What Causes Itching Sensation On The Back?

Posted on Sat, 8 Oct 2016

Question: There is a place on my back that shows no rash, no infection, no pimple or any outward indication of irritation. However, When I am in the sun for more than about 20 minutes with sunscreen and clothing, the area begins to itch and it continues for quite some time. This has been recurring for three years in exactly the same place. What could cause this irritation?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Notalgia paraesthetica and its management

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for being at healthcaremagic
I am Dr Asmeet Kaur Sawhney, a dermatologist.
I have gone to your complaints and you seem to be having notalgia paraesthetica.
It is a chronic disease charactersised by itching and irritation on the back usually close to the medial border of scapula.
It is caused by entrapment of some nerves and may be predisposed by back trauma or in individuals with prolonged sitting.
It is usually treated with topical capsaicin cream and topical lignocaine and prilocaine combination cream.
Other treatment options are oral oxcarbazepine and injections of botulinum toxin.
These all are prescription medications and you need to see the doctor in person to get them.
Regards
Dr Asmeet

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar