Hello Doctor,
I’ve been itching all over my body for a while. It goes away once I take antihistamine (Zyrtec). I have red bumps mostly all over my body, but especially in my armpits, waist, and groin area. I haven’t seen anything in my clothes but the case might be a light one. Do I have body lice? To answer your questions, I used to get more itchy at night. Then, it was the same throughout the day and night. And then, I’ve started antihistamine again so the itchiness has calmed down. I also washed all my clothes just in case. I don’t know of any body lice cases in my surroundings. I also started feeling a burning sensation on some parts of my body and my feet get more itchy at night. I think this is an allergic reaction but I haven’t had any changes to my hygiene products or detergent or environment.
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to Dr.Galen. Please find the below response to your query.
I understand you’ve been experiencing itching and red bumps, particularly in your armpits, waist, and groin area. It’s good to hear that antihistamines are providing some relief, and that you’ve taken the initiative to wash all your clothes as a precautionary measure. Body lice is one possibility, but it is usually associated with poor hygiene or living conditions, which doesn’t seem to be the case with you. Body lice also tend to cause itching mainly in areas where clothing is tighter, such as around the waist or groin. While your symptoms could potentially be due to lice, there are also other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as scabies, hives, or dermatitis. It’s also possible that the itching and red bumps are due to an allergic reaction, as you’ve suggested. Allergies can develop suddenly, even to substances that you’ve been exposed to many times before.
Given the persistence of your symptoms and the impact they’re having on your comfort and well-being, I recommend the following steps:
- Schedule an Appointment: It’s important to have a thorough examination and possibly some tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.
- Continue Antihistamines: If the Zyrtec is helping to control your symptoms, continue taking it as directed.
- Avoid Scratching: I know this is easier said than done, but scratching can lead to further inflammation and potential infection. Applying a cool, damp cloth to the area may help relieve itching.
- Skin Care: Use gentle, fragrance-free soaps and laundry detergents, and moisturize your skin regularly to maintain its barrier function.
Please contact our office at your earliest convenience to schedule an appointment. We want to ensure we address your concerns promptly and work towards a solution that provides you with relief.
Thanks
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