What Could Cause Intense, Widespread Itching With Small Red Bumps And Burning After Scratching?

Posted on Wed, 20 May 2020

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

Wed, 20 May 2020 Answered on

1 day ago Last reviewed on

Question : My skin literally won't stop itching, it has been like this for days now, I thought it was just dry skin but now it is all over my body, I am getting these little bumps like pimples almost. Now I have these red dots very small, I don't know if they are from itching though. Like my entire body Is itchy. It even woke me up a few times. When I scratch hard it likes burns.

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Answer few questions

Detailed Answer:

Hi
Welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service. I have gone through your query and reviewed the attached photographs.

I need to ask you few questions:
- Is itching more during the day or night?
- What is the duration of your itching?
- Is anyone in your family and friends having past or present history of itching?
- Do you have any bumps on the genitals?
- Do you have any ailments or taking any medicines?
- Is there any personal or family history of eczema, allergic rhinitis, excessive sneezing and asthma?

Kindly revert with the answers.

Regards,
Dr. Asmeet

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (33 minutes later)

Hi,

1. It is pretty consistent both day and night.
2. Will last all day but will stop when I am not paying attention for a little and then I will feel it again.
3. No
4. No
5. Juul birth control

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

Brief Answer:
Seems to be an allergic reaction, antihistaminic, topical steroid

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

According to your complaints, it seems to be an allergic reaction.
I would recommend you to take an antihistaminic like tablet Cetirizine twice daily along with application of a topical steroid like cortisone cream diluted in a moisturizing lotion in the ratio of 1:2 twice daily for 10 days.

This should resolve your problem.

Take care. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (1 hour later)

you dont think it could be scabies?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Reasons against the diagnosis of scabies

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

My first differential was scabies. Since there is no history of itching in friends and family and no aggravation of itching at night, it goes against the diagnosis of scabies.

Also there are no bumps on the genitals which again is very common in scabies.

That’s why I didn’t keep the diagnosis of scabies.

Thanks and take care.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (25 minutes later)

Okay, thanks. My Boyfriend had sort of the same thing last week. His mom told him it was hives. So he took Benadryl and it is starting to clear up. But his looks a little different and a lot worse

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (0 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Start with antihistaminic and steroid cream

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

I would recommend you to start with antihistaminic like tablet Cetirizine twice daily and cortisone cream on the affected areas twice daily for 10 days.

If the itching didn’t improve in 5-7 days, you can also go anti-scabitic cream like permethrin 5 percent cream.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad