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What Causes Itching And Rashes On Stomach?
Posted on
Wed, 21 Oct 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 21 Oct 2015
Answered on
Thu, 12 Nov 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : I have had itching for 6 wks. I went to a dermatologist and got a steroid mixed with cerave. He also did blood work which came back normal. I've not changed anything in my meds. It has to be internal. I do have a rash on my stomach and around my neck. My email address is YYYY@YYYY . Thank you
Brief Answer:
Antihistamine might help.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
I am sorry for your itching - it can be so exasperating. I have had something like this myself.
I don't know what tests the dermatologist did as there are various things he might have been looking for. Perhaps a Tryptase level (tests for mast cell activation)? Autoimmune tests?
At this point I would recommend a few things:
1. I do not know at what point in this 6 week course of itching you went to the dermatologist and started the steroid/Cerave lotion, but as we usually expect acute itching to resolve by 6 weeks, if the dermatologist does not know that you have continued itching, give his/her office a call as he may want to try something else. Also, he may not want you to use a steroid cream for an extended period of time (such as beyond 6 weeks) so this should be discussed.
2. Add Zyrtec 10 mg twice a day to this regimen. Zyrtec is an antihistamine and is normally prescribed as 1 pill a day, but for skin itching, the dose can be increased to 2 - 4 pills a day. You may want to go up on the dose gradually, starting with 1 pill, then a couple days later 1 1/2 pills, then 2 pills (taken am and pm). Zyrtec or it's less expensive generic, ceterizine, is sold without prescription at any drugstore.
3. Consider seeing an allergist. Allergists are also trained in immunology and may be able to help you further and may consider doing other tests.
I hope this information helps.
Antihistamine might help.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
I am sorry for your itching - it can be so exasperating. I have had something like this myself.
I don't know what tests the dermatologist did as there are various things he might have been looking for. Perhaps a Tryptase level (tests for mast cell activation)? Autoimmune tests?
At this point I would recommend a few things:
1. I do not know at what point in this 6 week course of itching you went to the dermatologist and started the steroid/Cerave lotion, but as we usually expect acute itching to resolve by 6 weeks, if the dermatologist does not know that you have continued itching, give his/her office a call as he may want to try something else. Also, he may not want you to use a steroid cream for an extended period of time (such as beyond 6 weeks) so this should be discussed.
2. Add Zyrtec 10 mg twice a day to this regimen. Zyrtec is an antihistamine and is normally prescribed as 1 pill a day, but for skin itching, the dose can be increased to 2 - 4 pills a day. You may want to go up on the dose gradually, starting with 1 pill, then a couple days later 1 1/2 pills, then 2 pills (taken am and pm). Zyrtec or it's less expensive generic, ceterizine, is sold without prescription at any drugstore.
3. Consider seeing an allergist. Allergists are also trained in immunology and may be able to help you further and may consider doing other tests.
I hope this information helps.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I started taking Omeprazole 40 mg at the end of July. On the internet I saw where the side effects could be itching and a rash plus leg cramps which I have . Our insurance wouldn't pay for Nexium which I had no problem with.
I started taking Omeprazole 40 mg. at the end of July. On the internet I saw where the side effects could be itching and a rash plus leg cramps which I have. Our insurance wouldn't pay for Nexium so I had to go Generic.
I started taking Omeprazole 40 mg. at the end of July. On the internet I saw where the side effects could be itching and a rash plus leg cramps which I have. Our insurance wouldn't pay for Nexium so I had to go Generic.
Brief Answer:
Can you use a different acid reducer?
Detailed Answer:
Sensitivity/allergy to any medication can cause itching and rash. Is there any way you can switch to a different acid reducer?
I am not a big fan of the proton pump inhibitor type of acid reducers as they can be rather dependency forming and result in rebound of exaggerated acid reflux symptoms if you go off of them suddenly (and sometimes with any attempts to discontinue them). I prefer, if at all possible, for patients to use H2 blockers such as Zantac 150 mg, taken twice a day. But in some cases a proton pump inhibitor is needed.
Are you being prescribed the Omeprazole 40 mg by a gastroenterologist or other physician? I would let the doctor who is prescribing it know about the itching and rash and discuss a trial of (gradually) discontinuing it and changing to another medication.
Can you use a different acid reducer?
Detailed Answer:
Sensitivity/allergy to any medication can cause itching and rash. Is there any way you can switch to a different acid reducer?
I am not a big fan of the proton pump inhibitor type of acid reducers as they can be rather dependency forming and result in rebound of exaggerated acid reflux symptoms if you go off of them suddenly (and sometimes with any attempts to discontinue them). I prefer, if at all possible, for patients to use H2 blockers such as Zantac 150 mg, taken twice a day. But in some cases a proton pump inhibitor is needed.
Are you being prescribed the Omeprazole 40 mg by a gastroenterologist or other physician? I would let the doctor who is prescribing it know about the itching and rash and discuss a trial of (gradually) discontinuing it and changing to another medication.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Doctor, on other thing I had were 2 shots in my shoulder and neck for pain. I just can't remember the time line when I started the itching. I see the pain doctor on Nov. 2nd . On thing I do know this is really getting to me. I didn't start the steroid cream until about 2 wks. ago and it is not really helping. Thank you for your help.
Brief Answer:
Most likely the shots in your shoulder were corticosteroid shots.
Detailed Answer:
I don't know for sure, but most likely the shots in your shoulder and neck were steroid shots, and I would doubt that that would contribute to the rash and itching.
So do call the dermatologist and let him or her know the current situation as he probably thinks you are better now. Try the Zyrtec double dose. And consider making an appointment with an allergist.
I know the itching can be maddening. I hope you are able to get some relief soon.
Most likely the shots in your shoulder were corticosteroid shots.
Detailed Answer:
I don't know for sure, but most likely the shots in your shoulder and neck were steroid shots, and I would doubt that that would contribute to the rash and itching.
So do call the dermatologist and let him or her know the current situation as he probably thinks you are better now. Try the Zyrtec double dose. And consider making an appointment with an allergist.
I know the itching can be maddening. I hope you are able to get some relief soon.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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