Talk Health Partnership

[Guest Posts]

Am writing on behalf of my boyfriend. 2 years ago he started to develop itching without rash and it has impacted his quality of life. He has been to several doctors who have taken blood tests several times and looked into his allergy. The most common symptoms are itching sensation under the skin, feeling tired and runny stool sometimes. He tried light therapy and taken histamine tablets which has been unsuccessful. What seems to work is going sweating by going to steam room or heaving cardio. The triggers seem to be certain kind of food such as tomato, lemon, beer and so he tried gluten free and dairy free diet but the triggers seem to change sometimes which proves to be challenging to track. What steps should he take to manage the itching? What kind of support can he get if this affects his ability to work full time?

Thank you
Zaharan

[Dr Anton Alexandroff]

Thank you Zaharan for your question. Itch can be a very upsetting symptom. It sound as if he may have urticaria. Perhaps he could speak to his GP or dermatologist to ask if he could try antihistamines on prescription (such as fexofenadine or levoceterizine)?

I hope this is helpful.
With Best Wishes,

Dr Anton Alexandroff FRCP(UK) PhD CCT(Derm) FRSM FAAD
Consultant Dermatologist and Honorary Senior Lecturer
The British Skin Foundation Spokesperson
London, Cambridge, Leicester and Bedford

http://www.alexandroff.org.uk
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[zaharans]

Hi,

He has been on anti-histamine for a long time with no improvement to his condition. He tried steroids which worked briefly and then tried light therapy. We want to understand why the only thing that seems to improve the itchiness is sweating in steam room/sauna room. He seems to feel better after that most of the time. Are there any research studies going on that can investigate this further? or is the cause to do with something internally?