Taking Medicine For Back Pain. Started Frequent Itching Above Knee With No Rashes. Reason?

Posted on Mon, 11 Feb 2013

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

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 Answered on

Tue, 5 Mar 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I have frequent itch above left knee which came on suddenly and only in that location. There. Is no rash or other blemishes. I take tridural and endocet for breakout pain for chronic back pain. Was on Celebrex but discontinued due to intestinal problems. Doctor recently asked I get off of hrt and have hot flashes. Other meds include Lipitor, ezetrol, eltroxin and zopiclone for insomnia. I take daily aspirin for heart (2stents in 2005). I also have ra in hands and neck.

Answered by Dr. Sudarshan (1 hour later)

Hi ,
Thanks for writing in.
I see that you are on too many drugs .
The drugs can cause xerosis of skin leading to itching due to dryness.Lipid lowering drugs like lipitor can cause them .In addition to drugs thyroid disease can cause dryness of skin.
As the drugs are essential drugs we cannot really stop them.You can take tab.Zyrtec for itching ,it will help.
Also apply a good quality moisturizer cream with XXXXXXX butter twice daily over the area and it will avoid itching from occuring.
If there is any visible change /lesions over the area please upload the photographs of the affected area.
Photos can help alot in predicting the condition.
I will be available for any further clarification.
Hope this helps.
Regards.
Dr XXXXXXX
MD
Dermatologist

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