Need Doctor's Opinion Regarding Itching Sensation In Arms, Inner Thighs And Ankles

Posted on Fri, 27 Dec 2013

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

Fri, 27 Dec 2013 Answered on

Thu, 16 Jan 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I need a doctors opinion regarding some itching I have had for the past 3 and a half months

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer: There are many causes of itching. Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX Your complaint is generalised pruritus for three and half months. I would like to ask few questions. Do you having any skin lesions? Do you having any other systemic complaints ? Does your skin dry? At what sites you have itching? At what time you feel itching? Did you investigated for DM,HIV,kidney diseases,liver diseases,thyroid dysfunction or other? If not please go for HIV,RBS,thyroid function test,LFT,blood urea,serum creatinine.. Any family history of disease or pruritus? Any past history of surgery or disease? Any bad habit of smoking,tobacco,alcohol? If you have any skin lesion,please post the photograph of the affected part.. I might give proper advice after reading your answers. Thanks. Dr. Ilyas Patel MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Ilyas Patel (1 hour later)

My body itches mostly all over my arms, inner thighs and ankles- sometime the back of my head. It worsens a night and at times wakes me up. I dont feel sick at all otherwise- i have plenty of appetite- and feel healthy. No other pains anywhere.I went in yesterday for blood tests and hiv test and i am really scared. I have had unprotected sex in the past but with people who said to be safe. My skin is really dry around my knees and elbows. My mom has hogkin disease and was worried it could be it as well.

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer: You may be having prurigo simplex. Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX Welcome back. After going through the history and seeing photos, it seems that you may be having prurigo simplex. There may be some cause or without any cause. It may be due to stress or anxiety. I prescribe in such case, antihistaminics like levocetirizine along with steroids in tappering dose for 3 to 4 weeks. Application of steroid cream might improve itching. Avoid soap bath. You may use dettol liquid in water for bath. Your skin is dry, so you may use moisturising lotion or cream after bath. Avoid stress and worries. I hope you may be improved. But, take treatment under observation of dermatologist. I hope you got my answer. Thanks. Dr. Ilyas Patel MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Ilyas Patel (28 minutes later)

I am just so worried it may be hiv now- test results havent come in yet- and the doctor said that my sumptoms couls totally be from hiv- i am trying to stay calm and positive but i am honestly fearing that it may be it- i have had no other issues than itching for the past 3 1/2months and have eaten well etc. Phsically active and fit- i am just so scared.

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Avoid worries before you get test result of HIV. Detailed Answer: Hi, welcome back and be brave. And let the HIV result come. Till, that you be calm and relax. And have treatments as suggested previously. And let me know the result..ok I hope for the good. Thanks. Dr.Ilyas Patel MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Ilyas Patel (13 minutes later)

Thank you doctor- i tend to always fear for the worse but that time, the doctor scared me by telling me my symptoms could be from hiv- i just really hope this isnt it.

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Thanks Detailed Answer: XXXXXXX Have good days for ever.. Best wishes. Dr.Ilyas Patel MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D