Brief Answer:
Chronic Pruritus

Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr. XXXX,

I am sorry to hear about this, and know from personal experience how maddening chronic pruritus can be.

The first thing that needs to be done is to have an evaluation by an allergist or dermatologist. With no rash, I suggest starting with an allergist.

The allergist should do several blood tests, including checking for thyroid problems (TSH, T4, antithyroid antibodies), a complete blood count with peripheral smear (to make sure your white blood cells/lymphocytes are normal), check for autoimmune disorders, tryptase level. A review of any medications you take that may contribute to this should be done also.

You should also consider if there is anything in your home environment or foods that you eat that make the itching worse. Also if perfumed and scented products, and laundry dryer sheets or fabric softener is used, eliminate these.

Something to soothe dry skin that dermatologists may recommend that most people do not react to is Crisco (yes, the stuff that you cook with!). But that will only help dry skin. It won't help itching that is coming from things happening inside your body.

Chronic pruritus (itching) without obvious cause is treated similarly to chronic urticaria (hives). Start with an antihistamine such as Zyrtec (generic is cheaper - ceterizine), which is sold without prescription. If it does not help adequately, the dose can be increased slowly, to one 10 mg tab twice a day and can be increased further by your physician.

If that doesn't help adequately, then there are other things that can be tried, but a good antihistamine used in higher dosages than for nasal allergies is typically the place to start.

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification. Also, I invite you to let me know how you are doing after you have tried the Zyrtec, and/or seen an allergist.

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