What Causes Itchy Skin Over Face,scalp And Body?

Posted on Mon, 5 May 2014

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

Mon, 5 May 2014 Answered on

Mon, 26 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have developed itchy skin over my face, scalp and body . There is no rash. I can sleep at night if I take a sleeping pill. Seems better in the morning but gets worse near the end of the day and evening.This is be going on for about 5 weeks. Tried gold bond cream helps only for a wile. I have an appointment with skin specialist in two weeks. This all started after only having oral sex one time with another male no other sex with him. He said he has no symptoms like this.
Please advice. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Praveen Rodrigues (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Allergic Phenomenon; Antihistamines best.

Detailed Answer:
Hi there XXXXXXX
I hear you & empathise with you.
However, I dare say I have to be honest & find it unlikely to be linked to your one-off sexual contact.
Having said that, I would appreciate a few specifics please. How long after this episode did you feel the symptoms you allude to? Was the other person using some sort of perfume, deo, gel etc that may have triggered an 'allergic phenomenon'? This is a pretty plausible situation.
For the moment, may I suggest you take a tablet of levocetrizine each night ? A 5mg tablet of Xyzal may sort you out taken over the next 10 days; you may increase the dosage to 2 tabs at night if one does not control symptoms.
In addition, please avoid all soaps & perfumes & shift to using Sebamed cleansing Bar as a cleanser for your face; If you use a product of Sebamed called "fresh shower" it has a built in moisturiser that will help allay symptoms.
I trust this will have sorted you out well before your date with the dermatologist.
Good Luck & Godspeed!
Dr Praveen Rodrigues MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Praveen Rodrigues (10 hours later)

Thanks Dr. Roderigues

Do I need a presciption for levocetrizine or Xyzal. I sent an e-mail with more details but it looke like it timed out. I will send it again later.
Dr Roderigues

After the encounter with this male the itching almost started the next day so I paniced and thought I had scabies and bought the shampoo for lice and scabies. It did not make any difference but when I went to the gym a few days later after sweating my whole body itched all over like crazy. Now it still only periodically all the time ecept when I sleep. Maybe it is an allergic reaction to the shampoo. Also you should know my wife and I are into the lifestyle so sometimes have sex together with other couples. I am thinking goind for STD tests for peace of mind. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Praveen Rodrigues (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Go for the STD tests' & it should calm your fears

Detailed Answer:
Hi there XXXXXXX

I understand your predicament & yes doing a battery of tests for STDs' is probably good for the peace of mind given your lifestyle. If the lifestyle suits you both, then I don't see any reason you should give it up but do practice safe sex always in your interest.

The levocetrizine (xyzal) tab is an antihistamine & is available over-the-counter (without prescription).

Good Luck & wish you a clear skin soon. I dare say it is mostly in the psyche & yes the STD tests' should help allay the anxiety & rid you of the itch.

Cheers!
Dr Praveen Rodrigues MD

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

Follow up: Dr. Praveen Rodrigues (38 minutes later)

Thanks Doc

We always practice safe sex with condoms except oral which I have read can spread STDs through sperm. Luckly my wife has none of these symptoms or any symptoms related to STD. My doctor asked me to try 25mg APO-DOXEPIN. I tried 1 tablets but could not function at work the next day so I stopped.Anyway I have an appointment with my GP today and will ask him for tests.

Thanks XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Praveen Rodrigues (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Good Luck

Detailed Answer:
Good Luck & Godspeed XXXXXXX .am always around should you need to chat. Cheers!

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad