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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I've mentioned this before, but just in case new bloggers haven't followed this entire discussion I have stopped my incessent 24/7 stinging burning and itching inside my skin without any visible rashes.
I had several neuopathy tests and nothing was found. The neuologist ran the tests but forwarded me that normally neuopathy is not all over the body, but more on one side of the body unlike me so he didn't suspect it. My issues were everywhere, all over and dramatically worse at night.
Histamines are elevated in the evening.
I do have Allergic Contact Dermatitis, but I had eliminated all allergic contacts base on my 5 Day Extended Patch Test Results and had no more external rashes. Yet something was elevating histamines on the inside.
A miracle shot for me was the Kenalog 40 cortico-steroid injection which I had annually to control my internal symtoms and that worked for about 9 months. I'd hold off and then get another each year end. I was able to sleep at peac. For me the only negative side affect was blushing and reddening of the face for about 2 month. Worse was hair loss for about 2 months afterwards. It would grow back.
I haven't needed this potent steroid shot now for 4 years. Why?
Diet change. I gave up all processed sugar. After the miserable sugar detox of giving up all processed and natural sugar for 3 months I will never allow myself to face that detox again. It takes tremedous will power. A carrot was was sweetest food I could find. Truly it is an addiction and I have never been overweight or ate many sweets, too much fruit perhaps.
Read The Yeast Connection Handbook by William Crook, MD, you can buy it used for under $4.00. It gave me my life back. The book has simple medical explaintions with hand drawn diagrams showing what sugar is doing to your body. The detox also had me give up carbs, especailly gluten carbs. Yet detox is over. I have found I am fine eating carbs and still have none of the internal misery that was leading me to suicide. I'd lay in my itchy skin, unable to sleep and plan how to end it all knowing I would face another day of misery. That was before I learned about the steroid shot, yet this shot is a treatment and doesn't stop the cause! I'm glad I kept searching for answers.
No more shots, no more processed sugar and I am still fine with a few pieces of fruit daily. Good luck.

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@moylandavis

I have terrible itch without visual signs of skin issues and I have Dry skin. I get itch from contact with water (mostly arms and legs) this is labeled Aquagenic Pruritus. I also get itch from change in temperature with some visual rash appearance, This is labeled Cold Ucateria. I get relief from both by taking an OTC supplement called Beta Alanine. I take 750 MG before getting up on a cold morning, wait 15 mins and then take every four hours as needed. I take 150 mg 30 prior to showering...There is a Facebook group for Aquagenic Pruritus where thousands have been using Beta Alanine for 3+ years, most call this a miracle after years of suffering. Here is a link to a Stanford Paper in the use of Beta Alanine: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/pde.14440

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I also have self diagnosed Aquagenic Pruritis. But I also seem to be sensitive to cold, especially A/C after being outdoors on a warm day. No rash, nothing….just a nasty I was so itchy after a shower it was hardly worth having one. I connected with the AP group & finally after water testing, changes to hypoallergenic items in bathing & laundry products, hypoallergenic moisturizers….I tried Beta Alanine not expecting it to work but it did!!! Just amazing! My father had this AP & so does my sister. I had it as a Teen & young Adult but then it disappeared after pregnancy for many years. It has come back with a vengeance in the past year. In some cases it can apparently be genetic. I can finally have a shower without feeling it’s like a torture chamber. Beta Alanine has been wonderful for me.

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Does your itching occur after contact with water such as showering or swimming?

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@bjbednarz

I'm under the care of a dermatologist, who is running out of ideas to help. I've changed deodorant, laundry detergent, shampoo and multiple types of both OTC and prescription allergy products. I basically only wear cotton. I've also tried multiple prescriptions for pain block medications. None of them worked. I don't need to block pain, I need to block itch. They travel different paths. And apparently no one has invented an itch block medicine yet.

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Have you tried Beta Alanine? I use it for unexplained very itchy reaction to contact with water.

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@smrdc

I also have self diagnosed Aquagenic Pruritis. But I also seem to be sensitive to cold, especially A/C after being outdoors on a warm day. No rash, nothing….just a nasty I was so itchy after a shower it was hardly worth having one. I connected with the AP group & finally after water testing, changes to hypoallergenic items in bathing & laundry products, hypoallergenic moisturizers….I tried Beta Alanine not expecting it to work but it did!!! Just amazing! My father had this AP & so does my sister. I had it as a Teen & young Adult but then it disappeared after pregnancy for many years. It has come back with a vengeance in the past year. In some cases it can apparently be genetic. I can finally have a shower without feeling it’s like a torture chamber. Beta Alanine has been wonderful for me.

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Great news!! So glad it is working for you!!

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It may be from dry skin. Try using Aveeno body wash and a good quality moisturizing lotion like Cerave.

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Have you found any solutions? My wife is having the same problem

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@newbe

Have you found any solutions? My wife is having the same problem

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Good afternoon @newbe. Is this your first post? I didn't see any other comments on your profile. I was just browsing down the page and saw your message..." my wife is having the same problem." The person you were trying to reach last posted in August and may not be as active on this discussion.

My name is Chris and I am a mentor for connect. One of my own issues has been "neuropathic itch." After two years of significant pain and discomfort, I just recently found the solution. What a relief!

Would you be able to explain a little bit about your wife's symptoms and treatments? You can go ahead and direct it to @artscaping at this support group.....Skin Health. If you could write a bit about your wife's situation in the Profile....that would also be helpful to others. The profile is in the box at the top right.

May you have happiness and the causes of happiness.
Chris @artscaping

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@artscaping

Good afternoon @newbe. Is this your first post? I didn't see any other comments on your profile. I was just browsing down the page and saw your message..." my wife is having the same problem." The person you were trying to reach last posted in August and may not be as active on this discussion.

My name is Chris and I am a mentor for connect. One of my own issues has been "neuropathic itch." After two years of significant pain and discomfort, I just recently found the solution. What a relief!

Would you be able to explain a little bit about your wife's symptoms and treatments? You can go ahead and direct it to @artscaping at this support group.....Skin Health. If you could write a bit about your wife's situation in the Profile....that would also be helpful to others. The profile is in the box at the top right.

May you have happiness and the causes of happiness.
Chris @artscaping

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I also have skin itching which could be my chemo or immunotherapy or my Bili Duct cancer. I also have small bumps and red spots. I have to stay well hydrated to keep my kidneys clear. Of course moisturizer helps temporarily. It drives me crazy and affects my sleep. John

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@jalewallen74

I also have skin itching which could be my chemo or immunotherapy or my Bili Duct cancer. I also have small bumps and red spots. I have to stay well hydrated to keep my kidneys clear. Of course moisturizer helps temporarily. It drives me crazy and affects my sleep. John

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Have you been biopsied for Grover’s disease? Look it up on here, several posts on it. Unfortunately I have this with rash and extreme itching. Have you been to dermatologist?

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