tube of Anrica gel on hand.  It is a cooling gel that is an antiinflammatory.  It might make you very comfortable.