Suggest Treatment For Chronic Itching Caused By Urticaria

Posted on Tue, 5 Jan 2016

Question: What can I do to fight chronic itching. I have been to a dermatologist and allergist. Me drool and prednisone have worked but I am concerned about long term effects. Once I stop taking these meds, the itching, rash and hives come back

Answered by Dr. VINAY KUMAR (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
More information will be useful

Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir

Welcome!
I am Dr V XXXXXXX a Sr Dermatologist.

I have noted your details and would like to help resolve your problem.
I have noted that you have been using medications with potential for side effects. I agree that long term effects of these medicines can cause some health concerns.

Before you send in more information to us, please consider using anti allergic like Levocetirizine 5 mg a day instead of earlier medication for safety and immediate relief concerns.

You are hereby requested to provide following information.

1 Type of rash: pinpoint, wheals, scaly or oozing

2 which area of body was the first to be involved and what was the pattern and sequence of spread

3 Itching: intensity, daytime or evenings or another pattern, correlation with any aggravating causes

4 Seasonal variation

5 Any family history

6 Other medication used in the past/current

7 Pics of lesions from close distance and also about one foot.

8 Relationship with activity/hobbies

9 history of asthma/ urticaria / allergies

10 treatment and prescription details

I will be awaiting your response to attend to your query on priority.

Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. VINAY KUMAR (22 minutes later)

Skin biopsy confirmed urticaria. The small rash/hive and itching appear all over . Started by anus, to area leading to scrotum, the scrotum, foot, hands arms, neck, face and legs. Itching first began at night, but it occurs during day as well. No family history. I have been taking Allegra for hay fever and hives in the past that would occur out of nowhere. I am allergic to shrimp. I play golf. I have tried antihistamines. The itching is intense

Answered by Dr. VINAY KUMAR (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Replacing steroids with antihistamines is desirable

Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir

Welcome.
In the light of fresh information, I have reanalyzed the issue.

In my opinion, the following would help in anyone with a matching profile:

1 maintain high levels of good hygiene practices

2 avoid scratching and use Crotamiton containing preparations for immediate relief from itching

3 taper steroids gradually like use only 75% of the original dose for one week, followed by reduction by another 25% or so to feel comfortable as well as trying to reduce the steroid intake.

4 Antiallergic like Lecocetirizine would be safer and more effective, as suggested above

5 Cimetidine or ranitidine for oral use to supplement effect of allegra/ levocetirizine

6 Notice if there are any triggers and make the best effort to avoid them.

I hope you will be benefited by the suggestions in the near future.

Our best wishes!

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. Sonia Raina