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Dr. Andrew Rynne

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Itching Scalp, Elbow, Wrist, Shoulder. Taken Prednisone. Liver Problem?

Problem began in January with scalp itching that I attributed to a heat rash. Problem continued but did not spread beyond the effected area of my scalp. Then in April I began itching on my right elbow. The rash rapidly spread to the wrist and up to the shoulder with no anti-bacteria or anti-fungal cream or antihistimine providing relief. Rash continued to spread to back and sides of the chest, waist and stomach area below. Rash is accompanied by small oval brown spots that deteriorate over 2-3 days. Itching is unbearable and unrelenting. 1 week tx of prednisone relived itching, but it returned. A 1 month course of prednisone also provided relief, but after 1 day of being off the meds, the itching is returning. No known allergies that have ever cause something like this. Could it be a liver problem?
Mon, 24 Jun 2013
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Dermatologist 's  Response
Hi,

Welcome and thanks for posting your query to HCM.

After reading your query it appears to be the closest possibility of "Seborrheic dermatitis”.
In Seborrheic dermatitis there is flaky skin condition along with abnormal activity of oil glands. This is common manifestation on scalp as dandruff and itching. On est of the body such as on face and other areas it appears as flakes over side of nose and over chin area.

For the betterment you can follow the suggestions as below:
-Do shampoo your hair everyday basis.
-You can apply mild topical steroids such fluticasone or hydrocortisone in a vey thin layer over the affected area.
-You can do cold water compresses to reduce the intensity of itching.
-Do not scratch or rub the skin as it can lead to further aggravation.
-So you can take oral anti histamine like loratadine or levocetrizine under medial advice.

Kindly stop taking oral steroids as self medication as it can lead to side effects.

Despite above measures if the problem is not getting better then it is better to consult a dermatologist for best guidance. Hope these informations are helpful.

"Wish you good health"

Dr Sanjay Kumar Kanodia
MD (Dermatology & STDs)
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Itching Scalp, Elbow, Wrist, Shoulder. Taken Prednisone. Liver Problem?

Hi, Welcome and thanks for posting your query to HCM. After reading your query it appears to be the closest possibility of Seborrheic dermatitis”. In Seborrheic dermatitis there is flaky skin condition along with abnormal activity of oil glands. This is common manifestation on scalp as dandruff and itching. On est of the body such as on face and other areas it appears as flakes over side of nose and over chin area. For the betterment you can follow the suggestions as below: -Do shampoo your hair everyday basis. -You can apply mild topical steroids such fluticasone or hydrocortisone in a vey thin layer over the affected area. -You can do cold water compresses to reduce the intensity of itching. -Do not scratch or rub the skin as it can lead to further aggravation. -So you can take oral anti histamine like loratadine or levocetrizine under medial advice. Kindly stop taking oral steroids as self medication as it can lead to side effects. Despite above measures if the problem is not getting better then it is better to consult a dermatologist for best guidance. Hope these informations are helpful. Wish you good health Dr Sanjay Kumar Kanodia MD (Dermatology & STDs)