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Have you seen an allergist or dermatologist? As that is the place to start.

How long has this been going on, and do you have any rashes or wheels (hives)?

Is the itching everywhere or just in certain places?

Recommendations for treatment of generalized itching are to start with a second generation antihistamine such as Zyrtec (cetirizine).

If the usual dose for treating allergic rhinitis (sinus allergies) doesn't work, the dose can be doubled to twice a day. The dose can go as high as 6 tabs/day, but I would not recommend going that high until you have consulted in person with an allergist or dermatologist.

If the antihistamine doesn't work adequately, a leukotriene receptor antagonist such as Singulair (montelukast) can safely be added.

Also, a small percentage of the histamine receptors in the skin are H2 instead of H1. Regular antihistamines work on H1. But as a small percentage are H2, an H2 blocker such as Zantac (ranitidine) can be added.

A first generation antihistamine or Doxepin can be substituted or added on if the itching is severe, but these types of medications are very sedating.

If none of this helps adequately, then some medications that have more significant side effects can be added, but only by an allergist with experience in doing so.

Prednisone is not a great idea for long term use for itching. It is useful to get an acute, short term episode under control. Once the prednisone is stopped, if the cause of the itching is still present, the itching may get markedly worse for a period of time.

For moisturizing (as itchy and allergic skin tends to be dry skin), some dermatologists recommend using a small amount of Crisco. The ingredients in modern Crisco tend to be very non irritating.

If you are having actual hives you should have a tryptase level done.

Also, I recommend that your thyroid function be checked (TSH and Thyroxine levels) as thyroid problems can cause itching. Testing for autoimmune disorders is another consideration.

You may want to talk with an allergist about allergy testing such as RAST testing. Allergy skin testing is usually not done when a person is taking antihistamines or prednisone as it will interfere with the body reacting tot he antigens given in the test.

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