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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Have Itchy Skin. Has Raised Scratch Marks On Itching. Taking Loratadine. Cause?

hello. for the past few years i have had severly itchy skin. it happens at random times during the day mainly when i get hot. the area that becomes itchy then turns red and has like raised stratch marks from where i itch it. i also have flushed face/dry skin and my body feels hot to touch. i've been to my GP several times but they just tell me to take an allergy tablet. i do take loratadine which does control it for a while but i feel i need an answer. i can't just take allergy tablets for the rest of my life without knowing the cause. thanks
Thu, 2 May 2013
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Allergist and Immunologist,  's  Response
Hello,

You are suffering from chronic spontaneous urticaria and dermographism. The triggers are: physical (scratching the skin), solar (sunlight), stress but most often spontaneous.

Long-acting non-sedating antihistamines are the answer and it is correct that there is no cure. It settles down after a while, but for some part of your life (a good few months), most people find it intolerable.
Thyroid function with thyroid antibodies, Liver function tests are worthwhile doing to ensure there is no secondary cause.
So it is best to stay on a long-acting antihistamine like fexofenadine 180mg or hydroxyzine 50 at night if that helps control it.
For some people, even these do not work (or rather insufficient), so you are lucky that loratidine works for you.

Best Wishes.
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Have Itchy Skin. Has Raised Scratch Marks On Itching. Taking Loratadine. Cause?

Hello, You are suffering from chronic spontaneous urticaria and dermographism. The triggers are: physical (scratching the skin), solar (sunlight), stress but most often spontaneous. Long-acting non-sedating antihistamines are the answer and it is correct that there is no cure. It settles down after a while, but for some part of your life (a good few months), most people find it intolerable. Thyroid function with thyroid antibodies, Liver function tests are worthwhile doing to ensure there is no secondary cause. So it is best to stay on a long-acting antihistamine like fexofenadine 180mg or hydroxyzine 50 at night if that helps control it. For some people, even these do not work (or rather insufficient), so you are lucky that loratidine works for you. Best Wishes.