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Suggest Remedy For Severe Body Itching
Question: I'm itching all over for 3 days now. My regular doctor advised me to take Benadryl tablets. I've already taken 5 pills and applied cream where it itches. The itching has not stopped. It now progressed to my face and I could not sleep due to the itch. When will the itching stop? What additional steps should I do.
Brief Answer:
Needs further evaluation by blood and stool tests.Stop taking benadryl.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have read your query and understand your concern.
Itching all over the body has many causes like anaphylaxis or allergy or some skin diseases or increased bilirubin or increased blood sugar.
As you are already taking benadryl, an antihistamine pills since 2 to 3 days with anti-itch cream and the itching has not stopped yet, I don't think there is no point to continue this medications further because they have not worked much. I feel you should be investigated further by some blood and stool tests which i have mentioned below to detect the underlying cause if there is any. Please go back to your primary care physician or family physician. I would suggest:
1) Complete blood count, especially check eosinophil counts. An increased level of eosinophills could mean allergic conditions.
2) Get your allergy profile done. You would be able to know whether there is any food or common drug you are allergic to.
3) Blood sugar (RBS,FBS and PPBS) tested. Increased level may cause whole body itching.
4)Total bilirubin level. Increased levels may cause jaundice (especially obstructive) and itching.
5) Stool test for routine microscopy,ova ,parasite and cyst to rule out any worm or parasitic infestation.
Beside there are more potent prescription drugs that are available and can be prescribed.
Diseases like scabies or icthyosis should also be ruled out by consulting a dermatologist in case all your reports come normal.
Hope this will help you.
Regards,
Needs further evaluation by blood and stool tests.Stop taking benadryl.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have read your query and understand your concern.
Itching all over the body has many causes like anaphylaxis or allergy or some skin diseases or increased bilirubin or increased blood sugar.
As you are already taking benadryl, an antihistamine pills since 2 to 3 days with anti-itch cream and the itching has not stopped yet, I don't think there is no point to continue this medications further because they have not worked much. I feel you should be investigated further by some blood and stool tests which i have mentioned below to detect the underlying cause if there is any. Please go back to your primary care physician or family physician. I would suggest:
1) Complete blood count, especially check eosinophil counts. An increased level of eosinophills could mean allergic conditions.
2) Get your allergy profile done. You would be able to know whether there is any food or common drug you are allergic to.
3) Blood sugar (RBS,FBS and PPBS) tested. Increased level may cause whole body itching.
4)Total bilirubin level. Increased levels may cause jaundice (especially obstructive) and itching.
5) Stool test for routine microscopy,ova ,parasite and cyst to rule out any worm or parasitic infestation.
Beside there are more potent prescription drugs that are available and can be prescribed.
Diseases like scabies or icthyosis should also be ruled out by consulting a dermatologist in case all your reports come normal.
Hope this will help you.
Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Thank you for the reply. However, is there a home remedy I can do while waiting for my doctor's office to open. It's only 3:00 a.m. Now in California. I'm miserable and can't sleep. Hoping for an immediate response.
Brief Answer:
try caladryl lotion
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the quick response.
I can understand what problem you are facing right now.
You can apply caladryl lotion over the affected body area if you have it at your home.
Bathing with cool water under shower will also be helpful to have some relief from severe disturbing itching.
Apply coconut oil soaked with lukewarm water over the more itchy area which may give some relief.
The best home remedy would be petroleum jelly (Brand names:vaseline,vasocare or Wintocare) which has a soothing action on the skin and provides relief against itching,irritation and dry skin.
You can also try more potent antihistamines like fexofenadine 120 mg or hydroxyzine 25 or 50 mg. But I am not sure if you may get these over the counter.
You can try anyone of these remedies at right now for immediate symptomatic relief.
If still you have no relief then just let me know immediately.I will be available.
Regards,
try caladryl lotion
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the quick response.
I can understand what problem you are facing right now.
You can apply caladryl lotion over the affected body area if you have it at your home.
Bathing with cool water under shower will also be helpful to have some relief from severe disturbing itching.
Apply coconut oil soaked with lukewarm water over the more itchy area which may give some relief.
The best home remedy would be petroleum jelly (Brand names:vaseline,vasocare or Wintocare) which has a soothing action on the skin and provides relief against itching,irritation and dry skin.
You can also try more potent antihistamines like fexofenadine 120 mg or hydroxyzine 25 or 50 mg. But I am not sure if you may get these over the counter.
You can try anyone of these remedies at right now for immediate symptomatic relief.
If still you have no relief then just let me know immediately.I will be available.
Regards,
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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