Itchy Skin on Teenager

D G,
I agree with the others. Itching is a sign of many different things. It could be related to the seasons changing. It could also be allergy-related. It took me a long time to realize that my itching was due to hayfever and seasonal allergies. My scalp and everything itches. It usually leaves when I take allergy medicines like Claritin or Zyrtec. It could also be due to dry skin. Monitoring when it happens is the most effective way to determine the cause.

have them check for scabies. does not affect face - can move- often worse at night. if she plays sports in close contact could be it

There are definitely lots of possibilities, and not all of them are alarming, so try to stay calm until you know what you're dealing with (hard I know). Another thing you may want to look into is Candida - yeast. My mother had a systemic candida infection several years ago and had similar symptoms. She will still occasionally start to get signs again. She finds acidophilus tablets to be helpful. You may need to do a little research on it since many docs overlook this possibility. Obviously that may not be what it is, but probably worth looking into. Hope you can solve the mystery and clear the problem up quickly.

My first thought (b/c you see no rash) is that it is stress related. She may not even realize she is stressed. Talk about her life & when the itching has occured. Did she have tests those days, or a fight with a friend, or a sporting event, etc.
My second thought is that it could be hives & by the time you look for it the "rash" is gone, but the itching hasn't faded yet. When I go out in the cold & don't have a thick enough layer on my legs (jeans aren't thick enough) I get hives. They look like red blotches on my legs & they itch like crazy. The itching usually lasts longer than the red color. Best advice for this is to wear thicker layers or go out in the cold as little as possible.
Good luck

Try a product called Dome Boro. It's a packet you add to bath water. Helps chilren to adults with a variety of skin ailments. Can get it at Rite aid. J.

You did mention that she doesn't dress for the temps ? Does she wear jeans (duh) in the cold ? I used to notice that when it is COLD out, jeans will chaff and make your legs hurt. And itching is a mild form of pain. . . I would try something soothing like baby oil, too. Her skin may not look dry, but it might be dry underneath. ??? do have the blood test, too, so you aren't overlooking anything important.

Poor girl!.. I know I routinely get itchy every fall and spring. Dry skin I think?? Maybe a humidifier in her room, eucerin cream is over the counter and great. You might want to try a food allergy test. I was tested, A small prick to my finger and found out the very foods I loved and ate occasionally, I was allergic to. (chiropractic office)I hope shes better soon, until then benedryl or non drowsy allergy pills!!!!!!!!

Dg, there are many causes of itchy skin from the dry heat, low thyroid, eczema,etc. The only thing I would recommend until the doctor gives you a definitive diagnosis is oatmeal baths and lotions. Put oats in a clean sock, tie it at the top, place under running water,leave it in the water and let your daughter soak in it then put on oatmeal lotion. Oatmeal is a natural skin soother and is often used to treat itchiness from chicken pox. Experimenting with anything else can worsen the itch.
You also mentioned she is 13, this could be from hormone changes too. I would absolutely follow up with the doctor and get the bloodwork done.Better to know all the facts so you can make an educated decision on how to handle this further. Besides, the fear of the unknown is the worst feeling ever. lease let us know how she makes out.

Hi

I have had past experience with this type of itching.
Did you take her to a dermatologist?? It maybe from the dry heat--Do you have forced air?
What worked for me was Cetaphil--right out of the shower-all over--sold at CVS & Zyrtec.

It could be from the dry winter & heat.

D.

It sounds like she might have a form of eczema. A 1% cortizone might work, and just keep a list of products she has been using, food she has been eating, etc. If things progress and you don't get any answers get a second opinion. Listen to your body. Keep well moisturized, no fragrances though. Try using allergen free detergents and body washes, etc. Good Luck.

DG,
good morning .
an 'itchy' skin with a medical treatment is ' visable' such as ; a rash , a cluster of bumps, an inflamed elbow, neck, and /or pus .
thank goodness she has none of the above . !!!!!!!
however; she does ITCH ...SHE REALLY DOES . I would say a- ' welcome to the world of stress' condition . she is 'worried'. PSSA? EXAMS? NEW TEACHER? A DATE? NO DATE? ... this is my ' Dr. mommy' diagnose ...oh; she will never tell you either .
some people bite nails, some chew gum, some twist hair, some ITCH ....ETC...
mommy ; I truely believe she is re acting to lifes issues .[ this is a lot better than blood work and medicine]
get her all oatmeal shampoo, soap etc ...[it will make her think it works]
give her beny. if really bad . and simply ask her [ without being too momish] what's new ? how is history class ? etc....
ps= HORMONES also can cause ITCHING ... track her. see if itch coincides w/ monthy periods.
mommy, you would know 100% if she has cancer, skin disease etc ... I am sure it is nerves ...
thank you

I don't want to freak you out but itching without a rash can indicate a serious problem. Hopefully it is nothing but you should definitely follow through and get the bloodwork, etc that the doctor recommended. I pulled this off a website.

Itching may be caused by a skin disorder or by a disease that affects the whole body (systemic disease). Skin disorders that cause severe itching include infestations with parasites (such as scabies, mites, or lice), insect bites, hives, atopic dermatitis, and allergic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. These disorders usually also produce a rash. Systemic diseases that can cause itching include liver disease, kidney failure, lymphomas, leukemias and other blood disorders, and, occasionally, thyroid disease, diabetes, and cancer. However, itching from these diseases usually does not result in a rash.

Many drugs can cause itching, including barbiturates, morphine and aspirin as well as any drug to which a person has an allergy.

Itching is also common during the later months of pregnancy. Usually, pregnancy-related itching does not indicate any abnormality, but it can result from mild liver problems.

Often, contact with wool clothing or irritants, such as solvents or cosmetics, causes itching. Dry skin (xerosis), which is especially common among older people, can cause severe, widespread itching. Dry skin also can result from cold weather or prolonged exposure to water. Hot baths typically worsen itching.

The act of scratching can itself irritate the skin and lead to more itching, creating an itching-scratching-itching cycle. Vigorous scratching may cause redness and deep scrapes in the skin. In some people, even gentle scratching causes raised, red streaks that can itch intensely. Prolonged scratching and rubbing can thicken and scar the skin.

Here is the link so you can read the rest of what it says.

http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec18/ch203/ch203b.html

Hopefully everything works out fine. Good Luck!!

That sounds horrible. Good Luck

I feel so bad for her.