Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Severe Body Itching In An Elderly Person
Question: I am 60 years old, and for over a year have had total body itching that even wakes me up at night. I would scratch until I was bloody. My legs, arms, stomach, torso, chest, you name it; everything but my head itches constantly. I got acrylic nails put on so the damage to my skin has subsided and most of the open wounds have healed. I started using coconut oil (unrefined) and it has helped "some". What is this?Also, was on 5 different courses of prednisone... the last was for 8 weeks. That did help a lot, then when prednisone was done... itching came right back. It's like I have prickling all over my body.
Brief Answer:
need to consider a dermatologist
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Generalized itching can be due to different possible causes such as
(A) iron deficiency- in some cases the hemoglobin itself may not be low but when the levels of iron and ferritin (stored iron in the body) are tested, these are low
(B)thyroid disease- levels of thyroid hormone should be assessed
(C)kidney or liver disease- liver function tests and blood tests for kidney function (creatinine and urea/bun) should be done
(D)autoimmune (body reacts with itself) skin conditions such as pemphigoid or dermatitis herpetiformis- a skin biopsy would be needed for diagnosis
(E)infections such as scabies or lice or fungal infections
(F)allergies- allergy blood testing is also available
(G)lymphoma- this is a type of blood cancer . A complete blood count would show evidence of changes
(H)diabetes
It would be best for you to see a dermatologist so that a thorough evaluation can be done ,this would include physical assessment of the skin and blood tests as well
This assessment would determine the cause of your itching and would then allow for appropriate treatment
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
need to consider a dermatologist
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Generalized itching can be due to different possible causes such as
(A) iron deficiency- in some cases the hemoglobin itself may not be low but when the levels of iron and ferritin (stored iron in the body) are tested, these are low
(B)thyroid disease- levels of thyroid hormone should be assessed
(C)kidney or liver disease- liver function tests and blood tests for kidney function (creatinine and urea/bun) should be done
(D)autoimmune (body reacts with itself) skin conditions such as pemphigoid or dermatitis herpetiformis- a skin biopsy would be needed for diagnosis
(E)infections such as scabies or lice or fungal infections
(F)allergies- allergy blood testing is also available
(G)lymphoma- this is a type of blood cancer . A complete blood count would show evidence of changes
(H)diabetes
It would be best for you to see a dermatologist so that a thorough evaluation can be done ,this would include physical assessment of the skin and blood tests as well
This assessment would determine the cause of your itching and would then allow for appropriate treatment
I hope this helps, 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
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
