Suggest Treatment For Itching On The Abdomen And Chest While On Benadryl

Posted on Fri, 17 Feb 2017

Question: Good Morning. Thanks for your time. My wife, for the past 10 days or so, has had itching that has moved from her chest, stomach area to her extremities. It manifests itself almost always at bed time. We've tried benadryl with some success and it appears to be fading, but she also has gotten nauseous without regurgitating on several occasions after dinner. There are no hives associated with the itching. Her skin color this morning for the first time , appeared to have a yellow hue, though this may be my imagination playing tricks with me since I'm on guard now. Her eyes appear normal in color. Any thoughts?

Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Needs to be reviewed for scabies

Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to HealthcareMagic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in best way possible. First of all, it is sad to know what your wife had been experiencing lately.

Based on the history you have shared, it can be anything ranging from allergic pruritis or utricaria to infective skin rashes like scabies. However after basic blood work up like liver functions and renal functions for urea and bilirubin, she may need to have a detailed Dermatologist review to look for any furrows or itching pattern resembling with the scabies.

In that case, permetherin lotion may be needed but for the moment she can continue using anti histamines like Cetirizine or Loratidine 10mg once daily and calamine lotion for itching all over the body. For other symptoms using motility agents and antacids like Ranitidine 150mg twice daily before food may help.

Other skin conditions like psoriasis or dermatitis present with rash and isolated itching is less likely. Using skin emolients to keep it moist with 50 percent solution of liquid paraffin and vaseline may also help.

Wishing her a speedy recovery.
Hope this has answered your query, if you have any more questions, feel free to ask.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (3 days later)

Thank you for your reply. We decided to go to the ER when her eyes yellowed. Basic blood work indicated a elevated bilirubin level at 10 and elevated liver levels. CAT scan resulted in an evaluation of unremarkable. She will be visiting the GI Wed. this week where hepatitis results will be revealed. No Rx's were prescribed at the ER and the nausea and color have subsided and seems to be fading.

Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Continue hydration and follow with GI after reports

Detailed Answer:
Hi!
Thanks for the feedback. I am glad, i was of help.

Like we discussed earlier to get liver functions and since they have come deranged, the next steps would have been hepatitis serologies which you people had already been through and now keep her well hydrated, and take rest. Drink fresh juices and more water and avoid exertions. For itching anti histamines like cetrizine can be used more keeping her liver status in view its better to avoid excessive drugs intake. Keep a close liason with your treating physician and I would recommend having clotting profile and albumin in next blood work up.

Wishing her a speedy recovery.
Regards.

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. Vaishalee Punj