So, I had this before at the same time last year, and thought it was releated to DD seeing as my bile salts were elevated and OB said mild Cholestasis. I did have palm itching as well
Since DD was born it was gone however it seems to have come back again all over. Worse on my arms and legs but no hand and feet itching.
Anyone know what it could be? When I asked my GP last year before I found out I was pregnant, he just said something is bothering your nerves and prescribed Phenergan, cant take that now becuase it knocks me out and I have to get up for DD still in the night.
I'm thinking I'll start vitamin suppliments and see if that helps, and if not gone soon I will go back to the GP.. it is so annoying and frustrating! Especially as there is no rash so most GP's give you a skeptical look when you tell them your itching.
Edit: THat is supposed to say Itchy and P-r-i-c-k-l-y but apparently thats a bad word LOL
Last edited by Lolpigs; February 14th, 2012 at 04:32 PM.
: Spelling
Definitely get some blood tests done. Something like gallstones or fatty liver can cause disruption to your liver enzymes and cause itching, which you would want to know about, or even other things to do with your kidneys, thyroid, pancreas or lymphatic system. I beleive there are some mineral/vitamin deficiencies that can cause generalised itching too. In any case, if it doesn't go away after a few days, worth getting checked out for peace of mind before you start chugging down lots of over the counter medications.
When I was pregnant I had the PUPPS rash and after the twins were born it was supposed to go away but it took a good 8-10 weeks before it started to become bearable, the only thing that 'helped' was cortisone cream on the affected area.
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.
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.
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.
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
Last edited by Lolpigs; February 20th, 2012 at 02:22 PM.
Itchy and *****ly skin with no rash
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