Itching Skin

[Invisy]

Hello,

My husband recently started developing a rash on his legs and arms.  It isn't there all of the time and seems to just "pop" up in the evening time.  I have washed all of our bedding and clothes and even got some unscented doves soap to see if that helps.  He says that it helps a little but he is still getting the rashes.  A few years ago he had contact dermatitis on his back and this rash sort of looks like that but just in various places now like his arms and legs.  At night when we get into bed he is scratching so bad he is leaving marks on his legs and I am concerned.  It doesn't seem to be contagious or anything because I am not having the problem with itching so I am not sure what in the world is going on.  Any suggestions?

Thanks,

[Shar46on]

If you find that your husband has hives you might try accupuncture.  I know it sounds crazy but I suffered for two years before someone told me.  I was so desperate I would have tried anything.  After the third visit I rarely get hives.  I just went two months without any at all.  After having 500 of them all over me all the time.  

[Invisy]

Thank you for the suggestions.  I bought my husband some Zyrtec and he has been taking one a day for a few weeks now and the itching is gone!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be due to contact dermatitis or hives. Hives (medically known as urticaria) are red, itchy, raised areas of skin that appear in varying shapes and sizes. They have a tendency to change size rapidly and to move around.

Give over the counter antihistaminics like Claritin or zyrtec to your husband.Nighttime itching can be controlled by benadryl.Also apply calamine lotion or a mild steroid cream on the itchy areas.If the symptoms persist then oral steroids may be needed. If the symptoms persist, then you can consult an immunologist. He may start with immunosuppressive drugs.

If the hives don’t go after 6 wks of treatment also, then it can be a case of chronic urticaria which needs further evaluation as it may be due to auto antibodies.Plsconsult a dermatologist in that case.Also bed bug bites and scabies have to be ruled out then.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted in case of additional queries.