Severe Itching Head to Toe!

[quietsound]

I have this severe itch that has lasted a few months off and on which starts at the top of my head and goes to my feet.  I see no rash except I do see some little red dots or little red bumps.  It's worse on my back, legs, arms, scalp,  Sometimes I feel as though something is crawling on me or sometimes I feel as though I cannot keep my arms and legs still.  I cannot sleep because of this.  It is worse at night but I do occassionally have it during the day (like right now).  it's the kind of itch that you scratch but cannot ever relieve.  I have tried everything.....creams, moisterizers...bath and body stuff....sometimes it helps and sometimes it makes it worse.  I also itch up my butt and up my front.  The itching feels like a prickley itch and feels like i have a very mild sunburn.  I just don't know what to do about this or even what this is.  I just know that I need to get some sleep!  Please help me.

[quietsound]

Thanks for the suggestion about the unscented dove.  I used this one last night it was an oatmeal and almond bar soap and my skin was so dry after that i thought i was gonna die!  The lotion to me makes it worse that the doctor gave me.  I don't know, I don't think there is any cure for this at all and your right, it's not mites or everyone would be affected.....i'm the only one.  I wonder if it has something to do with the nerves in the body.....i don't mean mental state, i mean the nerve endings and nerves in the body......i wonder if this may have something to do with it since my itch anyway, seems to feel more internal than external and not being able to relieve the itch when i scratch.  I don't know what the answer is but if i ever find out what it is, i will report back so that you poor souls don't have to suffer any longer.

[kurv]

I also have the same symptoms as quietsound. It drives me crazy. I try to explain it to my girlfriend, she thinks I am crazy. My doctor is no help. For me, it's the very worst when I get a little excited or worked up about something; like maybe chasing the cat through the house or when I get mad at something when I'm working on the car or something stupid like that. Sometimes I get a rash around my neck and down my chest and back. It embharassing and depressing, I hate it. Reactin, which is like benadryl I think, helps a little.

[no relief]

I have had the same type of symptom...itching.  Fifth Disease was going around where I work, I went to a local rash clinic, they suggested going to my doctor because of charges.  Went to the back door of my doctor in case I was contagious, told me I was allergic to something.  Stopped anything new, took a five day dose of a strong steroid and was put on a seven day regimen of Zyrtec.  Came back within 2 to 3 weeks.  Same thing but was given 30 day regimen of Zyrtec.  Now after prescription ran out, have rash and intense itching again.  What is going on??  Didn't I hear that an "unexplained" rash had been reported to the CDC in Atlanta and reported in seven states?  Was told adults do not get Fifth Disease.  Guess my next step is to a dermatologist.  Hopefully one of us will get results.  Took Benadryl liquid tonight and once off here, I hope I get some relief.  Scrub brushes sure scratch the itch nicely!

[rebeccapms]

I also have severe itching from head to toe.  I have been to a dermatologist twice.  The first time I was told it was dry skin--a very insulting diagnosis--like I would waste my money and time going to a dr for dry skin. The next visit was scheduled for a month later--I only waited a week before I called and asked for an earlier appt due to the miserable itching.  The dr prescribed steriod cream this time--still itching and it is spreading. I am living on benedrl and the steriod creams. If anyone has tried something that is working please let me know.

[TOO Itchy]

I've had on & off itchy spots that I've scratched until I BLEED.  Been to NUMEROUS dermatologists.  Used EVERY topical sterorid, & out of desperation used EMLA & ELA-Max (topical anesthetics) so I could have temporary relief to sleep.  

Even though I don't feel particularly stressed, my last Derm, at USC suggested I talk to my internist & try Prozac, kind of as a last resort.

After 1 month, I'm finally not itching!!!!!  I'm taking 20mg a day.  So far, it seems miraculous.  I can only hope it stays away permanently.

[AlwaysItchy]

I have had exzema for 28 years. I have ALWAYS itched. I live on Benadry 150mg every 4-5 hours.
I have my good days and then I have my normal days. I use steriod creams, anti itch creams you name it i used it.
I do have the exzema undercontrol somewhat but not the itching. I was prescribed Doxepin and i have been taking it for about a week now. It seems that its an anti depressent but it has a side effect of not to itch, so it works at night but it does me no justice during the day..
I use dove, and tide and i try to stay away of everything i am allergic to(almost everything) its almost impossible though..
If i could live on chicken noodle soup i would probly stop the itch.
I too scratch myself till i bleed, i dont mean to, i even cut my nails down, my husband says hes going to put mits on me.
I also found that tanning helps ALOT
I go 2-3- times a week for 20 minss.. It has done wonders, now if i could just stop the itxh completly i would be GREAT. Isnt there something to numb the nerves of the itch or something?