For 3 weeks now, I have had some reaaaaaaally serious itching on my body.

Some observations/notes:

1) Itching is very severe, requiring minutes of intense scratching to go away. (I have been scratching so intensely, I have rashes on large areas of my body and reddening of skin, with some spots where I have drawn blood as well)
2) Itching occurs on different areas of the body at different times/days. Typically about 4-6 itches a day.
3) Happens on lower arms, upper arms, chest, upper back, obliques, middle back, front and inner thighs, calves, behind knees, front lower legs. Predominantly arms and thighs.
4) Itching ALWAYS occurs symmetrically, i.e., both thighs, both upper arms, both sides of upper back, both knee joints, both calves, etc.
5) Once itching goes away from a certain part after scratching, it might not return there for a few hours to a day. Only occurs in one area at a time from list above, or in 2 adjacent areas.
6) There is nothing on the surface of the skin to indicate why this is happening.
7) Same diet, clothing, people around me, house, daily routine, and climate for the past 7 months.


I think it is internal, and not external, because of 4 and 7 above. I will probably go to a doctor soon, but I hate going to doctors as they see charge you $40, see you for 5 minutes, give you some pills, and that's it.

1) I try not to take medicines if I don't have to, i.e., if healing can take place on its own or with food/exercise.
2) And I want to know the reason and biochemical basis for this itch, not just some pills I can swallow. I am not a layman.

I think a blood test would be needed for this.


So, what's up?

7/26/2007 12:11:01 AM

It could be cancer or a tumor on your spine: http://arstechnica.com/journals/science.ars/2007/07/25/the-science-of-itch (occurring symmetrically is really sketchy)

Seriously, it's probably not that... it could be some type of psoriasis though.

7/26/2007 12:20:22 AM

did you
pee
on
yourself ?

7/26/2007 12:51:22 AM

so no new detergent/fabric softerner, soaps, lotions, etc?

i would go to a dermatologist as they would have the best advice. rashes are difficult (especially without seeing them) and don't always have a good answer.

some things they will probably tell you is to make sure you aren't scratching the spots to the point that you may lead to a super infection at that spot: ie: you don't want to scratch the hell out of a spot to the point that it get a staph infection or something. that can be more dangerous in some cases than using an anti-itch cream for the itching spots. i would try to both keep the areas well moisturized with a fragrance and dye free lotion (vaseline brand typically has such lotions) and when the itching is intense i would use a lotion with hydrocortisone (you can get this over the counter, though if severe enough the doc may prescribe a stronger steroid cream). they may also suggest that you switch to a free and clear detergent and fabric softener for washing your clothes and a hypoallergenic soap (dove is actually usually good)

have you noticed any other signs or symptoms such as yellowing or the skin or eyes?

skip

7/26/2007 7:57:56 AM

^
true. it could be anything. even something as simple as a new carpet freshener they use at work or eating a different brand of bread.

7/26/2007 8:08:23 AM

Could you have liver problems? I've always heard that one symptom of a liver issue is generalized itching.

7/26/2007 8:25:12 AM

this topic is making me itch all over

7/26/2007 11:03:31 AM

"I got a rash, man." - The Dude

7/26/2007 12:28:23 PM

Quote :

"And I want to know the reason and biochemical basis for this itch, not just some pills I can swallow. I am not a layman."

This is exactly why you go to the doctor retard. I've never been to a doctor who wasn't more than happy to explain in detail what was happening, the causes and why whatever diagnosis and treatment he/she was giving would be the most effective.

7/26/2007 1:19:57 PM

^ You missed this:

Quote :

"I hate going to doctors as they see charge you $40, see you for 5 minutes, give you some pills, and that's it."

Yes, there ARE good doctors, and there are bad doctors. But in today's world, seems like the probability is way higher that you get a bad one who has no interest in talking to the patient, explaining things, being friendly, etc. They have a grumpy mood, just dispense drugs, and you are out of their office in 5 minutes.

I am looking and asking around to find a good one. Once I find one, I will go.


skip, the rashes have developed from the intense scratching, they were not there before. They almost heal if I haven't scratched the same part for 24 hours, but if it itches in the same part again, I scratch it into a rash again!

And again, no new soaps, lotions, shampoos, detergents, etc. Once I find a good brand of such stuff, I stick with it.

Also, if there has been any misunderstanding, there are no "spots", no tiny pimples, nothing noticeable on the skin, and the itching occurs on large areas at a time, for eg., back of upper arms (triceps), upper chest, calves, front thighs, etc. The whole limb/area itches. Because of that, most probably a systemic problem, not a localized one. Something in the blood.

I have been using general body lotions (Vaseline and Jergens) to mitigate the itching, and it works for a few to several hours, but itching comes back eventually. Bought calamine lotion, and been using it for 3 days now. Again, works temporarily.

No other symptoms at all. No weight loss, loss of energy, tiredness, yellowing, stomach problems, nothing.

I am gonna go to an internist in the next couple of days and have my blood tested.

7/26/2007 1:47:07 PM

Quote :

"But in today's world, seems like the probability is way higher that you get a bad one who has no interest in talking to the patient, explaining things, being friendly, etc. They have a grumpy mood, just dispense drugs, and you are out of their office in 5 minutes."

that is my #1 complaint. i cannot find a regular physician (actually i need an internist, but that's another story) that will be somewhat nice, willing to explain things, willing to listen, and not give me antibiotics for EVERYTHING. the handful of specialists i see are great. they're nice, friendly, and genuinely want to figure out what's going on and help me.

i have no idea about the itching though. my first thought is that it's psychosomatic.

7/26/2007 2:17:39 PM

well then the problem must be you

7/26/2007 2:18:27 PM

Do you or are you taking any medication? Especially antibiotics. It's not dermatitis, since its bilaterally symmetrical. Sounds like a systemic reaction. My dad had the same sort of reaction to some medication last year-it was a medicine he'd taken before with no problem. For some reason, his body decided it didn't like it anymore.

7/26/2007 3:05:01 PM

^^no, the problem is rocky mount

7/26/2007 3:08:37 PM

My itches occur symmetrically too, but only after I've scratched one side for a bit. I always thought it was natural.

Stress can definitely cause itching, or at least exacerbate it. Keep calm. I find that cold showers or ice work great to stop uncontrollable itching, at least temporarily so you can get your head on straight and stop scratching. A dose of Benadryl might help take the edge off.

Also, use some Neosporin to get those open wounds healed. The healing process itself causes itching, so the sooner they heal the better.

Avoid hot showers and apply lotion to dry areas immediately after bathing. Cetaphil is the recommended brand.

If it keeps up to the point where you constantly have open wounds, it's time to see a doctor. Don't fuck around and get an infection.

7/26/2007 3:28:16 PM

^^I found that to be a problem too. Greenville is full of great doctors, fortunately.

7/26/2007 3:37:04 PM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morgellons

7/26/2007 3:39:46 PM

Try taking some benadryl or other allergy medicine just to rule out an allergy.

If this doesn't stop it, then it's another issue like people have mentioned (stress, spine issues, liver problems, etc.).

And for those who didn't read the link i posted, it actually is somewhat relevant...

Quote :

"a pair of scientists at Washington University in St Louis have discovered a gene that is responsible for processing the sensation of 'itch,' and this research might have great potential for the development of rememdies for allergies, dermatitis, ecxema, psoriasis and many other skin conditions. ... The gene in question is called gastrin-relasing peptide receptor (GPRP), and is found on a small subset of neurons within the spinal cord, in the dorsal horn. Up until now, it had always been assumed that itch was a form of pain sensation, and therefore would be handled by the same family of receptors that handle nociception. However analgesics have no effect on itch, and GPRP isn't involved in pain processing. "

If there is something irritating your GPRP, it could result in itching, and since the spinal cord has a spatial relation with what it controls on your body, that could be responsible for the symmetric itching.

[Edited on July 26, 2007 at 3:48 PM. Reason : ]

7/26/2007 3:45:13 PM

^ not a bad idea next time it starts itching to try taking some benadryl to see if it relieves the itch. it would be helpful for your doctor to know if it does help to try to narrow down a cause. if benadryl does work it would seem to be some kind of allergic or possibly autoimmune phenomenon.

and generally it is a good sign if there are no other systemic symptoms!

keep using the lotion (just make sure it's fragrance and dye free) when it itches if it calms it down. the cool showers are a good idea to try too.

aveeno lotions are sometimes helpful with the oat in them if the itching is bad over large areas so you can try that as well.

good luck and let us know what you find out (if you don't mind of course). again, rashes can be difficult even for experienced physicians. i had an itch similar but not exactly this that the dermatologist never even figured out. i started taking an allergy medicine and it made it tolerable and how i mostly can ignore it. anyhow, i hope they figure out what it is that is causing the itching for you.

skip

7/26/2007 4:18:38 PM

this sounds maddening.


my mother had the worst reaction to poison ivy a couple of years ago when we were burning brush. apparently inhaling the smoke is worse than touching the plant. the doctor said the rash traveled along a nerve and it took forever for her to get rid of it.

7/26/2007 8:34:35 PM

its the herp.


don't be a fool, wrap your tool

7/26/2007 9:32:51 PM

lol

he must have got it from a toilet seat then

you dont get any chicks if you piss the bed

7/26/2007 9:33:35 PM

neither do you get any chicks if you are like a broken record, saying the same thing over and over again.

or a jerk for that matter.

7/26/2007 9:43:10 PM

shingles.. I had em.. they sucked

[Edited on July 26, 2007 at 10:54 PM. Reason : kidding.. its def. not shingles.. you'd know]

7/26/2007 10:54:28 PM

Yeah I've been needing to go to the doc for the same thing...been about 3 years now

I've found that the Eucerin lotion works (the one in the pump bottle). I take a shower every night using Johnson and Johnson fragrance free sensitive skin crap, dab myself dry with a towel, and apply the lotion. Don't let yourself itch. Once you do, then its all over.

Even though you might not have changed something, your body may have decided it didn't like something anymore. Try switching to Tide Free, thats the only detergent that doesn't make me itch.

7/26/2007 11:14:44 PM

could be scabies.

7/27/2007 12:10:40 AM

I had something similar happen to me recently. Have you tried changing your bath soap to something less harsh (like Dove or something similar) or changing your laundry detergent.

(Then again, he says there's no external sign that indicates a rash)

7/27/2007 7:23:56 AM

Quote :

"Don't let yourself itch."

*carl face*

7/27/2007 11:44:09 AM

Quote :

"the handful of specialists i see are great. they're nice, friendly, and genuinely want to figure out what's going on and help me."

that's b/c they make x10 more than GP's.

7/27/2007 12:17:03 PM

Thanks to all those who gave serious replies.

I will go to a doctor soon and let y'all know what happens!

7/27/2007 1:07:38 PM

eh, just keep it to yourself

we already have all the material we need to troll the shit out of you

7/27/2007 1:23:08 PM

my old roomate had scabies once

fucker itched all day and night - his rashes were freakin nasty too

7/27/2007 1:45:36 PM

^^ i really hope you die in a violent car crash asap.

7/27/2007 2:23:24 PM

lol

you are too easy

7/27/2007 2:30:40 PM

lol

you are too stupid or blind

(that was the first time i have responded to your trolling or any of your posse's regarding the peeing thing in more than 2 weeks.)

now stfu and go to chit chat, where you belong, and where trolling belongs. and get a new username, it doesn't suit you.


[Edited on July 27, 2007 at 2:49 PM. Reason : ]

7/27/2007 2:34:39 PM

why doesnt it suit me

and really should you be the one to tell people to get a new name?

didnt your first one get terminated?

[Edited on July 27, 2007 at 3:04 PM. Reason : 

7/27/2007 2:47:35 PM

I'd probably be itching like a motherfucker too if I pissed all over myself every night

try taking a shower?

7/27/2007 3:05:34 PM

crabs
bed bugs
dry piss

[Edited on July 27, 2007 at 6:00 PM. Reason : dry piss]

7/27/2007 6:00:17 PM

Did your rub a whore all over your body?

7/28/2007 10:52:24 PM

celiac?

7/30/2007 10:24:07 AM

change your diet.

7/30/2007 10:38:44 AM

I haven't read the whole thread, but have you tried showering?

7/30/2007 10:52:41 AM

in saudi arabia they shower with sand

7/30/2007 11:37:07 AM

^^ and why would i do that... you are awefully misinformed, aren't you?

i like to piss the bed everynight, and of course, being a towelhead, i don't shower.

but i don't understand why this itching problem started a month ago, i mean, i have been pissing the bed every night and not showering for decades now.

that's what really baffles me.

7/30/2007 2:33:39 PM

you don't shower?

that's really gross

7/30/2007 2:34:10 PM

:carlface:

7/30/2007 2:49:25 PM

Probably scabies. Treat it with premethrin. Even if it's not, it won't hurt.

7/31/2007 8:50:16 AM