Itchy and *****ly skin with no rash

[SunnyRain]

Are you taking the pill, because you can't take an estrogen pill if you've has cholestasis.


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[Lolpigs]

No not at the moment. I was on the mini pill but stopped recently. To be honest I'm starting to doubt I had Cholestasis, and just had this issue for the last 12 months on and off becuase it first started before I found out I was pregnant albeit a few weeks before. My OB never did retest me after the first test which he said my result was 9, the itching did come and go the whole time which he said was normal.

Starting to get really upset about it mostly becuase there is no outward sign so nothing to treat and if the blood tests are clear then what? I really thought it was due to pregnancy and that it wouldnt come back but after 3 months I'm right back where I started.

Yep it is driving me mad, and I can't get any relief and its worse today for some reason.

[Pholi]

Hi Lolpigs,

I hope you're feeling better. I had a patient once who complained of a similar itch, with some mild, visible rash, but like you, all of the standard OTC medications were not helping. We sent him to a dermatologist, who immediately prescribed fairly high dose steroids, and insisted on some significant dietary changes, including stopping eating a numbeer of what seemed to me like ordinary, healthy foods. I know one of them was kiwifruit, I think bananas were included, too. I can't remember what the pathophysiolology of the reaction was, but it was described not as an allergy, more like he had developed a low threshhold for a certain substance, resulting in the effect of an overdose even though what he was eating wouldn't normally be considered excessive. In fact he had recently started improving his diet in an effort to lose weight, so was eating more of these particular foods than what was normal for him. Within a few days on the steroids, the itch was minimal, and within about 2 weeks he'd weaned off the steroids, and was fine again! He was allowed to slowly reintroduce those foods in moderate amounts in about 3 months.

Moral of the story is, i suggest that if the GP's advice isn't helping, go and see either a GP with a dermatology specialisation, or get a referral to a dermatologist.

[Lolpigs]

Thanks Pholi, I will do that if on monday the blood tests dont show anything wrong. I guess I should be greatful they dont on some level!

The pharmacisit I just spoke to said in the mean time we have to treat as though there is a rash, even though there isn't one and gave me some telfast and some calomine lotion. The only rash I get is if I scratch and the skin goes red which goes away after a time.

Interesting it could be food related but I couldn't think what. I've started taking a multivitamin again just in case I'm lacking something.

Fingers crossed for monday!

[Lolpigs]

So blood tests showed everything was fine. Dr said my liver enzymes were slightly elevated but nothing major. My Dr wasnt interested in refering me anywhere. Said that we can treat it generally with steroids but that was it. Said I can come in again "if I want". When I saw him kept trying to tell me it was dry skin.. err I have Psorasis I know what dry skin looks like and it dosent feel like this!

I need to find a new GP, any recommendations in the Parramatta area? I'm really dissapointed at this treatment TBH.

I want to rule out the serious conditions this can be a sign of but not getting any support from him and thats a shame as we have been to see him for many years

[Pholi]

I'm glad that you're blood tests were clear, but it must be very disappointed to be dismissed like this. No recommendations re another GP, I'm afraid, but you could try contacting the RACGP (Royal Aust college of GPs) and asking for contact details of any GPs with a dermatology special interest in your area. That way you wouldn't need a referral from your GP, and if the specialised GP felt it was appropriate, he/she would still refer you to a consultant.

Keep pushing for diagnosis and treatment, it is not normal to have itching that drives you up the wall, and you deserve to be treated better.

edited:Just found this website : http://bjchealth.com.au/our-team/our-doctors/ Dr James Choi has Immunology and Dermatology special training, which sounds ideal. You can get this issue sorted, and then decide later if you want to change from your regular GP for all other aspects of your health, or not.

[Lolpigs]

Thanks so much Pholi that is so much help I've been looking high and low for a GP in parramatta with a specality! I definatley dont want to just take steroids for no reason, can't believe he suggested it really. I dont care about taking medication for a reason, but not becuase he can't be bothered figuring out what the issue is or referring me to someone who can.

THe worst part about this is the tingling *****ly skin in conjunction with the itching, feels sometimes when it *****les like I'm being stabbed with a pin however I haven't had any numbness yet as a result. Its a creepy feeling and very bothersome. My husband says I've started tossing and turning in my sleep so its definatley getting worse.

I'll go see these guys and see what they say. Thanks again I'll let you know how I go.

x

Edit: Booked in to see him but hes a specalist so going to get a referal from my current dr.