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What Causes Persistent Facial Itching?
Question: I have been experiencing chronic facial itching along the cheek/ear line and the middle of the cheek. There is no rash. Sometimes the itching is on one side only or both sides. Most times, I have some swelling below the ear and if I put pressure on the swelling, the itch alleviates a little. I have seen a general practitioner, who sent me to a dermatologist. The dermatologist stated that because there is no rash, he could not help me. I have also seen an ENT who looked at me for 5 minutes, told me it was exzema and gave me mometasone cream. This did nothing at all to help the problem. I have tried every OTC anti itch cream to no avail. Symptoms worsen when weather is pre-rain or rainy (barometric pressure) and while in the shower (warm water). I also have sensitivity to barometric/atmospheric pressure and can no longer fly in an airplane due to the pressure at certain altitudes and I experience dull headaches when certain weather conditions arise.
The itching has been going on for more than two years, but I cannot determine when it will occur or why.
The itching has been going on for more than two years, but I cannot determine when it will occur or why.
Brief Answer:
a few things to try
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for the question.
This sounds like it could be an allergy or some sort of facial or trigeminal nerve irritation.
Allergy
In the case of an allergy I would make sure that you are using no products other than hypoallergenic soap on your face. You might also try a very simple diet for a week or so, like rice and steamed vegetables only, to see if there is some food allergy going on. At a very minimum, I would consider a trial of no canned foods, no preserved foods and only water to drink for a week or so. If this does not work consider seeing an allergist.
Nerve irritation
The facial and trigeminal nerves innervate the face and in some cases can cause itching or pain. The best type of doctor to sort this out would be a neurologist.
I hope you get some relief soon.
Dr. Robinson
a few things to try
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for the question.
This sounds like it could be an allergy or some sort of facial or trigeminal nerve irritation.
Allergy
In the case of an allergy I would make sure that you are using no products other than hypoallergenic soap on your face. You might also try a very simple diet for a week or so, like rice and steamed vegetables only, to see if there is some food allergy going on. At a very minimum, I would consider a trial of no canned foods, no preserved foods and only water to drink for a week or so. If this does not work consider seeing an allergist.
Nerve irritation
The facial and trigeminal nerves innervate the face and in some cases can cause itching or pain. The best type of doctor to sort this out would be a neurologist.
I hope you get some relief soon.
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I have already tried using hypoallergenic soap and a simple diet. Neither of these made any difference.
I will make an appointment with a neurologist.
Do you see any reason why I might also see an endocrinologist as it may relate to hormonal changes?
I will make an appointment with a neurologist.
Do you see any reason why I might also see an endocrinologist as it may relate to hormonal changes?
Brief Answer:
possibly
Detailed Answer:
I would see the neurologist first then if they cannot help you I would consider an allergist or an endocrinologist.
The itching really points to allergy so the allergist may be helpful.
Some doctors also offer food allergy testing.
Again, I hope you get some relief soon.
Dr. Robinson
possibly
Detailed Answer:
I would see the neurologist first then if they cannot help you I would consider an allergist or an endocrinologist.
The itching really points to allergy so the allergist may be helpful.
Some doctors also offer food allergy testing.
Again, I hope you get some relief soon.
Dr. Robinson
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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