Brief Answer:
Is there a rash?

Detailed Answer:
I am sorry that you are having itching - that can be so annoying.

Is there a rash, and if so, what does it look like? You can download a picture of it and that might help.

Also, can you tell me if you have any ongoing medical problems or daily medications? Have you eaten any new foods?
Have you come in contact with poison ivy or poison oak?

If the area looks irritated at all, you can try over the counter Cortisone 1% cream on it for up to 2 weeks.

If the itching keeps you up at night you can try some over the counter (non-perscription) Benadryl or Zyrtec, taken at night.

If this hydrocortisone (Cortisone) cream does not help, you probably should go in to your doctor to be seen and for further treatment.

I hope this information helps.

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Brief Answer:
Considerations for itching without a rash (pruritus):

Detailed Answer:
If you have itching without a rash, try a moisturizer instead of the hydrocortisone cream. This will help if dry skin is the problem. Neutrogena or Aquaphor or Kiss My Face are good choices. Try to get a product that is a "fragrance free" cream.

Also consider using fragrance/scent free laundry detergent and skip the dryer sheets/fabric softener as those chemicals can be irritating. Arm and Hammer makes a fragrance free laundry detergent as do several other companies.

Also try to get a soap that is fragrance and XXXXXXX free.

Another common cause of pruritus is taking a new medication or supplement.

And there are medical problems that can cause pruritus too, such as anemia, and kidney, liver, or thyroid diseases.

So start with a moisturizer, and if that isn't helping, then it's time to go see your doctor or a dermatologist.

Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD

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