What Causes Severe Itching On Trunk And Legs?

Posted on Fri, 22 Jan 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 22 Jan 2016 Answered on

Wed, 2 Mar 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : What can I do for itching on my trunk and legs? There is no rash or visible signs. I have changed my laundry detergent and conditioner and shower soap to non-allergenic types. I am a 79-year old woman and I have tried all kinds of body lotions and itching powder. It's driving me crazy. What else can I do and what else could be causing this?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Undergo certain tests, take antihistaminics & apply moisturisers

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for being at healthcaremagic

I can understand your concern.

You are complaining of itching without any signs. It has multiple causes. The most commonly implicated ones are diabetes, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, increased uric acid levels, liver diseases, chronic renal failure, iron deficiency, lymphomas and drug reactions.

One third cases of itching in elderly is due to xerosis which is dryness of the skin.

It is diagnosed after excluding other recognisable causes of itching.

I would recommend you to undergo following tests:
Complete blood counts
Liver function tests
Thyroid function tests
Kidney function tests
Blood sugar fasting
Serum uric acid levels

As far as management is concerned I recommend my patients to undergo the above mentioned tests to find out the cause of itching. Besides this I recommend them to take antihistaminics like tablet chlorpheniramine 4 mg twice daily along with frequent application of moisturising creams containing white soft paraffin.

I hope to have answered your queries and would be happy to clarify any further doubts.
Regards
Dr Asmeet

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad