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What Causes Severe Itching On The Body?

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Posted on Thu, 3 Nov 2016
Question: I just itch all over. What can i use to relieve. It is friving me cracy
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Answered by Dr. Dinah Levillard (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Try to rule out causes. Treat as advised.Revert with clarifications

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to HCM
I'm Dr Dinah and I'll be answering your queries today.
Firstly we need to find a probable cause for your itching. An allergy or hives could be due to a number of factors.
Note all allergies you have had in the past, either to dust, pollen,plants, animals/pets, any outdoor activity recently, to any food,seafood, nuts, any new medication/chemicals/or applications on the skin. Try and keep track of when your itching increases, and look for a possible trigger.
Other causes like thyroid disorders, diabetes, liver problems etc can cause itchiness and dryness of skin.
Similar complaints among other family members or contacts could indicate infestation with mites, bed bugs or scabies.
Since you haven't mentioned any details, please do reply with these clarifications:
-Your age, gender
-Any chronic illnesses, medications you are on, or were on recently
-Any rashes on your skin. Bumps or rashes in skin folds,genitals, fingers,toes
-Similar complaints in the family
-history of allergies,asthma, eczema in past
-any treatment you've taken for the itching so far

You can start with applying a calamine or menthol based soothing lotion over the skin 2-3 times a day for the itching. Take an antihistamine like benadryl daily for 5-7 days. This will help with itching and reduce allergies.

Itching due to other causes needs to be treated accordingly, so do get back to me with further details as requested, so i can guide you accordingly. Blood tests may be advised as required to rule out infections, blood allergy levels and other conditions.
In the mean time,avoid any item or activity that you notice increases your itching.
Also feel free to get back with any other doubts or clarifications you may have.
Take care.
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. Nagamani Ng
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Answered by
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Dr. Dinah Levillard

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 263 Questions

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What Causes Severe Itching On The Body?

Brief Answer: Try to rule out causes. Treat as advised.Revert with clarifications Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome to HCM I'm Dr Dinah and I'll be answering your queries today. Firstly we need to find a probable cause for your itching. An allergy or hives could be due to a number of factors. Note all allergies you have had in the past, either to dust, pollen,plants, animals/pets, any outdoor activity recently, to any food,seafood, nuts, any new medication/chemicals/or applications on the skin. Try and keep track of when your itching increases, and look for a possible trigger. Other causes like thyroid disorders, diabetes, liver problems etc can cause itchiness and dryness of skin. Similar complaints among other family members or contacts could indicate infestation with mites, bed bugs or scabies. Since you haven't mentioned any details, please do reply with these clarifications: -Your age, gender -Any chronic illnesses, medications you are on, or were on recently -Any rashes on your skin. Bumps or rashes in skin folds,genitals, fingers,toes -Similar complaints in the family -history of allergies,asthma, eczema in past -any treatment you've taken for the itching so far You can start with applying a calamine or menthol based soothing lotion over the skin 2-3 times a day for the itching. Take an antihistamine like benadryl daily for 5-7 days. This will help with itching and reduce allergies. Itching due to other causes needs to be treated accordingly, so do get back to me with further details as requested, so i can guide you accordingly. Blood tests may be advised as required to rule out infections, blood allergy levels and other conditions. In the mean time,avoid any item or activity that you notice increases your itching. Also feel free to get back with any other doubts or clarifications you may have. Take care.