Itchy Skin On Back, Have CHF. What Causes This? Is There Any Medication To Relieve This Condition?

Posted on Sun, 1 Jul 2012

Question: My father has CHF and is having a big problem with itchy skin, especially on his back.

I am told this is a part of CHF. Can you tell me what causes this? Is there anything cream or pill that I can suggest to his doctor to help relieve this conditionit?

It keeps him up at night and is a big distraction during the day. He is an active archtect and his job is effected by this condition. We have tried several creams that don't touch it.

Do you have any suggestions?

Answered by Dr. Gaurang Krishna (12 hours later)

Hello,

Thanks for writing in.

Chronic pruritus may be caused by chronic illnesses like CHF, Cirrhosis or Renal failure.

The treatment is primarily the control of the underlying pathology (in your father's case, it is CHF).

You may suggest Tab Hydroxyzine 25 mg 3-4 times daily to your doctor. This is very effective. But the problem is that this medicine may lead to drowsiness.The second but less effective alternative is a non sedating antiallergic like tab fexofenadine 180 mg.
He may also apply calamine/menthol lotion 3-4 times daily to help relieve his itch.

I hope this helps.

Thanks and Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Gaurang Krishna (19 hours later)

Thank you, Dr. XXXXXXX for your suggestions.

I will present them to my Dad's heart specialist to see if the doctor would like to consider them as a part of Dad's treatment.

Answered by Dr. Gaurang Krishna (5 hours later)

Sure.

Please keep me updated about your dad's progress.

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Gaurang Krishna (21 hours later)

His next appointment isn,t for a few weeks. I will try the calamine/menthol lotion 3-4 times daily to see if that gives him relief. If so his doctor may be able to recommend it for his other patients.

Thak you. I will keep you posted.

Answered by Dr. Gaurang Krishna (4 hours later)

Sure.

thanks

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar