Itching, could it be psychological?

[Another_Person]

Hi, I am a 20 year old male and have been having an itching problem in the private areas. Just to let you know I´ve never had skin problems before and for the most part no matter the weather/season my skin keeps reasonably in good shape (no dryness or itchiness).

About two years ago I started to notice itching in the groin and around that area. I bought a couple of types of itching cream (I don´t have them anymore) and chained from briefs to boxers (both being cotton) to see if any change like that would do anything for me. Well, I´m still itching now. When I get hot or begin to sweat my body begins to itch and I become very anxious and usually taking a shower helps a lot. But, like I said I am still itching (even as I type this) and am very uncomfortable with this.

I have no rash or anything, it just itches. I am on medication for anxiety but doubt that is the problem although now that I live in a different country I am soon going to a psychiatrist to see what I should do about it now that I am better.

I have read other people´s questions and they seem to be a bit more complicated than my case because sometimes I am perfectly fine (no itching) but have noticed that if I start to become anxious for any reason I begin to itch. Could this be a psychological problem I´m having? What can I do to relieve the itching? I have started to use some skin lotion but see not difference what so ever. I would really appreciate some help.

Sincerely,

Itchy


This discussion is related to Intensely itchy, red rash on scrotum / groin and itchy legs.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Many cases of hives or urticaria are "idiopathic," meaning no cause is known. Others may be triggered by viral infections or medications.
Try taking Vitamin C along with this treatment. Vitamin C is a general anti-allergy supplement. It helps stabilize mast cells so they are less likely to release histamine.
I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[Another_Person]

Wow, thanks for the quick response.

What could be the cause of this? and are there any vitamins or supplements that could help  if I should even take any at all?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Your symptoms can be due to sweat dermatitis or cholinergic urticaria. Cholinergic urticaria is a subcategory of urticaria or hives which is brought by heat or warm stimulus. It is a difficult condition to treat and avoidance of warm or heat stimulus is the main treatment. In addition, medical treatment consists of antihistamines( like cetrizine),H2-receptor antagonists such as cimetidine and in some cases, tricyclic antidepressants.
My sincere advice would be to consult a dermatologist.
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.