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What Could Cause A Sudden Onset Of Moderate Itching All Over My Body For Over A Month Now?

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Posted on Fri, 23 Feb 2024
Question: I have moderate itching all over my body. It started suddenly about a month ago.
Any ideas?
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Generalized pruritus

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

If the itching is everywhere, not in any region, and no rash, then it is likely to be coming from the inside rather than from your skin itself.

I recommend going in to see either a dermatologist or an allergist who will check your thyroid hormone, a complete blood count, and some antibody tests.

In the meantime, I recommend an oral antihistamine, such as Zyrtec (cetirizine) which is sold over the counter. For itching, people often need a higher dose than the usual once a day that is recommended for allergic rhinitis (nose symptoms) but start with once a day until you know how you tolerate it (for some people it can be sedating).

There are other medications that can be added on to that treatment if it is inadequate, such as montelukast (which is by prescription), H2 blockers, etc. But first it is a good idea to be evaluated.

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (12 minutes later)
Thanks very much for the quick reply. I am seeing a dermatologist on Tuesday, so the timing is fortuitous. I appreciate your help. Enjoy the day!

Cheers,
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (36 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Your welcome!

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

You are welcome! I hope your itching resolves soon. One other test they might do is a liver panel blood test as sometimes elevated bilirubin (pigment from the liver) can cause itching too.

Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh,MD
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
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3133 Questions

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What Could Cause A Sudden Onset Of Moderate Itching All Over My Body For Over A Month Now?

Brief Answer: Generalized pruritus Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, If the itching is everywhere, not in any region, and no rash, then it is likely to be coming from the inside rather than from your skin itself. I recommend going in to see either a dermatologist or an allergist who will check your thyroid hormone, a complete blood count, and some antibody tests. In the meantime, I recommend an oral antihistamine, such as Zyrtec (cetirizine) which is sold over the counter. For itching, people often need a higher dose than the usual once a day that is recommended for allergic rhinitis (nose symptoms) but start with once a day until you know how you tolerate it (for some people it can be sedating). There are other medications that can be added on to that treatment if it is inadequate, such as montelukast (which is by prescription), H2 blockers, etc. But first it is a good idea to be evaluated. I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.