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Suggest Treatment For Chronic Itching On The Body

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Posted on Tue, 4 Apr 2017
Question: Yes. I have had extreme itching all over my body for 6 months now.
I've been to a dermatologist who has me on Loratadine (10mg), Hydroxyzine HCL (25mg), and Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream. Temporary relief, but burning itching pain reoccurs even between doses.

A year ago I had umbilical hernia repair surgery with a Teflon mesh. Am I allergic to it? Is it deteriorating? etc.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (13 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Answer few questions, undergo laboratory tests

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for being at HealthcareMagic
I have gone through your complaints and need to ask you few questions:
Is itching associated with rash or is it without any skin rash?
Are you having dry skin or history of allergic rhinitis or asthma or eczema?
What are the sites most severely affected with itching?
Are you having any other ailments and taking any medicines?
Have you got any blood tests done as sometimes itching can be an indicator of a systemic disease.
I would recommend you to get the following tests done like thyroid function tests, complete blood count, liver function tests, kidney function tests, absolute eosinophil count, fasting blood sugar and serum IgE levels.
Meanwhile you can continue with Loratidine in the morning and can take tablet Hydroxyzine 25 mg in the afternoon and night.
Apply a moisturising lotion containing white soft paraffin on the entire body along with triamcinolone acetonide cream.
You have mentioned about umbilical hernia surgery but allergy to teflon mesh is a very rare occurence. I don't think your itching should be related to it.
Kindly revert with the answers.
Regards
Dr Asmeet
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (56 minutes later)
I have had rashes due to minor infections after I have scratched the areas--that usually heals up after I stop scratching and return to my medication. I am not experiencing dry skin.

I don't really have any previous history of this. Also, my food has not changed. Furthermore, I have always used and continue to use the mildest of body soaps and the same mild laundry detergent.

I have had itching across my abdomen, my sides, inner upper arms, forearms, groin, and behind knees. In these areas, itching will subside after weeks of torment, then flare up again.

I have not had any blood work done for this--no one had recommended that before. (I suppose XXXXXXX health care does not want to prescribe these until cheapest methods have been exhausted first.) I had visited a couple of general practitioners and then a dermatologist twice. I am scheduled to visit a different dermatologist in April.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
High potency steroid, increase frequency of hydroxyzine

Detailed Answer:
According to your complaints it could be due to eczema which is most likely endogenous in nature due to internal sensitivity of the individual.
If I was your treating doctor I would recommend you to use a high potency steroid like clobetasol propionate cream diluted in a moisturising lotion in the ratio of 1:3 on the affected areas twice daily.
Steroidal preparations are prescription drugs and you need to see the doctor in person to get them.
Also increase the frequency of intake of antihistaminic like take tablet Hydroxyzine 25 mg twice daily: afternoon and night.
If possible get your blood tests done so that we can rule the possible causes of itching.
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. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 4993 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Chronic Itching On The Body

Brief Answer: Answer few questions, undergo laboratory tests Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for being at HealthcareMagic I have gone through your complaints and need to ask you few questions: Is itching associated with rash or is it without any skin rash? Are you having dry skin or history of allergic rhinitis or asthma or eczema? What are the sites most severely affected with itching? Are you having any other ailments and taking any medicines? Have you got any blood tests done as sometimes itching can be an indicator of a systemic disease. I would recommend you to get the following tests done like thyroid function tests, complete blood count, liver function tests, kidney function tests, absolute eosinophil count, fasting blood sugar and serum IgE levels. Meanwhile you can continue with Loratidine in the morning and can take tablet Hydroxyzine 25 mg in the afternoon and night. Apply a moisturising lotion containing white soft paraffin on the entire body along with triamcinolone acetonide cream. You have mentioned about umbilical hernia surgery but allergy to teflon mesh is a very rare occurence. I don't think your itching should be related to it. Kindly revert with the answers. Regards Dr Asmeet