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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Remedies For Extreme Itchy Skin On The Back And Torso

I have had itchy skin on back and torso for 7 months. Itching is so bad at times my scratching makes the skin raw with small sores. The intense itching is managed by Claritin or advil cold and sinus. Benedryl not much help. The itching initially started on forearms and forehead, but then spread to mostly trunk - front and back. Age is 60. no prior dermatitis. no eczema. no rash. have noticed wine will trigger more itching. some acidic fruits do also. should I have some lab tests? help! the itching is so intense it makes me suicidal at times!
Tue, 17 Jan 2017
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Dermatologist,  's  Response
Hi,

There are many possible reasons for itchy skin, especially as you get older. Is your skin dry? What do you use to wash? Do you take showers or bath? What do you use to moisturize your skin?Do you take any medications? Opioids like Codeine, Dilaudid etc. can cause extreme itching.

Do you take supplements? Supplements like Niacin can cause a flush reaction that can feel like an intense itch. There is also internal diseases that can cause itching, that is liver or kidney problems. Do you have any diseases?

The fact that wine/alcohol seems to make it worse can point to either a food/additive intolerance or a problem with the lymph system (do you have enlarged lymph nodes anywhere on your body, especially in your neck area?) I would be very interested in following up further. Contact me, if you are interested.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Christine Sauer
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Suggest Remedies For Extreme Itchy Skin On The Back And Torso

Hi, There are many possible reasons for itchy skin, especially as you get older. Is your skin dry? What do you use to wash? Do you take showers or bath? What do you use to moisturize your skin?Do you take any medications? Opioids like Codeine, Dilaudid etc. can cause extreme itching. Do you take supplements? Supplements like Niacin can cause a flush reaction that can feel like an intense itch. There is also internal diseases that can cause itching, that is liver or kidney problems. Do you have any diseases? The fact that wine/alcohol seems to make it worse can point to either a food/additive intolerance or a problem with the lymph system (do you have enlarged lymph nodes anywhere on your body, especially in your neck area?) I would be very interested in following up further. Contact me, if you are interested. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Christine Sauer