What Causes Itching On Body?

Posted on Mon, 29 Dec 2014

Question: hello how are you. I've been having an internal itch throughout my whole body, I have no skin breakouts but the itching is everywhere. im a pilot and travel worldwide and have been on the road for over 50 days. under lots of stress over certain situations in my life. I feel like something has attacked my nervous system. I don't know what to do.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You can take levocetrizine for a while and provide more detail

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us. I am fine.

Yes stress can cause itching. However still the mechanism in body which can cause itching is same like in allergic reaction. So anti allergy medicine like levocetrizne can be useful. However you must take it after consulting doctor as you are pilot and this medicine can cause sedation.(Fexofenadine is good alternative probably without sedation).

I need to know more from your side to help you more.

Please send me your blood reports if you can. I want to check ESR and eosinophil count.If not please go for this tests as they are useful for allergic reaction evaluation.

Let me know about your stress in detail.

What other symptoms are you feeling apart from itching.

Can you resist itching? If you can't is there scratches ?

I am waiting for your response.

Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (49 minutes later)

Can't find ESR in blood work. However
White count is 6.6 from a range of. 3.8 to 10.8
Red count is 5.11 from a range of 4.20 to 5.80

EOSINOFILS IS 1.4

Platelet count : 262 from a range of 140-400 thousand/ul

When I itch and scratch I'm not left with scratches or open wounds on my skin. One of my worries is the burning like sensations on my face and body. Feels at times like needles thought my body and eyes. Would like to find and answer to this . You're help is great appreciated

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
B12 deficiency or somatic problem

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for information. The mentioned reports are normal. My comments are as follows:

1. ESR is erythrocyte sedimentation rate which is high in some allergic problems.You can go for it ,if you wish.Your local doctor can order the test.

2. You can also check Vitamin B12 level; relative deficiency of the same can cause burning sensation.

3. Psychosomatic problem can present with similar symptoms. However I would like you to rule out allergies and vitamin deficiency as stated earlier. Psychosomatic problems can be treated with SNRI-duloxetine.

4. You have not mention about stress you are feeling. Is there any social,economical or personal- relationship stress?

Consult a psychiatrist for detail evaluation, history and mental status examination for diagnosis of psychosomatic problem.

Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad