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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Treatment Is Suggested For Itching On The Body?

My wife has severe itching over most of her body. It is worse on her back, across her chest, on both arms and behind her knees. She has no allergies we are aware of. Has been to doctor 4 times over last month. One biopsy was inconclusive and we are waiting on results from 2nd biopsy. She gets about 3 hours sleep a day and heat makes it worse. Please help...
Wed, 9 Jul 2014
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Allergist and Immunologist 's  Response
Hello.

Thank you for asking at HCM.

I reviewed your wife's history and one most important think I would like to ask you is whether she has only itching or itching with skin rash?

If she has itching with skin rash, I will first think of chronic urticaria, and she will require long term regular montelukast & levocetirizine.

However, as you haven't mentioned skin rash, I assume she has only itching and therefore am elaborating it in detail.

There are many causes of itching like diabetes, thyroid problems, dry skin, micronutrient (vitamin and minerals) deficiency, excessive sweating, chronic liver or kidney dissease, some drugs, etc.

So I would like to suggest her investigations like CBC, ESR, fasting and post-prandial blood sugar, serum protein including albumin, prothrombin time, creatinine & urea, thyroid tests & urine examination. These reports will guide towards cause of the itching. Your doctor will be able to treat the cause. Also, if she is on any other long term medications, please inform your doctor and ask him whether they could cause itching as a side effect.

For dry skin, I would suggest regular use of moisturizers and take regular vitamin supplements especially vitamin E, zinc, selenium & vitamin A.

Hope this will help you.

Wish your wife the best of the health.

Regards.
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What Treatment Is Suggested For Itching On The Body?

Hello. Thank you for asking at HCM. I reviewed your wife s history and one most important think I would like to ask you is whether she has only itching or itching with skin rash? If she has itching with skin rash, I will first think of chronic urticaria, and she will require long term regular montelukast & levocetirizine. However, as you haven t mentioned skin rash, I assume she has only itching and therefore am elaborating it in detail. There are many causes of itching like diabetes, thyroid problems, dry skin, micronutrient (vitamin and minerals) deficiency, excessive sweating, chronic liver or kidney dissease, some drugs, etc. So I would like to suggest her investigations like CBC, ESR, fasting and post-prandial blood sugar, serum protein including albumin, prothrombin time, creatinine & urea, thyroid tests & urine examination. These reports will guide towards cause of the itching. Your doctor will be able to treat the cause. Also, if she is on any other long term medications, please inform your doctor and ask him whether they could cause itching as a side effect. For dry skin, I would suggest regular use of moisturizers and take regular vitamin supplements especially vitamin E, zinc, selenium & vitamin A. Hope this will help you. Wish your wife the best of the health. Regards.