Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Itching Sensation On Back And Chest Area?
Question: MY HUSBAND IS 87. HAS JUST STARTED ITCHY SKIN ON HIS BACK AND CHEST. LITTLE RED PLACES ARE THERE AND HE SCRATCHES. HE ONLY TAKES NEXIUM AND ZYTREC. THANK YOU.
Brief Answer:
Dryness of skin may be the cause.Use Moisturizer.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM.
I am Dr Rakesh Sharma answering your query.
I can understand your concern.
Possible causes of itchy skin include:
1.Dry skin. If you don't see a crop of bright, red bumps or some other dramatic change in the itchy area, dry skin (xerosis) is a likely cause. Dry skin usually results from Ageing, environmental factors such as hot or cold weather with low humidity, long-term use of air conditioner.
2.Skin conditions and rashes. Many skin conditions itch, including eczema (dermatitis), psoriasis, scabies, .
The itching usually affects specific areas and is accompanied by other signs, such as red, irritated skin or bumps and blisters.
3.Internal diseases. These include liver disease, iron deficiency anemia, thyroid deficiency.
4.Irritation and allergic reactions. Wool, chemicals, soaps and other substances can irritate the skin and cause itching. Sometimes the substance, such as cosmetics, causes an allergic reaction. Food allergies also may cause skin to itch.
Your husband may be suffering from dry skin , it seems.
TREATMENT ADVISED
1.Moisturizer will help him the most, in my opinion.
2.Corticosteroid creams. Applied topically, these may control itching.I recommend applying the medicated cream to affected areas, then covering these areas with damp cotton material that has been soaked in water or other solutions. The moisture in the wet dressings helps the skin absorb the cream
3.If itching can not be controlled by Zyrtec only add benadryl to that.
If not improved by above measures a clinical check up and investigation will be required.
Hope I have answered your query.
If any thing else you are welcome.
Good luck.
Dryness of skin may be the cause.Use Moisturizer.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM.
I am Dr Rakesh Sharma answering your query.
I can understand your concern.
Possible causes of itchy skin include:
1.Dry skin. If you don't see a crop of bright, red bumps or some other dramatic change in the itchy area, dry skin (xerosis) is a likely cause. Dry skin usually results from Ageing, environmental factors such as hot or cold weather with low humidity, long-term use of air conditioner.
2.Skin conditions and rashes. Many skin conditions itch, including eczema (dermatitis), psoriasis, scabies, .
The itching usually affects specific areas and is accompanied by other signs, such as red, irritated skin or bumps and blisters.
3.Internal diseases. These include liver disease, iron deficiency anemia, thyroid deficiency.
4.Irritation and allergic reactions. Wool, chemicals, soaps and other substances can irritate the skin and cause itching. Sometimes the substance, such as cosmetics, causes an allergic reaction. Food allergies also may cause skin to itch.
Your husband may be suffering from dry skin , it seems.
TREATMENT ADVISED
1.Moisturizer will help him the most, in my opinion.
2.Corticosteroid creams. Applied topically, these may control itching.I recommend applying the medicated cream to affected areas, then covering these areas with damp cotton material that has been soaked in water or other solutions. The moisture in the wet dressings helps the skin absorb the cream
3.If itching can not be controlled by Zyrtec only add benadryl to that.
If not improved by above measures a clinical check up and investigation will be required.
Hope I have answered your query.
If any thing else you are welcome.
Good luck.
Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
