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What Causes Itching Feeling On Upper Back, Shoulders, Arms And Breasts?
Question: I have terrible itching on my upper back, shoulders, arms and breasts. I stopped taking a drug, navane, which can have itching and hives, but not much got better. Do you know of topical creams that can help. Hard to sleep.
Brief Answer:
Creams may not be enough.
Detailed Answer:
I am sorry you are having so much itching. I have had something similar, and it is so aggravating.
Itching in reaction to medications can persist for days to weeks. Calamine lotion may help a bit, but may not be enough. Hydrocortisone cream can help on small area sometimes, but we generally don't recommend using it on areas as extensive as you are describing. You can also try colloidal oat baths (Aveeno makes a product for this) for temporary comfort. Aveeno also makes an anti-itch lotion that has both calamine and oats in it.
What I would recommend is using Zyrtec (cetirizine) 10 mg. Start with using it twice a day. Zyrtec is an antihistamine and can help block some of the itch response. Allergists recommend 2-4 times the normal dose of once a day, when it comes to skin itching.
Sometimes a short course (such as 7-10 days) of oral corticosteroids (e.g. Prednisone) can shut down a temporary drug reaction, but if you took the Navane because of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, oral corticosteroids might not be the best way to go as steroids can put people into a manic episode. Oral corticosteroids are by prescription only, and should be used with caution.
If the Zyrtec isn't enough, there is an antihistamine/antidepressant called Doxepin (by prescription only) which is extremely potent for stopping itching, but is also very sleep inducing.
So, in summary, try Zyrtec 2x/day, and oatmeal baths or lotion as needed. If these aren't enough, then it's time to go see a doctor.
I hope this information helps.
Creams may not be enough.
Detailed Answer:
I am sorry you are having so much itching. I have had something similar, and it is so aggravating.
Itching in reaction to medications can persist for days to weeks. Calamine lotion may help a bit, but may not be enough. Hydrocortisone cream can help on small area sometimes, but we generally don't recommend using it on areas as extensive as you are describing. You can also try colloidal oat baths (Aveeno makes a product for this) for temporary comfort. Aveeno also makes an anti-itch lotion that has both calamine and oats in it.
What I would recommend is using Zyrtec (cetirizine) 10 mg. Start with using it twice a day. Zyrtec is an antihistamine and can help block some of the itch response. Allergists recommend 2-4 times the normal dose of once a day, when it comes to skin itching.
Sometimes a short course (such as 7-10 days) of oral corticosteroids (e.g. Prednisone) can shut down a temporary drug reaction, but if you took the Navane because of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, oral corticosteroids might not be the best way to go as steroids can put people into a manic episode. Oral corticosteroids are by prescription only, and should be used with caution.
If the Zyrtec isn't enough, there is an antihistamine/antidepressant called Doxepin (by prescription only) which is extremely potent for stopping itching, but is also very sleep inducing.
So, in summary, try Zyrtec 2x/day, and oatmeal baths or lotion as needed. If these aren't enough, then it's time to go see a doctor.
I hope this information helps.
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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