Itchy flesh-color large and small bumps...

[shoaflet]

On and off for the past few weeks, my skin has felt like it itches from the inside out. Everywhere. My scalp, my arms, my back, my legs... Even the bottoms of my feet! At first I thought it was maybe a reaction to the new shampoo and conditioner I'd just bought, so I quit using it. After a while it stopped itching but only for a few days. Now the itch is back with a vengence. I also thought it might just be dry skin, so whenever it itches I put lotion on. That only soothes skin from the scratching.

Now I've noticed these weird bumps that form after I've itched a spot for a while. I first noticed them on the back part of my arm, near my shoulder blade. They were small and clustered. Tonight I felt my back and there were some there too. This time I decided I'd had enough and took pictures so I could ask a professional. Here are the links to the best pictures I could take:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/shoaflet/Itch3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/shoaflet/Itch2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/shoaflet/Itch1.jpg

Please help me! Thanks!

[beetle8888]

A related discussion, Red pimple-like rashes on chest, back, forearm, and inner thighs was started.

[kathjn]

A related discussion, skin itching was started.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Don't know--that's just the way it happens.  Hives itch, whether they're allergic or not, because histamine makes you itch.

Dr. Rockoff

[shoaflet]

So why would I suddenly develop hives or dermographism? Why am I itchy if it's not an allergy?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

You appear to have urticaria, or hives.  Most hives are not allergic.  If the hives come exclusively after scratching, they are called "dermographism" (skin writing).  The cause of these is usually not known, but is hardly ever soaps and detergents or diet, despite what you hear people say.  The hives can last a few weeks or a few months, but then go away.  I suggest you set up a doctor's appointment, and while you're waiting, take a Claritin 10 milligram tablet every day (an antihistamine) and apply Sarna lotion or Benadryl cream as often as needed to help the itch.  Both these products are over-the-counter.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff