For 6 weeks constant itching

[jolinda]

Please can you help? I stopped drinking 6 weeks ago. After some tests I began a new program with specific natural supplements including Natural Lithium, DHEA, Amino Acids including
5 Tryptophan, Thyroid, an Adrenal Complex with Bovine and a protein drink with Rice products, vitamins and essential oils.
I am also taking Prozak and Trazadone.

This has been a big help to me mentally but near that same time, I began itching under my hair line at the back of my neck, and it spread to back of my arms and elbows, legs and back.  I continue to itch all over with little bumps shooting up at different locations on my body some of which bleed when I scratch them and then they remain bumpy on my body or turn brown. I am now starting to itch on my breasts.

I have been 2x to the dermatologist and she gave me a steroid shot , Zyrtec and topical cremes all of which don't really stop this. She also told me to use Dove soap, take less than 5 minute showers, and use Cetaphil Lotion.

The holistic doctor said he had not heard of any of his patients
having these side effects from these supplements except from maybe the essential oils.

I am also 52 and still have periods, but I am beginning to be irregular.

I have never had itching last this long in the past and it has never been as severe.  Could I have allergic reactions to something internal or from the supplements?  Do you have any suggetions on what I can do to stop this?  Besides steriods, are there any topicals that could help, or any bathing products that would help?

Thank you for your help.  Jodi

[LO33]

A related discussion, Itching on upper arms was started.

[jolinda]

Thank you for your comment.  I'll do what I can.  Jodi

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I am not sure what is causing your itch.  I also have not heard or seen such itching as a result of supplements.  Sometimes, strange itches come as a result of stress.  Could this make sense in your case?

If the dermatologist did not find any particular skin disease causing this, perhaps the best approach would be to work with him or her to treat the itch symptoms with creams and antihistamines until the cycle of itching and scratching goes away.  Although blood tests rarely show anything, a routine panel with liver function tests might be worth checking out once.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff