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What Causes Severe Itching On The Inner Thigh Area?

Posted on Fri, 4 Nov 2016

Question: 87 year old female. Takes 100mcg synthroid daily for the last 43 years.
2 days ago I awoke with severe itching on the interiors side of both legs above the knees.
Also itching of the pubic hair area.
The burning itch is constant 24/7
There was no problem when I retired to bed 5 hours earlier
I tried aloe vera lotion. desitin maximun strength cream, demoplast itch spray.
Nothing seems to help.
Ice helps for a few minutes.

I have not used any new soaps, detergents, or clothing. Bed sheets have been laundered.
The only medication I take is synthroid.

What can cause this & how do I relieve the burning stinging pain?

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Tests

Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about your bothersome symptoms. The itching can be due to various reasons. Treatment can be commenced only once the correct diagnosis is made. If your Synthroid dose is inappropriate it could potentially cause itching. When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:

CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your last 3 months' glucose average). Also known by other names such as GlycoHemoglobin or Glycated Hemoglobin or A1c
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH (checks your thyroid)
Free T4 (this checks your thyroid too) Thyroid autoantibodies : Anti Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) antibodies and Anti Thyroglobulin antibodies
25 hydroxy Vitamin D levels (ideal range 40 to 60 ng/ml = 100 to 150 nmol/liter)
 None of these tests require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (3 days later)

It was a great but why didn't you give me a Rx for the blood tests. Then I could go to the lab & have the results sent to a doctor?

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (24 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
This online forum does not permit giving a prescription for blood tests

Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar