What Causes Sudden Bursts Of Itchiness On Skin?

Posted on Thu, 4 Feb 2016

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

Thu, 4 Feb 2016 Answered on

Mon, 4 Apr 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have episodes I call attacks of itching stinging burning skin pretty much all over. Worse on torso and arms that comes and goes several times a day. An attack only lasts a few minutes though my skin feels irritated and sensitive most of the time. There is no visible rash or dis colorization. I took lyrica for awhile but it did not help. I have used process of elimination on soaps, detergent, foods, medicines, lotions, etc. I can find no cause. It seems there are triggers to an attack. Anything that stimulates the nerves in my skin such as getting hot and sweating, bathing or showers, exercise, tight close fitting clothes, certain types of materials that have a rough texture, stress of any kind. The only thing that relieves the stinging burning pain is to go outside in the cold and stand there til it passes. I have been taking Atarax 25mg 4x daily and it has helped a minimal amount. I have dysautonomia, mild diabetes (my a1c has been below 6 for more than 6 years.), bipolar, hypertension, sleep disorder (idiopathic hypersomnolence). These symptoms have been going on for about a year.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get a couple of blood tests done and share the reports

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone very carefully through the details provided. The sudden bursts of itchiness seem to be related to your having dysautonomia. However, an allergic component is also likely to be associated. There are two tests to be done:
* Blood for IgE
* Blood for total and differential count. I am looking for the eosinophil count.

Get the blood tests done and share the reports with me. In the meantime, you may try taking Montair LC (monteleukast+levocetirizine) instead of Atarax and this is likely to be more effective. Please note that these are prescription medicines.

Your idiopathic hypersomnolence seems to be related to the bipolar disorder. Discuss with your psychiatrist. Also discuss all other symptoms that you have. Suitable modification in doses or regimen may help in overcoming the problems.

Hope that helps.

Regards

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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar