Body itching

I know,,,It only takes on visit to take the little guys home with you. I went to LA to meet up with my kids. I stayed at a hotel that appeared to be very clean. When I got to the room, I saw a spot on the bedspread. I called housekeeping an stayed with them as they changed the bedding. People think I am nuts when I pull the mattress away from the frame. If there is dirt there, they can have their room back. I will sleep in the car. My room was spotless before they left.

@oregongirl good for you after being bit that way Id be super careful also

Cutting back on the prednisone gradually could help the withdrawal reactions. I have found that dermatologists don't really know much about their field (it has so many variables.) Have you checked the side effects of all of the meds and supplements that you take? Often one of those is the culprit.

I found years ago that Ivory detergents made me itch and washing clothes in that soap simply spread the itching. As for medications, generic meds are supposed to be the same but often have different additives depending on the manufacturer; a change in color is a tip-off for that and your pharmacist is knowledgeable about this problem.

I've gotten these rashes before. I was seen at Mayo clinic. Had blood work, and biopsies done since 2014. I usually see my dermatologist once a year, or longer if I can. So this time it's mainly on my back. Large red itchy patch over both kidney areas, red bumps on entire back stomach, and chest. Looks like measles?? Few on my arms and legs. Strangely, the arches, and ankles of my feet go wildly itchy during the night too. I called mayo, but they said my dr retired, and pushed me off until November , with a new dr who recently came on board . I went to my local physician, and only was able to see a nurse (they said dr booked up).
After looking at me, dr came in for a quick peek. They dont know what's causing it. They put on Hydroxyzine 3x day, said continue all my home care, cortisone prescription cream, baths etc. Nothing helps. The medicine does knock me out, but I wake up needing to push up my next dose. I'm miserably itchy and exhausted. The bumps burn a bit, and I have chills. No fever. Getting depressed. Been severe for over 2 weeks. Going on 3 weeks now. I need to see a dr at mayo clinic ASAP...they have all my records and I am an MGUS patient in oncology. I called them too...they said it's not related, to see the dermatologist. I cannot wait till November. I'm wondering if mayo in Florida has an E.R...maybe go there??

Hi, @dazlin - I have merged your post with this discussion so that you could connect with others who are talking about rashes and/or itching, like @specialteacher @jpenner68 @mollyquilter @gingerw @johnbishop and others. Hoping they will have some insights for you from their experiences.

I'm sorry to hear that the treatments your local physician prescribed have not helped and you are feeling miserably itchy. I would encourage you to call Dermatology at Mayo Clinic back, and see if you can get an appointment sooner.

Is there any time of day or any conditions you've noted that make your itching worse, @dazlin?

Hello @dazlin, I'm sorry to hear you are still battling with the severe itching. I'm sure it's really frustrating not being able to get to the bottom of what is causing it. I would try calling Mayo Clinic again to see if you can make an appointment. Here is the contact information for the Jacksonville Campus:

-- https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/florida/appointments

Are you able to ask your local doctor to give you a referral to Mayo Clinic Jacksonville?

John

@johnbishop ...I'm already a patient at mayo. I'll probably call again, and also call my local dr again. He gave me hydroxyzine, but it doesn't help unless I double dose. Knocks me out, but I don't care at this point. Thanks for info...I already have it all, since I'm patient there since 2013.

@lisalucier ...itching always there, but most definitely peaks late afternoon into the night and morning.

You have many health issues that overlap and in my case one autoimmune disease may begin that is unrelated. Keep an open mind and never assume anything based solely on your history. Think outside the box.

Have you been tested for Allergic Contact Dermatitis, ACD, a form of eczema? My itching was unbearable and what was confusing to doctors was the internal itching, burning and stinging inside my skin without rashes. I was unable to sleep as ones histamines are elevated during the evening, like you and others whose itching increases in the evening. Sleep deprivation is a form of torture and I would lay in bed at night planning the cleanest and least painful way to commit suicide. A new day just meant more misery. It's difficult to get others to understand a pain that they can't see.. After 5 Day Extended Patch test, (Goggle this test which gave me my life back) I learned I was severely allergic to 5 natural and chemical elements now in middle age but which my body tolerated for decades. I can never come in contact with these everyday contacts as the reaction is worse with each contact. True I also have had Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, CLL, for 15 years when my severe ACD began, but my eczema appears to be unrelated to my CLL. Yet if one has one autoimmune disease we are likely to get another. In spite of my contact eliminations which are thorough, I still need to get a Kenalog 40, a corticosteroid, shot annually because after about 10 months from being given the shot the internal random taser like stings and itching which radiates inside my skin slowly will start up again, even with all my contact elimination.

Dazlin like you are searching. my obsessive searching led to my discovery of the ACD 5 Day Extended Patch. Surprisingly no dermatologist had recommended it to me. Medicare paid for it. It is not the 30 minute office visit prick test for environmentals. If seeing a dermatologist or allergist check first that they are licensed to perform this test, test kit companies require additional education and licensing which not all doctors have completed. Since testing I have developed 2 new forms of eczema to add to my growing list of eczema types, each having different triggers and requiring different treatments and with symptoms that may be similar but with differences. All include itching and pain. Surprisingly I am in great shape today. Leading a productive and 98% pain or itch free life today. I know I will have issues in the future due to the chronic nature of eczema/dermatitis, yet now am prepared and am so glad I was as persistent as I was leading my doctors to help identify the names of my types of eczema and work toward a control program for me. It has taken me hours of my own time searching and multiple dermatologists and an allergist to give me all the answers I have been given. Proudly I can say I have learned much over the internet and I have helped them change treatments and figure out the correct name for my new types, since most doctors don't look further with eczema assuming it is the original form diagnosed.

When all hope dies, our spirit dies along with it. I would have sold my soul to the devil to get 15 minutes free of a pain; I know first hand the misery of 24/7 pain and was near the breaking point! I write this in hope that you can stay resolved to figure out your issues and no longer suffer.