How Can Skin Irritation And Severe Itchiness For The Past 4 Days?

Posted on Wed, 7 Mar 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 7 Mar 2018 Answered on

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 Last reviewed on

Question : For the past 4 days I've had an unknown skin irritation causing severe itchiness.I am not allergic to anything that I know of, have not changed soap, or detergent or eaten anything out of the ordinary. I am a very healthy person. There have been no bumps or bites or open sores like measles or chicken pox, which I have had. At times I scratch so much my skin feels hot. Should I see a Dr for this and/or get something like Hydrocortisone? I don't normally run to the Dr for anything. What do you suggest I do? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Pruritus, antihistamine and hydrocortisone cream.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

You seem to be having pruritus. It has only been for 4 days. I would recommend you to take an antihistamine like tablet Cetrizine twice daily and apply hydrocortisone cream on the itchy areas twice daily for 8-10 days.

If it doesn't improve in a week's time then you can consult a doctor.

Besides this avoid harsh soaps for bathing, use lukewarm water for bathing instead of hot water, apply a moisturizing lotion on the body twice daily.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards,
Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney
Dermatologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng