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What Causes Itching In Back And Upper Torso?
Question: I'm a Type 2 diabetic with neuropathic problems and a deformed left foot. Currently, I am kept awake be extreme "itchiness" to my back and upper torso. I receive but 3-4 hrs. of broken sleep a night, in order to use a back-scratcher to give some relief for a short while; this cycle returns 4-5 times each evening! Am at a loss as to how to address my problem. Any suggestions?
Brief Answer:
Itching due to neuropathy
Detailed Answer:
Good day.
Noted your concern. Such type of itching can happen due to few reasons.
1. Due to eczema or skin problems.
2. Fungal infections
3. Dryness
4. Truncal neuropathy
Any visible skin changes or skin marks
in affected areas?
Regards
Binu
Itching due to neuropathy
Detailed Answer:
Good day.
Noted your concern. Such type of itching can happen due to few reasons.
1. Due to eczema or skin problems.
2. Fungal infections
3. Dryness
4. Truncal neuropathy
Any visible skin changes or skin marks
in affected areas?
Regards
Binu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Yes, my skin is very dry (especially my hands!) Can you elaborate more as to what you note as Truncal neuropathy?
Brief Answer:
Liberal use of moisturizer
Detailed Answer:
Truncal neuropathy is involvement of nerves of abdomen and chest area. There are many patterns of nerve involvement possible in diabetes. Autonomic neuropathy leads to absence of sweating and there will be minimal secretion from skin glands.
This leads to dry skin and extreme itching. Besides, being vey cold in Hamden now, I presume you must be taking hot water showers. This makes the dryness worse and itching will increase. I would advice you to take shower in lukewarm water only. Use a mild soap like " DOVE". Use a nice moisturizer to body, back, hands and legs soon after shower when the body is still little wet/damp. Apply the moisturizer evenly. Please take help from someone else to apply moisturizer to your back. This will minimize the itching.
At night you may use a tablet of " Piriton" which is an anti allergic tablet which will help you to sleep as well.
Liberal use of moisturizer
Detailed Answer:
Truncal neuropathy is involvement of nerves of abdomen and chest area. There are many patterns of nerve involvement possible in diabetes. Autonomic neuropathy leads to absence of sweating and there will be minimal secretion from skin glands.
This leads to dry skin and extreme itching. Besides, being vey cold in Hamden now, I presume you must be taking hot water showers. This makes the dryness worse and itching will increase. I would advice you to take shower in lukewarm water only. Use a mild soap like " DOVE". Use a nice moisturizer to body, back, hands and legs soon after shower when the body is still little wet/damp. Apply the moisturizer evenly. Please take help from someone else to apply moisturizer to your back. This will minimize the itching.
At night you may use a tablet of " Piriton" which is an anti allergic tablet which will help you to sleep as well.
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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