Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Constant Itching On Back?

I have an area on my back, just above the right shoulder blade that itches constantly. This started about 6 months ago and at that time it was just occasionally itchy . Lately, it is all the time. The area is smooth, I cannot see any rash, marks, effects of potential bug bite, etc., it just itches. Initially, I would put hydrocortisone cream on and that seemed to soothe it somewhat. I now have tried numerous OTC creams, relief from these is very short term. I am at a loss as to the cause, how to alleviate. Thoughts?
Mon, 9 Mar 2015
Report Abuse
Dermatologist,  's  Response
Thanks for contacting us.
From your history you are suffering from neurogenuc pruritus i.e. notalgia parasthetica. It can lead to pruritus with no evident skin rash. All you need to do is to control the scratching at that site which will initiate the itch - scratch cycle and lead to increases itching. Also it may lead to darkening of skin at that area due a condition called macular amyloidosis.
For treatment you can use oral antihistaminics like cetrizine once daily. For topical application use calamine lotion and capsicin gels twice a day. It controls the itch in most of the people.
With regards
I find this answer helpful
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Constant Itching On Back?

Thanks for contacting us. From your history you are suffering from neurogenuc pruritus i.e. notalgia parasthetica. It can lead to pruritus with no evident skin rash. All you need to do is to control the scratching at that site which will initiate the itch - scratch cycle and lead to increases itching. Also it may lead to darkening of skin at that area due a condition called macular amyloidosis. For treatment you can use oral antihistaminics like cetrizine once daily. For topical application use calamine lotion and capsicin gels twice a day. It controls the itch in most of the people. With regards