Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Itching All Over Body After Recovery From Flu?
Question: I have just recovered from the flu; and as u know spent a lot of time in the bed. Now, I have this terrible itching that just wont go away. I have tried anti-itch creams, alcohal, bath with bleach, and even hydrogen peroxide. But, nothing seems to work.
Brief Answer:
Topical steroids, antihistamines & cold showers!
Detailed Answer:
Hi there.
It is very possible you have what we refer to as 'miliaria' resulting from the sweat pores et al being blocked after a febrile episode.
A simple ploy would be to NOT apply anything that could further occlude the pores & take frequent cold showers or tepid sponging & wear loose cotton clothing.
In addition cover with a OTC (over the counter) antihistamine eg Xyzal (levocetrizine) taken orally once or twice daily will help reduce symptoms.
The other possibility is some sort of reaction to the anti-pyretics or medications taken for the fever. Do stop all other medications.
A local use of a 1% hydrocortisone lotion or Desonide lotion over the affected areas twice daily should help relieve symptoms in 24-48 hrs. Relax & do things that help you do so as stress does lower the threshold for itch & when one is relaxed, it certainly helps the itch.
Do help this advice is prompt, precise, addresses your concerns & will help relieve your itch.
Good Luck & Godspeed!
Dr Praveen Rodrigues MD
Topical steroids, antihistamines & cold showers!
Detailed Answer:
Hi there.
It is very possible you have what we refer to as 'miliaria' resulting from the sweat pores et al being blocked after a febrile episode.
A simple ploy would be to NOT apply anything that could further occlude the pores & take frequent cold showers or tepid sponging & wear loose cotton clothing.
In addition cover with a OTC (over the counter) antihistamine eg Xyzal (levocetrizine) taken orally once or twice daily will help reduce symptoms.
The other possibility is some sort of reaction to the anti-pyretics or medications taken for the fever. Do stop all other medications.
A local use of a 1% hydrocortisone lotion or Desonide lotion over the affected areas twice daily should help relieve symptoms in 24-48 hrs. Relax & do things that help you do so as stress does lower the threshold for itch & when one is relaxed, it certainly helps the itch.
Do help this advice is prompt, precise, addresses your concerns & will help relieve your itch.
Good Luck & Godspeed!
Dr Praveen Rodrigues MD
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
