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Suggest Treatment For Severe Whole Body Itching

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Posted on Thu, 2 Feb 2017
Question: I Have itching all over my body, it is always changing areas from eyes to hands, arms, legs and feet. wake up in morning with eyes running and a little swollen. once i get outside to cooler and fresher air symptoms decrease dramatically. They are worst when in bed and body seems to be warmer. No redness, rash, lumps or bumps anywhere. I did have a Flu shot about a week ago and have had symptoms since waking up the next morning. Benadryl seems to help symptoms but I have to be very careful as I also take Xanax and therefore feel very sleepy or if I take regular dosage I will sleep for hours. If I just take 1 Benadryl hours apart from xanax it seems to be ok and only reduces symptoms for a while. Thought this would pass in a day or so if from Flu Shot, but so far it has not reduced symptoms. I have had flu shots every year, for many years with no problem, no other allergies that I know of except to bee stings, sometimes I get mild reactions from them. Wife and I can not think of anything we have done or been subjected to that is different, foods, soaps, etc.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shashi Dangwal (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
It is a result of allergy probably triggered by flu shot.

Detailed Answer:
Hello Dear,

Thanks for posting your query on HCM.

The itching you are having seems to be allergic only in nature. You do have a history of allergy to bee sting. A person who has allergy to one thing can develop allergy to many other things at any point of time.

This time it seems to be triggered by the flu shot. You should continue taking Benadryl or take any other antihistaminic like Cetirizine or Loratadine or Fexofenadine (you may require a prescription from your local physician for this).

If symptoms are very troublesome, you may even take a short course of oral steroids after consulting your PCP. The itching should subside soon.

Feel free to ask further.
Take care.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shashi Dangwal (7 hours later)
How long should I wait for the itching to subside before seeing PCP. It Seems symptoms greatly diminish when outside in fresh air. In warm house they increase, especially in bed.
Thank you very much XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shashi Dangwal (14 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You may see your PCP anytime now.

Detailed Answer:

It seems you are intolerant to heat. I suggest that you try to adjust the temperature of your room slightly on the lower side. Hope you are not overclothed while indoors and hope there is adequate ventilation. Change your bed linen frequently.

Its been more than a week since you have had your flu shot and developed symptoms. You may see your PCP any time now. A course of oral steroids should help if itching is very troublesome.

Wish you the best.
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. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shashi Dangwal

Pulmonologist

Practicing since :1979

Answered : 1157 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Severe Whole Body Itching

Brief Answer: It is a result of allergy probably triggered by flu shot. Detailed Answer: Hello Dear, Thanks for posting your query on HCM. The itching you are having seems to be allergic only in nature. You do have a history of allergy to bee sting. A person who has allergy to one thing can develop allergy to many other things at any point of time. This time it seems to be triggered by the flu shot. You should continue taking Benadryl or take any other antihistaminic like Cetirizine or Loratadine or Fexofenadine (you may require a prescription from your local physician for this). If symptoms are very troublesome, you may even take a short course of oral steroids after consulting your PCP. The itching should subside soon. Feel free to ask further. Take care.