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.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I can't think of too many conditions which cause the kind of on-again-off-again itching you describe.

Does a roommate or sexual partner also itch?  Do you even have a rash along with the itch?  These questions need to be answered before definitive diagnosis can be given.

If I were you, I would make an appointment with a dermatologist, who may want to perform skin scrapings (for mites) or blood tests (for liver problems.)  Very likely, tests will discover neither and you'll be left with nodescript itch, perhaps stress-induced.

While waiting for the appointment, you may benefit from sarna lotion applied as needed, and Benadryl capsules 25 mg at bedtime.  Both require no prescription.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[quietsound]

Thank You Doctor for getting back to me on this.  No, my husband does not have an itch at all and no, i can't say I have a rash either..just some little red bumps.  I do have fibromyalgia and I don't know if there is a connection with that or what but it's been going on way too long now.  I made an appointment for this Friday morning.  It's just very uncomfortable to say the very least and I get perhaps two hours of sleep between 4 and 6am.

Thanks for your time!

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Good luck.

Dr. Rockoff

[quietsound]

Hi Doctor Rockoff,

I just wanted to tell you that I went to the doctors and he really didn't know what this was either...he prescribed a lotion to put on.........Promasone or Pramasone and to stop using the body and bath gels and to use a bar soap.......i found that when I did that it dried out my skin more.......but i'm suppose to humor him here.  what would you recommend as a good bar soap over the counter that doesn't have alot of chemicals in it or a soap that does not dry out the skin.

Thanks.

[FredZ]

Dove (unscented) seems to be the mildest regular bath and beauty bar. If I remember correctly, a major consumer outfit once reported much the same in their publication. I've always used Ivory since I left home and had to start buying my own stuff. If it has a "scent" it has an extra chemical in it. Good luck.

[jewel01]

Dear Itching,
I have had the same problem since last June. It comes and goes but at least 3 to 4 times a week I am up all night itching... sometimes legs.. back.. scalp.. anywhere and everywhere.. at first the Benadryl seemed to sooth it but now it is no longer working. I havent seen a doctor for fear of the lack of a diagnosis or remedy. If you find anything that helps please let me know. It can be so miserable. I also know it isnt any type of mite because my husband nor my daughter suffers from this chronic itching. Good luck to you and hopefully sweet dreams!

[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?

[quietsound]

well, i canceled the skin doctor cause all he said was i had dry skin and to humor him and i got so worse with the **** he put me on that i didn't go back........it was a complete mystery to him.  I'm already on anti-depressants and i know that it doesn't stop my itching............i just decided to give it up and not go to any doctors because it seems all treatments make it worse.........the next step I guess is to scrub my body with gasoline which is probably the only thing I haven't tried and pray to God no one lights a match!!........if anyone finds a true cure.......let me know.

[Addie]

Count me in with this also.  I have had this now for 25 years. No rash...just a horrid itch all over the body and the more I itch a spot the worse it gets and it jumps to another spot.  BUT, the strangest thing about this "30 year itch" is that it only comes in February and August every year. It lasts the whole month and then goes away until it is suppose to show up again.  I will not spend another dime on doctors for this. They do not have a clue...I have tried Aveeno and oatmeal baths and baths with aspirin in it, and creams and salves. I have changed my laundry soap, etc. etc. et.c etc.  Sometimes i get some relief with the over the counter cortisone itch creams that come in a tube.  Not the ointment but it stated "Cream" on the tube.

In my next life, I think I will become a Doctor (-:

[[email protected]]

I have had shingles for over 2 months now.There is still a small spot on the back of my neck. But now a;l of a sudden. I AM ITCHING ALL OVER. I am wondering if this is related to the shingles. I am also on dialysis. I take 50mgs. benadryl. It seems to help some. I have the same symptoms as the rest of you. Once I itch one spot. It seems to itch more out from that spot. I itch on my belly,under neith my arms,butt cheeks,inside and outside of legs and a little on my back. My hands do not itch. I am going to try and see a dermatoligist tomorrow. I am thinking this has something to do with my shingles. Maybe the nerves because when I itch. It's usually on A particular area and than the itch moves to another area of my body. I literally cry at night from this and start yelling and going crazy. The cremes and oils sometimes help a little or just make it worse. I don't think t is mites or other people here would have it too. Although our dog does have that black stuff i one of his ears so we are using mite stuff and it is better now.
   I will itch until I get red marks or scabs. I do not itch on top of my arms or my feet either. Although my neck itches some and the outside around my ears and a little on my face. Wish I kew what this is. I can not go on like this much longer... I will post what the dermatolists says later on... Right now my but burns from itching it. But nothing else itches but my butt. But I know in a little while my legs or underarms will itch..
s

[[email protected]]

So much for the dermatoligist. I ended up going to the Emergency room this morning. It is stupid how you can't even get in to see A dermatoligist until 2 weeks.
     The Doctor in te E.R. said I had SEVERE DERMATITIS. I over heard him saying he was going to give me solu medrol injection. Than he changed his mind and gave me something that started with A K. Also picked up A prescription for HYDROXZINE 50mg. 3 times A day. Should help me sleep. It is A antihisimine. After my shot I still itched. So I went and picked up some ((EUCERINE CREME)) and ((VITAMIN E with ALOE VERA SKIN OIL.)) The EURINE CREME seemed to releive A lot of itching and Than an hour later I folled up with the Vitamin E Oil. It works pretty good and when I get A new itch I just hit it with the Vitamin E oil and it works. Although I have to keep putting it on certain areas after my skin soakes it up.

[bernman]

My arms itch every evening and uring a stressful day.
I have tried everything, but think I will try staying out of the sun.
Let me know any better solutions.

[hot season]

Ihave the same itch as describeed by quietsound and many of you guys. I have an intense itch that only gets worse at night and I cant sleep. The only difference in my case is that my boyfriend has broken out too. But his rash looks totally different. Its mainly concentrated onhis back and chest and its terrible! Its a combination of small bumps and larger raised flattened welps ( if that makes any sense) I went to the doctor about mine and I got the universal answer."Your allergic to something"
Thanks doc.The first doctor put me onsome medicine that did absolutely nothing but make me sleepy. The second doctor I went to told me it could be anything and tested me for syphilis which came back negative. He put me on a 6 day steriod which really worked then as soon as the pills were gone the itching came back but not the rash. now my stomach, arms and back itch like crazy but there are no bumps. except a few small ones on my arms. i dont have any insurance and i dont have a lot of money so im not going tpo come out of pocket again to hear "your allergic to something, here, take these sleeping pills and dont call me in the morning." I have found that a nice icecold washcloth at night seems to help ,me get some sleep. Take a shower right before you go to bed, dry off, dont apply any lotions,fill a large bowl up with ice and put a washcloth in it. when the itching starts, slap that washcloth onit andyou should be able to sleep for a couple of hours. Just wanted to help you guys because nobody could understyand the misery of what were going through. good luck guys and keep me posted if u find the cure!

[linle]

I too have severe itching.  It started in January and it is now Mid April. It started with a rash on my back.  Now it is on my arms and legs and I have scratched until I bruise or bleed.  I can not believe what I am doing to my body.  I have seen four doctors and all have told me it is a uticaria, idiopathic meaning, untermined origin.  Basically, what that means is that I have hives and they can not help me.  I have been on hundreds of dollars of OTC meds and 16 different perscription drugs, including zyrtec, claritin, allegra, atarax, doxepin, uvate, pramasone, lidex, ditrolene etc, etc, etc.  The itch is much worse in the afternoon and at night.  It gets worse when I scratch, developing red bumps, with white welts under my skin.  It moves around but basically I never have a moment that I am not itching and scratching.  I am a Registered Nurse and I work in the Open Heart Surgical area and it is interferring with my work.  I do not believe one minute that the doctors know what is wrong or have treated me appropriately.  I am very frustrated and don't know what to do next.  THe allergist says I should go to a university setting to a specialist.  Why?

[elemschoolteach]

Everyone with a itch:  Try Aloe Vera gel in the liquid form, like the kind you drink. Chill it in the fridge and then pour it on a washcloth. It seems to give me a little bit of relief. Takes away the burning sensation that I sometimes get. I never would have believed so many people live with constant itching. My arms have broken out in some kind of rash and I am just miserable. I will get to the dermatologist this week--but I have tried everything imaginable. nothing works for very long, but the aloe vera works for about and hour or so.
Cheers!

[cellist]

I too suffered from severe head to toe itching last December. It started after what I thought was a bout with the flu. Kept me awake at night, OTC antihistamines were no relief, and Aveeno and Benadryl creams made it worse. After about 1 week of anguish (and on the day I saw my PCP), I broke out in a red blotchy complete body rash. PCP decided to treat it like an allergy, with Allegra, then Medrol dose pack. Finally after a week of the Medrol, symptoms abated. (Thank God!)

Turns out, it was a case of mono. The virus affected my liver function. I wasn't processing my toxins effectively, and thus the symptoms. Go figure!

For those of you with no relief from creams, antihistamines or steroids, ask your PCP for a liver panel. You never know...

-- Caroline

[tevahine37]

I also suffer from SEVER itching.  However, along with the itching, my feet, hands, lips and area around my eyes get swollen. It is very uncomfortable.  I have had this for about 4 years now. I've been to numerous doctors who have told me that I suffer from panic attacks to imangined symptoms.  I finally went to an allergist and he told me that I have chronic uticria. He told me that he does not know what causes it and there is nothing that he can do.  I had a skin test performed and I found out that I'm allegeric to everything.  I have used zyrtec, clartin, atarax and dosepin. I have also tried various herbal medicines and nothing seems to work.  Right now I'm taking Zyrtec twice daily as a preventive medicine and atarax when ever I start to feel itchy or red bumps appear.  It seems to work, but my body is getting used to the medication I have to up my doses every once in a while.  I've been doing some research on this and I found an allergy shot that is supposed to work.  I'm thinking about asking my dr about it because I am getting tired of relying so much on my medication.  It is so nice to know that I'm not the ONLY one with this type of problem.

[lochness]

Has anyone thought of scabies?
I had the same symptoms, intense itching, bumps and some open sores.  Itched till I bled.  Several doctors misdiagnosed me.

[gkthym]

Anyone out there ever heard of the "seven year itch"?  And I don't mean the infidelity type eicher!!!  Everysince I was a youngster, my skin just reeks with itching.  Right now I am so Bad, I can't wear shorts, tee-shirts, even short dresses.  I itch til I bleed, then scabs form, then I'm picking at them to relieve the itch.  Been to Dermotoligists, reg. MD's, you name it.  I feel like I should live in a "Bubble" to see if my skin would calm down.