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Suffering From Itching Problem. Suspected For Nutrition Or Vitamin Deficiency. Suggest Some Remedy

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Posted on Wed, 1 Aug 2012
Question: I am about to die from itching. No apparent cause! No rash. It won't respond to benedryl or any of the usual anti-itch creams. I strongly suspect it is related to nutrition or vitamin deficiency, rather than typical allergic reaction since it has been growing worse. I am about to tear off my skin. Please can anyone suggest something that will stop the itching?
Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aparna Kohli (41 minutes later)
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.
Itching really can be due to several disorders including dry skin, and other disorders including liver disease, celiac disease, kidney failure, iron deficiency and thyroid problems. Other conditions affecting the nervous system like multiple sclerosis and diabetes can cause itching.
As of now, the first step would be to apply a generous amount of thick based cream and see if it helps. You may consider massaging in some oil as well. If you're using oil, use slightly warm oil, It gets absorbed faster. This is so as itching due to dry skin will not respond to any benadryl or anything but moisturizer.
If it doesnt help, we need to start with a full examination and a battery of tests like a liver function test, kidney function test, blood sugar levels.
Iron deficiency can cause itching but it would also cause a lot of fatigue. Several vitamins including vitamin A, B12 and D have been implicated in itching but there is no conclusive evidence yet.
Let me know if this helps. We'll take it further from there.
Regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Aparna Kohli

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 983 Questions

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Suffering From Itching Problem. Suspected For Nutrition Or Vitamin Deficiency. Suggest Some Remedy

Hi,
Thanks for writing in.
Itching really can be due to several disorders including dry skin, and other disorders including liver disease, celiac disease, kidney failure, iron deficiency and thyroid problems. Other conditions affecting the nervous system like multiple sclerosis and diabetes can cause itching.
As of now, the first step would be to apply a generous amount of thick based cream and see if it helps. You may consider massaging in some oil as well. If you're using oil, use slightly warm oil, It gets absorbed faster. This is so as itching due to dry skin will not respond to any benadryl or anything but moisturizer.
If it doesnt help, we need to start with a full examination and a battery of tests like a liver function test, kidney function test, blood sugar levels.
Iron deficiency can cause itching but it would also cause a lot of fatigue. Several vitamins including vitamin A, B12 and D have been implicated in itching but there is no conclusive evidence yet.
Let me know if this helps. We'll take it further from there.
Regards