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What Causes Itching Chest, Back And Waist For Several Months?
Question: For the past several months I have experienced severe itching on my back,chest, and waist. Some of these areas do have a small bump, which may or may not be the result of scratching. I did see my Dermatologist. His prognosis was dry skin and recommended switching my bath soap from Safeguard to Dove, and soaping only my groin and armpits. I have done this but still have itching. I do get relief from applying a cream with cortisone( anti itching lotion). For the past week I have now experienced very severe rectal itching I have never had body itching or rectal itching before. I am curious if they may be related and what the cause may be?
Brief Answer:
May be due to worms or dermatitis of some sort.
Detailed Answer:
Regards.
Thanks for your query.
To recapitulate: 72 / male - itching chest, back and waist for several months - seen Dermatologist - relief only by creme with cortisone - now itching rectal for past weeks - wants to know the cause and if these 2 are related or not
The probable causes are:
-Worm infestation giving rectal as well as skin itching.
-Idiopathic meaning cause is not found.
-Sort of dermatitis of both the area.
I would advise you the following:
-Since you have been seen by a Dermatologist, you may have to second opinion of another if required.
-Take Medicines like Albendazole with Ivernectin on empty stomach and repeat after 15 days.
-Additional antihistamine and oral steroids if you do not have diabetes or high blood pressure.
-Tests of :
Stool tests on 3 different days. Sometimes only one test can show positive reports.
Tests of blood: CBC, liver function tests, Renal function tests,
Get a reference for a General Surgeon for per-rectal and proctoscopy examination to see if there is a local problem or not.
Further treatment as per the reports and investigations.
I hope this answer helps you, please feel free to ask for further relevant queries or if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
Please let me know any related or unrelated history or any feedback that may help me more.
Thank you.
Dr T Chandrakant.
May be due to worms or dermatitis of some sort.
Detailed Answer:
Regards.
Thanks for your query.
To recapitulate: 72 / male - itching chest, back and waist for several months - seen Dermatologist - relief only by creme with cortisone - now itching rectal for past weeks - wants to know the cause and if these 2 are related or not
The probable causes are:
-Worm infestation giving rectal as well as skin itching.
-Idiopathic meaning cause is not found.
-Sort of dermatitis of both the area.
I would advise you the following:
-Since you have been seen by a Dermatologist, you may have to second opinion of another if required.
-Take Medicines like Albendazole with Ivernectin on empty stomach and repeat after 15 days.
-Additional antihistamine and oral steroids if you do not have diabetes or high blood pressure.
-Tests of :
Stool tests on 3 different days. Sometimes only one test can show positive reports.
Tests of blood: CBC, liver function tests, Renal function tests,
Get a reference for a General Surgeon for per-rectal and proctoscopy examination to see if there is a local problem or not.
Further treatment as per the reports and investigations.
I hope this answer helps you, please feel free to ask for further relevant queries or if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
Please let me know any related or unrelated history or any feedback that may help me more.
Thank you.
Dr T Chandrakant.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
There are only three Dermatologists where I live. One does not accept any new patients. Appointments take about two months or more for the other two. l don't really want to wait another two months for a diagnosis.I am curious if you believe that the body itching (several months) and rectal itch (about a week) may be related? Is there a possibility that I may have a mild case of shingles? If its worm infestation, would there be a lapse of a couple of months between the body itching and rectal itching? Would there be any other signs/symptoms that may indicate worm infestation?
Brief Answer:
There can be a lapse of months- trying to find the reasons and treatment
Detailed Answer:
I can understand about the availability of the Dermatologist as you have mentioned.
Sir, I have mentioned this above.
To elucidate more on the point:
It is possible to have intestinal worms and not having any symptoms at all for a long time. It is thought that the products of the dead worms that are absorbed by the intestines and cause skin allergy and itching.
There can be mixed worms infestations.
One of the reasons for anal itching is the same cause that has been causing the skin itching. The itching at the anus can be related. If this is worm infestation, there can be gap of couple of months as seen in practice.
Most of the cases of worm infestations are not symptomatic and if present can have varied symptoms from mild pain in the abdomen to presentation like Irritable bowel syndrome, the unexplained skin itching is one of them.
Shigles usually does not present like this.
It is always a therapeutic response one gets. The medicines are given for every case of unexplained itching of skin, they are safe. We have to find a probable reason to get you the proper treatment.
There can be a lapse of months- trying to find the reasons and treatment
Detailed Answer:
I can understand about the availability of the Dermatologist as you have mentioned.
Sir, I have mentioned this above.
To elucidate more on the point:
It is possible to have intestinal worms and not having any symptoms at all for a long time. It is thought that the products of the dead worms that are absorbed by the intestines and cause skin allergy and itching.
There can be mixed worms infestations.
One of the reasons for anal itching is the same cause that has been causing the skin itching. The itching at the anus can be related. If this is worm infestation, there can be gap of couple of months as seen in practice.
Most of the cases of worm infestations are not symptomatic and if present can have varied symptoms from mild pain in the abdomen to presentation like Irritable bowel syndrome, the unexplained skin itching is one of them.
Shigles usually does not present like this.
It is always a therapeutic response one gets. The medicines are given for every case of unexplained itching of skin, they are safe. We have to find a probable reason to get you the proper treatment.
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
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