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I Have Been Experiencing 24/7 Prickling And Itching At The
Question: I have been experiencing 24/7 prickling and itching at the base of my skull running from ear to ear for the past 2 months. I have no known allergies, nor am I on any medications. I have had my eyes examined and they are fine. There is no rash or swelling or discoloration. The itch is not the topical skin it is in the dermis. The itch is intensified if I press on the skull behind my ears and the skull directly lower center at the base of my skull.
Brief Answer:
Neuropathic itch is likely- further details below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
If you have no skin lesions that are causing the itch, no changes in skin color and no obvious scalp related cause of the itchiness (dandruff, yeast infection, dermatitis) then very likely this is a neuropathic itch.
Neuropathic itch happens due to the damage of a certain nerve (neuropathy). This is very likely in patients with diabetes but not only. You will need to have your glucose checked and rule out diabetes if you have not had such a check recently.
You will need a thorough examination, including a neurological examination and probably some general blood tests (CBC, ERS, TSH, ALT, AST, bilirubin, creatinine and electrolytes, glucose, lipids, etc) to make sure you are healthy in general. If a certain abnormality is identified then it should be treated first.
If a particular cause of the neuropathic itch is not identified then the treatment will be geared towards the symptom (the itchiness). In this case, local treatments to block the sensation in the nerve of that area or oral treatments may be used.
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Neuropathic itch is likely- further details below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
If you have no skin lesions that are causing the itch, no changes in skin color and no obvious scalp related cause of the itchiness (dandruff, yeast infection, dermatitis) then very likely this is a neuropathic itch.
Neuropathic itch happens due to the damage of a certain nerve (neuropathy). This is very likely in patients with diabetes but not only. You will need to have your glucose checked and rule out diabetes if you have not had such a check recently.
You will need a thorough examination, including a neurological examination and probably some general blood tests (CBC, ERS, TSH, ALT, AST, bilirubin, creatinine and electrolytes, glucose, lipids, etc) to make sure you are healthy in general. If a certain abnormality is identified then it should be treated first.
If a particular cause of the neuropathic itch is not identified then the treatment will be geared towards the symptom (the itchiness). In this case, local treatments to block the sensation in the nerve of that area or oral treatments may be used.
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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