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Pruritus with no visible rash?

Posted by radinski @radinski, Jan 17, 2025

For 4.5 years I have had a severe “traveling” itch with no rash, that randomly comes and goes. I call it traveling because it will start in one area on my body, for instance on my abdomen and eventually moves upward towards my belly button and then on both sides of my belly button and upwards from there. I have had it in 5 other areas of my body; Back of my knee, chest, breast, inner elbows, and buttocks. It starts small but moves out away from the area it initially starts. My PCP diagnosed it as pruritus, but I want to know what is causing it. I think whatever it is, is internal because there is no visible rash. I’ve used Hydrocortisone 2.5%, Clotrimazole-Betamethasone Crm 45gm, Sarna,Cera V, Gotchu cream, Castor oil , Ice packs and Lidocaine, to no avail. Any “itchers” like me? I would add a photo but I got nothing. Lol Only swelling from scratching. 😩

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amstuker | @amstuker | 1 day ago
In reply to @moylandavis "Sounds so familiar…have you noticed what triggers it to start? Mine is triggered by a change..." + (show)
Profile picture for moylandavis @moylandavis

Sounds so familiar…have you noticed what triggers it to start? Mine is triggered by a change in temperature, even a slight change…I also have severe itch after showering, which is called Aquagenic Pruritus…but the itch is different. About 7 years ago, someone on a Facebook group for AP, discovered that when she took her workout supplements she didn’t itch…she isolated it to Beta Alanine…which is a otc amino acid supplement. I take 750 mg when the itch starts and it kills the itch…lasts for four hours…I take 1500 mg 30 mins before showering. For some strange reason, showering is far less itchy in the evening…
I believe it is some form of neuropathy. I had a full dermatology work up with no success.
I buy the NOW brand of beta alanine from Amazon in 750 capsules. The suggested dose for preworkout is much higher, 2000 mg and can cause a weird tingling on the skin. It is now recognized as a official treatment for Aquagenic Pruritus. I’ve never figured out a name for the change in temperature itch, but beta alanine works for it too…

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@moylandavis I have the same exact issue with change in temperature. If it’s over 68 degrees, the itch starts. It’s mainly my torso and arms. I’ve talked to 4 Drs: Cardiologist, Primary Care, Dermatologist and Endocrinologist. Lots of bloodwork, but no answers. It’s been very disruptive to my life. It started last summer and has continued. I’m going to mention your suggestion to my Drs. Thanks!!

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mmoffatt | @mmoffatt | 18 hours ago

I have a chronic itch problem, primarily my scalp and arms. All types of creams, both prescription and over the counter only give temporary relief. I have been to both a dermatrologist and an allergist. I have had a full battery of tests, but no cause found. I do not have dry skin. I believe I may have neurologic puruitis. My reasearch says it may be linked to pinched nerves or nerve damage in the neck or spine. Anyone in the same situation? Has anyone tried chiropratic care in case it is a pinched nerve?

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rashida | @rashida | 16 hours ago
In reply to @radinski "No, Benadryl is awful. I’m with you; What is the cause? because the treatments are ineffective...." + (show)
Profile picture for radinski @radinski

No, Benadryl is awful. I’m with you; What is the cause? because the treatments are ineffective.
I wish you success with your Hepatologist. It would be great to hear that itching is the cause and you can be treated accordingly. I had an appointment this afternoon with my dr. but the weather resulted in a cancellation. I will certainly mention seeing a Hepatologist and perhaps avoid a trip to the dermatologist.
Thank you

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@radinski well, the specialist I saw did a liver biopsy (non invasive, more like an ultrasound) for which I was charged $100 up front in the waiting room, before the biopsy! He told me nothing I didn’t know, just told me to stay off pop/soda drinks. I told him I rarely drink pop/soda, and when I do, it’s about a half glass.

I find doctors are only interested in allopathic medicine and frown on naturopathic supplements/remedies on the whole, which is why Beta Alanine is why they may not be ignorant of its use but it is simply ignored by them. 🤷🏼‍♀️

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rashida | @rashida | 16 hours ago
In reply to @celia16 "Just saw your response from Jan. I don’t think it’s meds I take. The only med..." + (show)
Profile picture for celia16 @celia16

Just saw your response from Jan.
I don’t think it’s meds I take. The only med I was taking years before the itching started was Levothyroxine. I take a small dose and have for many years. The itching predates everything else.

My mystery continues. I’m still exploring explanations.

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@celia16 my mysterious itching continues too! Even slathering lotions or creams does not help more than maybe fifteen minutes! I resort to Benadryl when it keeps me awake at night. Although I do itch during the day, night time is when it gets unbearable most times. My visit to the liver specialist didn’t shed much light either.

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