1. < Skin Health

Unexplained Itching

Posted by bjbednarz @bjbednarz, Nov 28, 2020

In early 2019, I began to itch all over my body. I had no rash or otherwise physical evidence as to why I was itching. I had taken some medicine that I think started the itching, but when I stopped the medicine, the itching did not stop. I have been to multiple doctors, have had numerous blood tests, full body MRI, and stopped other various medications, but to no avail. It seems like there is a glitch between my brain and body. My brain is telling my body it itches, but there appears to be no reason. I'm being tortured with this itching. Can anyone please help?

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avmcbellar | @avmcbellar | Nov 28, 2020

@bjbednarz I once started itching the same time I had changed my laundry detergent. As a result I switched back to my previous brand but it wasn’t the culprit. I had no medications so I new it was not that. I finally got relief after applying the cream for scabies and washed it off my skin. Apparently I was in contact with someone who had scabies. I never would have thought at first it was the culprit. Good thing I tried it. I had no rash. The itch was driving me crazy. I hope you find answers soon. Something will ring a bell for you through all the different experiences here on Mayo Connect. I wish you well. Toni

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avmcbellar | @avmcbellar | Nov 28, 2020
In reply to @bjbednarz "All various pruritus that I've studied, google, you know, has specific places of itch. I itch..." + (show)
@bjbednarz

All various pruritus that I've studied, google, you know, has specific places of itch. I itch from the top of my scalp to my knees. And what I find odd, is that if one arm itches, the other arm itches identically. Both halves of my body itch equally. Neuropathic itching sounds the most likely cause, but a Neurologist did an MRI from the top of my neck to the bottom of my tail bone, and could not identify anything she thought might be causing the itch. I still believe Neuropathic itching is the culprit, but how to pinpoint the exact reason and fix it seems to be the problem. I haven't taken any of that medicine since January 2019. I guess I probably have as much stress as the next person. Nothing in particular especially stressful. I will definitely check out @artscaping.

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@bjbednarz Since you suspect neuropathic itching have you tried Low-dose (0.025 – 0.1%) topical capsaicin or taking systemic sodium channel blockers, such as carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine? Maybe they will offer some relief.

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1 reply
deborahfrick123 | @deborahfrick123 | Nov 28, 2020

@bjbednarz
I too, had some unexplained itching of the skin back in 2019. Yes, I too went to the doctors, doctor had no explanation. I tried just about everything, creams, sulfur soap, clorox wipes, witch hazel rubbed into the skin, etc... I changed my clothes three times a day, I took 3 showers a day. I washed all my towels and sheets every night after use. Then, I took a bath with six cups of Epsom salts. I laid in the tub, my head was soaked in the tub so I could get all my hair too. I laid on the front of my body in the water so my whole body was in the epsom salt water. I put my face in the water, when I got out of the tub I did not rinse off the salts. I laid on towels I had put on my bed. I took a bath every 2 hours, with six cups sometimes 8 cups of epsom salts, no rinsing. I did this four times a day. About five days later the itching stopped. This worked for me. I never found out what had caused this. If you try it let me know your results.

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bjbednarz | @bjbednarz | Nov 28, 2020
In reply to @avmcbellar "@bjbednarz Since you suspect neuropathic itching have you tried Low-dose (0.025 – 0.1%) topical capsaicin or..." + (show)
@avmcbellar

@bjbednarz Since you suspect neuropathic itching have you tried Low-dose (0.025 – 0.1%) topical capsaicin or taking systemic sodium channel blockers, such as carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine? Maybe they will offer some relief.

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I tried capsaicin, it just set my skin on fire. I have not tried the prescription medications. Thank you for the suggestions.

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2 replies
bjbednarz | @bjbednarz | Nov 28, 2020
In reply to @mannix "I still take gabapentin, 400 mgs three times a day. Benedryl can help, but I took..." + (show)
@mannix

I still take gabapentin, 400 mgs three times a day. Benedryl can help, but I took so much that it stopped helping as much. Ice packs provided temporary, but very helpful relief. Try Cryomax brand, they stay cold for a number of hours.
As I mentioned in a previous post, stress is a big cause as well.

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I've taken Gabapentin to no avail. I've tried both prescription and OTC allergy medicines, The only thing that gives me any relief is Aspercreme with Lidocaine. I apply it daily, multiple times to various itching locations.

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1 reply
mannix | @mannix | Nov 28, 2020
In reply to @bjbednarz "I tried capsaicin, it just set my skin on fire. I have not tried the prescription..." + (show)
@bjbednarz

I tried capsaicin, it just set my skin on fire. I have not tried the prescription medications. Thank you for the suggestions.

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Yes, I did capsaicin 4 times a day for years
The burning does go away, but it did not help with the itch.
Don’t get it in your eyes! Use rubber gloves to put it on

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avmcbellar | @avmcbellar | Nov 28, 2020
In reply to @bjbednarz "I tried capsaicin, it just set my skin on fire. I have not tried the prescription..." + (show)
@bjbednarz

I tried capsaicin, it just set my skin on fire. I have not tried the prescription medications. Thank you for the suggestions.

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Did you try a low dose and it still burned?

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bjbednarz | @bjbednarz | Nov 28, 2020

No, after it burned so badly, I've never tried it again.

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avmcbellar | @avmcbellar | Nov 28, 2020

I am glad you found something that helps until you find the cause to put an end to it. Aspercreme is a pain reliever. For some folks the itch went away on its own. I hope it does the same for you. A never ending itch is miserable.

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Wright Lea | @leawright11 | Nov 29, 2020
In reply to @funcountess "Have you tried calamine lotion, or other good brand body lotion? It’s possible it’s the fabric..." + (show)
@funcountess

Have you tried calamine lotion, or other good brand body lotion?
It’s possible it’s the fabric of your clothes. I know Dacron and polyesters fabric will make me itch, but all cotton is fine. Also wool can scratch the skin, making you itch.
Maybe it’s the detergent you are using? A good dermatologist might help you.
Do you have dry skin? Is it worse in the winter when the heat is on?
Hope you get some relief. Bug bites can also cause itching.
Funcountess

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The answers you received were obviously from someone NOT familiar with Neuropathic Itching! This is not an allergic reaction!!
I am so sorry you received bad advice.

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