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What Causes Itching On Large Areas Of The Body In An Elderly Woman?
Question: Are there any systemic causes of itching on large areas of the body besides allergies? I am asking on behalf of my mother, who is 81. She has had 2 courses of prednisone tablets.
As soon as she runs out the itching comes back.
As soon as she runs out the itching comes back.
Brief Answer:
Does she have any skin lesions?
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I am dr.kakkar (dermatologist). I have gone through your query and I have noted your concern.
At her age, senile xerosis / dryness is the most common cause of itching. Besides underlying systemic diseases like diabetes, thyroid, liver and kidney diseases can also present with skin itching.
Are there any skin lesions?
Regards
Does she have any skin lesions?
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I am dr.kakkar (dermatologist). I have gone through your query and I have noted your concern.
At her age, senile xerosis / dryness is the most common cause of itching. Besides underlying systemic diseases like diabetes, thyroid, liver and kidney diseases can also present with skin itching.
Are there any skin lesions?
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
She has skin lessions from scratching; also an unexplained ulcer on front of left ankle for which she has had treatment. She is not diabetic.
Brief Answer:
Ammonium lactate 12% lotion and cetrizine tablets
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
I suspect that her itching is due to senile xerosis i.e age related dryness of skin, therefore I suggest her to use a moisturizer e.g Am-lactin lotion (ammonium lactate 12 % lotion), twice daily, for her whole body. This lotion is hygroscopic i.e would help retain moisture in her skin and relieve her itching.
In addition I would also suggest a tablet of Cetrizine 10 mg once daily for symptomatic relief from itching.
Kindly upload an Image of the ulcer on ankle so that I am able to guide you better. You may upload an Image either at "Reports Section" Or You may mail me an Image at the following email ID- YYYY@YYYY with the subject line of this mail as Attention:Dr.Kakkar.
Regards
Ammonium lactate 12% lotion and cetrizine tablets
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
I suspect that her itching is due to senile xerosis i.e age related dryness of skin, therefore I suggest her to use a moisturizer e.g Am-lactin lotion (ammonium lactate 12 % lotion), twice daily, for her whole body. This lotion is hygroscopic i.e would help retain moisture in her skin and relieve her itching.
In addition I would also suggest a tablet of Cetrizine 10 mg once daily for symptomatic relief from itching.
Kindly upload an Image of the ulcer on ankle so that I am able to guide you better. You may upload an Image either at "Reports Section" Or You may mail me an Image at the following email ID- YYYY@YYYY with the subject line of this mail as Attention:Dr.Kakkar.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
cannot upload a picture; your help is much appreciated. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
You are welcome
Detailed Answer:
Hi. Thank you for writing to us
. For ulcer you may use topical antibiotic e.g either 2%mupirocin ointment or neosporin ointment, twice daily.
regards
You are welcome
Detailed Answer:
Hi. Thank you for writing to us
. For ulcer you may use topical antibiotic e.g either 2%mupirocin ointment or neosporin ointment, twice daily.
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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