Itching can easily be controlled by taking an antihistamine like benadryl 25mg 3-4 times a day or hydroxyzine 10-25 mg tablets 4-6 hourly. In addition using 1% menthol cream as required and more importantly a moisturiser like eucerin every few hours, to make sure the skin never dries up, makes a big difference. In addition if the skin is red/ inflamed, using a steroid cream like cortisone twice a day will help (you might need a stronger prescription strength steroid if cortisone does not help).
However, anyone with generalised itch without a rash, needs to be investigated for internal causes. The commonest reason for generalised itch is drugs. But if you are not taking any or have not started any new drugs within a few months of the itch appearing, then blood tests are necessary. Commonly iron deficiency, liver, kidney and thyroid diseases can cause generalised itching. In addition, if one has been an ex or current smoker or has a history of weight loss/ night sweats, then investigations to rule out an underlying cancer or infection, will need to be ruled out. Treating these obviously will help with the itch.
In someone over 50-60 years however itching can just be due to dry skin or irritable/ hypersensitive nerves (part and parcel of aging I am afraid). I find this to be the commonest cause of itching actually! However we only make this diagnosis of asteatotic/ senile pruritus, if the blood tests and investigations are all negative.
Obviously you do need to see either a GP or a Dermatologist to see if investigations are necessary. In addition if you do have a rash, a dermatologist would be able to evaluate whether a skin biopsy would be necessary to
Other online resources available:
- Dermnet NZ website: has a bit more detailed information about individual treatments
- You can consult a Dermatologist online: if you do not have easy access to a doctor and would like to discuss your problem with a dermatologist over the telephone.