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Suggest Treatment For Itching On Hands

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Posted on Wed, 4 Jan 2017
Question: I got a flu shot yesterday, and last night and all day today I experienced nearly insatiable ITCHING on my BOTH hands and fingers. No other other body locations itch and no fever, or other adverse symptoms.
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Allergic reaction

Detailed Answer:
Hello -

Your itching hands are a sign that you may be allergic to some component of the flu shot. Some times people who have a sensitivity to eggs can react to flu shots, but it may be some other component of the shot that you are reacting to.

I recommend getting an antihistamine and taking it on a scheduled basis until this resolves.

You can try Benadryl (diphenhydramine) 50 mg every 6-8 hours.

Or you can take Zyrtec (cetirizine) 10 mg twice a day. The usual dose for sinus symptoms is once a day, which is what the directions will say on the bottle, but for skin involvement you will need a higher dosage. The advantage of cetirizine is that it is usually less sedating than diphenhydramine.

It's possible the allergic reaction will progress to hives on your body, but it may just stay localized to your hands.

If you develop further reaction such as mouth or facial swelling or difficulty breathing, then you need to get to the ER.

Topical things such as vinegar and aloe are unlikely to stop the itching because the reaction is coming from the inside out.

I hope you are feeling better soon! Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Itching On Hands

Brief Answer: Allergic reaction Detailed Answer: Hello - Your itching hands are a sign that you may be allergic to some component of the flu shot. Some times people who have a sensitivity to eggs can react to flu shots, but it may be some other component of the shot that you are reacting to. I recommend getting an antihistamine and taking it on a scheduled basis until this resolves. You can try Benadryl (diphenhydramine) 50 mg every 6-8 hours. Or you can take Zyrtec (cetirizine) 10 mg twice a day. The usual dose for sinus symptoms is once a day, which is what the directions will say on the bottle, but for skin involvement you will need a higher dosage. The advantage of cetirizine is that it is usually less sedating than diphenhydramine. It's possible the allergic reaction will progress to hives on your body, but it may just stay localized to your hands. If you develop further reaction such as mouth or facial swelling or difficulty breathing, then you need to get to the ER. Topical things such as vinegar and aloe are unlikely to stop the itching because the reaction is coming from the inside out. I hope you are feeling better soon! Please let me know if I can provide further information.