Itching

M

mschevious123.

New member
Hello all. For the past couple of months I've been facing a battle of itching. It happens without fail after a shower, and also randomly throughout the day. The post-shower episodes last for a full hour. There's no rash, hives, or anything at all. I get the itching on my legs after the shower, and simply everywhere at the random times. At first I thought it was dry skin, so I tried lotion but found no relief. Benadryl gel would prevent the post-shower itching at first, but it doesn't work anymore. I tried taking Claritin but I still itch. I've tried different soaps, body washes, and shampoos, and nothing has changed.

I was afraid it could be something liver related because I have had a couple of pale stools (two or three times a couple of weeks ago, but not since). I do have constipation, diarrhea, burping, and acid reflux. I used to get nauseous but not anymore. I get very fatigued very easily and fight drowsiness often. I have cold extremities and acne. I also have anxiety issues which made my doctor attribute all my symptoms to, without concern (though he doesn't know about the stool). I'll see him again in a couple of weeks, but until then, I ponder over what the itching could mean.

Does this sound familiar to anything in particular? Is it really just dry skin even though lotion provides no relief? My skin has always been a bit on the dry side, sure, but it doesn't look bad at all, especially not worse, and wouldn't problems arise in the winter instead of summer?

Thanks for reading!
 
get your thyroid checked.....
hives is a symptom of hashimoto's/hypothyroid

there's even a thread on it on the thyroid board you might want to read

also fatigue is a symptom of hypothyroid

I'd start there......
 
Look up cholinergic urticaria as well as aquagenic pruritis.
Do you get bumps/hives?

Do you get liver enzyme tests done?

I feel for you....I will sometimes get it from a hot shower, but nothing that lasts.

q
 
I don't have any hives... there's literally nothing on my skin other than the marks I cause due to scratching.

I've always been worried about my thyroid, but the basic test came back completely normal a year ago (I forget what the name of the test was, but my result was 1.0).
 
It sounds maybe like a reaction maybe to spandex and the tightness. But you stating causing "excitement" could be nerve endings.

I'm just saying that liver enzyme testing and other markers can lead to whether it might be autoimmune, allergy or otherwise, Not necessarily something wrong with the liver.

Thyroid testing should be done regardless as resequartz suggested. Maybe do some research on that as well to create a list of questions for the doc.

You need to see a specialist...especially a dermatologist. Since it's a skin disorder at this point, he/she should help to narrow it down. But...make sure you do the research and get the behaviour of symptoms listed as well as questions regarding blood testing, etc.

q
 
Thanks for the response. I just looked those two up. I don't have any rash, bumps, hives, or anything, which makes it all so weird. I also go to the gym frequently and sweating there doesn't trigger any itching. Although that does remind me that changing pants triggers some itching. My doctor didn't seem concerned enough to do any kind of tests, but I'll definitely push it next time I see him.

Aquagenic pruritis might be the only explanation due to being a non-explanation. :( I'll definitely try some of the things they recommend to help with that, so thank you!
 
so all your liver enzymes testing is fine? Some can definitely lead to autoimmune or other disorders.

Regarding the doctor...you mean a dermatologist?

Interesting regarding changing pants after a workout...seems like "excited" nerve endings.

Hope you find the answers.
q
 
Ah, okay, I follow you. I'll start researching any dermatologists that take my insurance and have ready some questions when I see my doctor again.

Thanks everyone!
 
No, my doctor (general practitioner) hasn't run any tests at all yet. Does it sound like the itching caused by liver problems? I just hesitate on that because it usually happens following a shower, but is that a normal liver symptom?

Oh, and it's not changing pants after a workout, but usually before. The pants I wear are 100% cotton, or mostly cotton with some spandex, and that excites a bit of itching. If that makes any difference.
 
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