Expert: Michael S. Fisher, <B>Ph.D., M.D.</B> - 8/9/2004

Question
Don't know if you will be able to help or not.  I've been to the doctors and they have done blood work for my liver, which turned out to be normal.  I've been having the following symptoms for about 2 months.  Intense itching all over my body.  There is no rash, hives, or bug bites.  The itching first started out on my hands and feet.  First it would burn real bad then start to itch.  I tried hydrocortisone which didn't help and scratching made the burning and itching worse.  The burning has gone away and now I itch pretty much everywhere; my scalp, legs, stomach, back, everywhere.  Now it feels like someone is poking me with a pin then I start to itch. I have not changed soaps or detergents nor have I changed lotions.  My doctor thought it was dry skin, but I've followed her direction about lotion and keeping my skin moist.  My next step is to see a dermatologist.  Any clue to what might be going on with me.  Feel free to write back with more questions.  I did dog sit 2 months ago and everyone thought I had fleas.  I treated my house and I did not see any bites on my feet or ankle.  Oh year, my room mate said that she has been ithcing also.

Answer
Itchy skin can have many causes: oral medications, liver disease, kidney disease, anemia, thyroid disease, severe stress, infestations like scabies which is a mite, skin allergies, infections like bacterial or yeast and even internal malignancy.
If both of you are itching then the first things to rule out are Scabies or some kind of skin allergy.