Itchy Rashes, Stress, Elevated Levels Of Monocytes And Eosinophils, HIV Negative, Atopic Dermatitis. Can It Be Cancer?

Posted on Mon, 4 Jun 2012

Question: i have been itching for over 6 months from head to toe with a rash. I have slightly elevated monocytes and eosophils...doctors says its atopic dermatitis but i think i have scabies..... what do you think this can be due to? Can stress causethis itching...I itch everywhere, behind ears, armpits, arms, chest palms, between fingers, soleof foot, between toes, genital area, buttocks, and the list goes on....I have been under alot of stress lately can this be the cause?

At first I thought I might have had HIV because Imessed around but I took three HIV test and they all came back negative. I also got myliver checked and it all cameback fine. I tell the doctorsbut they think im a hypocondriac. Im going crazy here dont know what to do!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (30 minutes later)

Hello,

Thanks for writing to us.

Scabies is a bug infestation and the itching is caused mostly on the limbs and less commonly on the trunk and other parts of the body. I do not think as a good reason.

If the duration is for 6 months, we need to look if there is a scratch or not? Whether there are any signs of lichenfication.

The widespread itching you are having all over your body is likely to be due to-
1. Allergy- may be to a food item you consume very often like gluten sensitivity. Try to remain on a gluten free diet for a few days and see if it gets relieved.
2. Eczema- Again itching, dryness and red spots appear due to itching. An examination from your dermatologist will confirm the diagnosis and will prescribe the drugs best for you.Many a times it has got a seasonal association also.
3. Atopic dermatitis.
4. During time of stress a person experiences a tricky sensation similar to itch but there would not be scratch and it does not relieve on scratch. We must look for organic causes before attributing it to stress.

There are a variety of treatments available over the counter, but it is best to consult your dermatologist for diagnosis and proper treatment.
Meanwhile you can apply calamine lotion and a steroid(cortisone) based antiseptic cream on the area for symptomatic relief.
You can also take Benadryl or Actifed orally for the itching.

I hope my answer and recommendations are adequate and helpful. Waiting for your further follow up queries if any.
Regards.

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (39 minutes later)

So what can the elevated monocytes and eosophilsbe attributed too?

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (29 minutes later)

Or can this be due to a cancer......can a cbc detect cancer. What about my high levelsof monocytes and eosophils what can that be due too?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (3 hours later)

Hello,

Thanks for writing again.

Increased eosinophils and monocytes counts are suggestive of an allergic disorder. A peripheral blood count is less likely to detect a cancer if there are no major abnormalities in the peripheral blood film.

Hope this helps.

Wishing you an early recovery.

Regards.

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. Prasad