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Suggest Treatment For Bouts Of Chronic Itching
Question: my husband has been experiencing bouts of chronic itching, we have tried all over the counter lotions for exzema and psoriaisis, nothing works. i dont know whether to take him to a dermatologist or a G.P, and we DO NOT have insurance, so going to the right place to begin with is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!!! Can you please help? Thank You, XXXX
Brief Answer:
a dermatologist would be best
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Itching can be due to : (1)allergies to food, drink, environmental factors such as dust/pollen/animal dander/creams/soap/detergent/medication
(2)liver disease
(3)infection such as scabies, insect bites
(4)kidney disease
(5)some autoimmune diseases
(6)rarely related to cancer, very rare
He may want to change all soaps/creams/detergents to low allergen formats eg cetaphil.
Also a food diary to note if there are any particular foods that cause a reaction can be started.
In addition, adding an oral antihistamine and pepcid to the creams may also help.
Pepcid also blocks histamine from acting, it acts at a different point than the antihistamine.Histamine is a chemical that is released in the body and plays a role in causing inflammation and itching.
By blocking the histamine with the antihistamine (Eg benadryl, zyrtec) and pepcid, may have some relief.
The doctor can examine and possibly suggest blood tests that may identify any specific causes.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
a dermatologist would be best
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Itching can be due to : (1)allergies to food, drink, environmental factors such as dust/pollen/animal dander/creams/soap/detergent/medication
(2)liver disease
(3)infection such as scabies, insect bites
(4)kidney disease
(5)some autoimmune diseases
(6)rarely related to cancer, very rare
He may want to change all soaps/creams/detergents to low allergen formats eg cetaphil.
Also a food diary to note if there are any particular foods that cause a reaction can be started.
In addition, adding an oral antihistamine and pepcid to the creams may also help.
Pepcid also blocks histamine from acting, it acts at a different point than the antihistamine.Histamine is a chemical that is released in the body and plays a role in causing inflammation and itching.
By blocking the histamine with the antihistamine (Eg benadryl, zyrtec) and pepcid, may have some relief.
The doctor can examine and possibly suggest blood tests that may identify any specific causes.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you so much Dr XXXXXXX
that actually does answer more than you know! He was already diagnosed with chirossis of the liver and he REFUSES to drink water, which is why kidney related issues makes perfect sense in his case. I will seek out a dermatologist based on your reply. Again, Thank you for your time and concern.
Most Sincerely, XXXX
One last question!!! I apologize! But, what is pepcid? And where can i get it? ALSO, what did you mean by " blocking the histamine with the antihistamine??? "
that actually does answer more than you know! He was already diagnosed with chirossis of the liver and he REFUSES to drink water, which is why kidney related issues makes perfect sense in his case. I will seek out a dermatologist based on your reply. Again, Thank you for your time and concern.
Most Sincerely, XXXX
One last question!!! I apologize! But, what is pepcid? And where can i get it? ALSO, what did you mean by " blocking the histamine with the antihistamine??? "
Brief Answer:
prevents histamine from causing itching/rash
Detailed Answer:
HI
Sorry about the late reply
Histamine is released in allergic/inflammatory reactions. It is one of the chemicals that is involved in causing itching/rash.
Antihistamines (allergy meds such as benadryl, claritine, zyrtec, allegra) work by preventing histamine in the body from exerting its effect. This is the reason that antihistamines are used in allergic reactions.
With a history of cirrhosis of the liver , this is the likely cause of his itching. He may need a strong antihistamine such as hydroxyzine which would require a prescription
Pepcid and zantac are also histamine blockers. They are used in persons with a history of recurrent weals/allergies.
They would work with one of the antihistamines mentioned above.
Can be obtained over the counter either at your local pharmacy or likely in the med section of your supermarket.
Please feel free to ask any other questions
prevents histamine from causing itching/rash
Detailed Answer:
HI
Sorry about the late reply
Histamine is released in allergic/inflammatory reactions. It is one of the chemicals that is involved in causing itching/rash.
Antihistamines (allergy meds such as benadryl, claritine, zyrtec, allegra) work by preventing histamine in the body from exerting its effect. This is the reason that antihistamines are used in allergic reactions.
With a history of cirrhosis of the liver , this is the likely cause of his itching. He may need a strong antihistamine such as hydroxyzine which would require a prescription
Pepcid and zantac are also histamine blockers. They are used in persons with a history of recurrent weals/allergies.
They would work with one of the antihistamines mentioned above.
Can be obtained over the counter either at your local pharmacy or likely in the med section of your supermarket.
Please feel free to ask any other questions
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
Answered by
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