Itchiness and burning sensations inside body

[Peter8888]

I am a 46 years old male. When I was 18, I had intense itchiness and burning sensations in the rectum which spread to the legs, left chest and lower gum and tip of tongue. Countless visits to doctors and trying all sorts of anti-histamines, anti-inflammation, antibiotics all didn't help. Over the years, the intensity lowered to a much tolerable level. But at age 28, it came back, all exactly at the same places of the body. This time, had MRI of brain and spinal cord and rectum but shown nothing organically abnormal. Doctor said psychosomatic, therefore on antidepressant Ludiomil for 6 weeks but no improvement. Over the years, the symptoms again subsided to a low level. 2 weeks ago, to my horror, at age 46, they came back in high intensity again. From the 3 events, the common trait was that there was a flu with antibiotics prescribed before the flare up of the symptoms. First 2 events was Erythromycin and recent one was Clarithromycin which I discovered belong to the same group as Erythromycin. Is there a solution to this torturing symptoms? Anyone out there has such symptoms and managed to resolve it?

[Peter8888]

I understand if this is an allergy problem, the symptoms should subside or totally disappear upon taking anti-histamines but anti-histamines have absolutely no effect at all other than making me feeling drowsy.

The left chest itch and burning sensation have also spread to the left hand and I need to constantly massage some of the left arm muscles to reduce the itch.

Medication Progress : Last week,  I consulted a neurologist who was quick to conclude me as suffering from  "general anxiety disorder" and referred me to a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist prescribed me antidepressant Cymbalta which I took for 3 days (30mg each day) and the symptoms became worst ! And I am supposed to take this for 2 weeks. Could not tolerate the extreme itch and burning sensations all over, I stopped Cymbalta on Day 4. I told the psychiatrist that Cymbalta DID HAVE EFFECT on my symptoms (if it is true that the symptoms are psychosomatic) but the drugs make it them worse. Is there any antidepressant that goes the other direction? He said no.

I have no other doctor to see and went on "self-treatment". Since the major problem is from the rectum, I inserted Proctosedyl suppositories thrice a day and surprisingly the symptoms subsided quickly. I also went into "cooling down" treatment by taking cooling herbal jelly and drinks so that the body "heatiness" can be ridden off. Somehow this helps to relief me of the symptoms. But still currently, the symptoms are still there although subsided to a low mode. I understand I cannot use the suppositories forever as they are steroids. I will check out an allergy test. But finding  a solution is far in need than finding the allergant as I have been exposed to the same things and food for all these years ! Why flare up only during the few occasions?

I almost went suicidal during the height of the symptoms. Now, I am much more determine to heal myself completely. IS THERE ANY SOLUTION OUT THERE ???

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the forum!
Itchy anus/rectum can be due to undigested food like citrus fruits, grapes, certain spices, tomatoes, gluten, certain medicines like antibiotics and laxatives and certain drinks like beer, milk, tea, or coffee. Anal fissures, hemorrhoids, threadworms can all cause anal itch. Itch can also be due to irritants like synthetic fiber, toiletries or fungal infection.
Since you have itch and burning in the rectum (referred to legs), tip of tongue, lower gum and chest (stomach reflux area), there is a great possibility that it could be related to food. You also appear to be allergic to erythromycin group of drugs. It would be a good idea to take a food allergy test to identify what you are allergic to. Please consult an allergy specialist regarding this.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!