Desperate for Clarity on Unrelenting Itching and Blood Test Results
I’m seeking some advice regarding an alarming and disruptive issue. I am a 34-year-old female residing in the UK with a BMI of 22. To clarify, I do not smoke and do not consume any alcohol. Approximately two weeks ago, I began to experience severe itching around my anal area, which I initially attributed to hemorrhoids. I’ve had them since childbirth, but they have never caused me any discomfort or issues, especially since I don’t suffer from constipation. To address this irritation, I applied some cream. Shortly thereafter, I started feeling itchy sensations all over my body (with the exception of my face). The itchiness progressed to my scalp, legs, and arms, leading to hives. The intensity of the itching is overwhelming and truly unbearable. Throughout my 35 years, I have never encountered eczema or any skin sensitivities. Additionally, I do not have hay fever, allergies, or asthma, and up until this incident, I had never used antihistamines. I do not exhibit any signs of a viral infection, and my respiratory symptoms are clear, with no issues in my throat. The condition of my skin has deteriorated significantly; it is red and raw, covered in hives, and I have developed numerous small bruises from scratching—I'm not exaggerating when I say I am nearly entirely bruised. I consulted my general practitioner, and they performed a series of blood tests. From the results, it seems I have somewhat low serum ferritin and vitamin B12 levels. I haven’t had a chance to discuss these findings with her yet. Other than that, nothing appears alarming. If someone could take a look at my results and provide insight, I would greatly appreciate it. The situation is severely affecting my life quality. I was prescribed a steroid cream and fexofenadine, but unfortunately, they have not provided much relief. Here are my blood test results: - **Hemoglobin:** 130 g/l - **Total white blood cell count:** 5.9 x 10^9/l - **Platelet count:** 202 - **Red blood cell count:** 4.34 - **Hematocrit:** 0.366 - **Mean corpuscular volume:** 84.3 - **Mean corpuscular hemoglobin:** 29.9 - **Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration:** 355 - **Neutrophil count:** 3.7 - **Lymphocyte count:** 1.5 - **Monocyte count:** 0.5 - **Eosinophil count:** 0.1 - **Basophil count:** 0.1 - **Serum vitamin B12:** 156 - **Serum folate:** 13.4 - **Serum cholesterol:** 4.2 - **Serum HDL cholesterol:** 1.4 - **Serum sodium:** 135 (renal profile) - **Serum potassium:** 3.6 (renal profile) - **Serum creatinine:** 58 (renal profile) - **Serum ferritin:** 18 (iron) - **Total protein:** 68 (liver profile) - **Albumin:** 46 (liver profile) - **ALT level:** 10 (liver profile) - **Alkaline phosphatase:** 39 (liver profile) - **Total bilirubin:** 9 (liver profile) - **Globulin:** 22 (liver profile) - **TSH level:** 0.54 - **Total vitamin D2 and D3:** 67.2 - **Total protein in bone profile:** 68 - **Serum calcium:** 2.24 - **Adjusted calcium level:** 2.22 - **Alkaline phosphatase:** 39 (bone profile) - **Inorganic phosphate:** 1.18 - **Albumin:** 46 (bone profile) - **Globulin:** 22 (bone profile) Any assistance or insight into what might be causing these symptoms would mean the world to me, as it is taking a significant toll on my daily life.
Answers (1)
3/25/2025, 6:30:53 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear about the itchiness and discomfort you're experiencing; that sounds incredibly distressing. Itchy skin, especially when it leads to significant irritation and hives, can stem from a variety of causes, including allergic reactions, skin conditions, or even dietary deficiencies, as indicated by your blood test results. Let's break down the information and identify some immediate steps for you to consider.
Main Points
- Your symptoms suggest a possible allergic reaction or skin condition.
- Low serum ferritin and vitamin B12 levels might be contributing to your symptoms.
- Ongoing management and monitoring are essential.
Understanding Your Situation
The progressive itching and hives, especially after the topical treatment for hemorrhoids, could suggest a contact dermatitis (an allergic reaction to the cream) or something systemic, such as an allergy or even a reaction to a dietary deficiency. Serum ferritin (low iron storage) and vitamin B12 levels need careful attention, as they can impact your overall health, potentially leading to symptoms like fatigue and skin issues.
Next Steps to Consider
-
Dietary Adjustments: Since you have low serum ferritin and vitamin B12 levels:
- Iron-Rich Foods: Incorporate lean meats, beans, lentils, tofu, and leafy green vegetables.
- Vitamin B12 Sources: Include eggs, dairy products, and fortified foods or consider discussing a B12 supplement with your doctor.
-
Topical Care:
- If the steroid cream and fexofenadine haven't provided relief, you may need to consult your doctor for alternative treatments, such as different antihistamines or further dermatological evaluation.
-
Avoiding Triggers:
- Identify and avoid any potential irritants, including soaps, lotions, and fabrics that may cause a reaction. Consider switching to a fragrance-free moisturizer for sensitive skin.
-
Symptom Monitoring:
- Keep a diary of your symptoms, including any new foods, products, or activities that correspond with the onset of itchiness and hives. This can help identify potential triggers.
-
Follow-Up Blood Tests:
- Ensure you follow up with your healthcare provider to discuss the low ferritin and vitamin B12 levels and consider further testing or treatment.
-
Managing Itching:
- In addition to topical treatments, simple measures like cool compresses, oatmeal baths, and staying well-hydrated can provide comfort. Avoid hot showers or baths, as these can worsen itching.
Reassurance
I know this is a challenging time for you and the itching can feel overwhelming. You're taking the right steps by consulting your doctor and seeking further clarity on your test results. Expect some tweaks in your treatment plan as you work with your healthcare provider to manage these symptoms more effectively.
Please take these steps at your own pace, and do not hesitate to reach out if you have further questions or need more assistance. Your well-being is essential, and it's important to continue seeking effective solutions.
Related Questions
Managing Early Appendicitis: Antibiotics vs. Surgery
I’m a 21-year-old who recently had a CT scan revealing mild inflammation in my appendix and lymph nodes. My doctor informed me that surgery might not be necessary if the antibiotics effectively alleviate my discomfort by tomorrow. However, I can’t shake my fears about a potential recurrence of the inflammation. The thought of going through a post-surgery recovery terrifies me, so I really want to steer clear of that option. Has anyone opted for antibiotics rather than surgical intervention? What was your experience like?
Severe Abdominal Discomfort
An 18-year-old male, with no history of smoking or current medications, finds himself at home, surrounded by his sleeping family. He stands approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 220 pounds. Lately, he has been experiencing persistent discomfort in the lower left side of his abdomen. This sensation has intensified recently, culminating in a bout of vomiting, which was notably different this time, presenting more solid material rather than the usual liquid with some fragments. The level of pain has escalated significantly, leaving him uncertain about seeking medical assistance at this moment. What steps should he take?
Concerns Over My Partner's Persistent Pain and Resistance to Seek Medical Help
I’m facing a worrying situation with my partner, a 40-year-old man who stands 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs approximately 19 stone. Here's a brief overview of his medical background: Twenty years ago, he experienced two instances of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his left shoulder. Following the second incident, doctors discovered an abnormal growth of a rib that was pressing against a vein, which was the cause of those DVTs. More recently, he dealt with a blood clot in his calf last year. Fortunately, that was successfully treated, and he returned to his normal health. Although he was advised to continue taking apixaban for the long term, he has, unfortunately, chosen not to follow through with this guidance. He also has a history of elevated blood pressure. For the past couple of days, he has been experiencing two concerning symptoms that emerged simultaneously: a persistent cough with no accompanying cold or flu signs, and a severe pain located on the right side of his torso. He describes this discomfort as being mostly in his stomach yet extending slightly to his back. I would pinpoint the troubled area as the lower part of his ribs along the side of his body. It's unusual for him to express discomfort or complain about his health, so his recent grievances signal to me that the pain is likely quite significant. Despite my repeated suggestions for him to visit a doctor, he insists that he may have simply pulled a muscle. To manage the pain, he's been applying an ibuprofen cream (voltarol) and taking naproxen, but neither seems to provide relief. What might be the underlying issue here? I hope that some medical professionals who see this post can offer their insights, which might persuade him to consider making a doctor’s appointment. I’m open to providing any additional information you might require for a more informed perspective. Thank you for your help!
Experiencing Unusual Sensitivity to Paracetamol
Hello, Reddit community! I'm a newcomer here, so please bear with me as I navigate this platform as well as the rules. I appreciate your understanding regarding my writing skills. I find myself in a situation that lacks sufficient information online, and I'm reaching out for insights from others. Currently, I have reasons to believe that I might be experiencing a unique sensitivity to paracetamol, and I’d like to share my timeline regarding this matter. Throughout my life, I generally had no issues with paracetamol. I used various brands multiple times and felt fine. However, starting in the fourth grade, I began to experience difficulties with it. My initial problems were respiratory-related, but soon they also affected my gastrointestinal system. I haven't had any formal testing yet, but I can safely use other pain relievers like NSAIDs without any adverse effects. Initially, I tolerated paracetamol relatively well; my early symptoms seemed like common side effects. Unfortunately, it escalated to severe reactions, including vomiting, tightening of the throat, blood in my mucus, and shortness of breath. In my confusion, I thought limiting my dosage could help, which it did temporarily, but eventually even the reduced amounts failed to be effective. I experimented with syrup formulations that contain less paracetamol or where it isn't the primary ingredient, and found those to be more manageable. Recently, however, even those have become problematic, making it necessary for me to seek alternatives to paracetamol, as it has become increasingly intolerable. Through my research, I discovered that such reactions often stem from cross-sensitivity to other medications or from preexisting respiratory conditions. I lack a history of asthma or other respiratory issues, so I’m inclined to dismiss that possibility, although I remain uncertain. Moreover, I have no known allergies, which adds to my confusion since my reactions only occur with this one particular medication while all others seem fine. It is difficult for me to process this change, especially since I used to have no issues with paracetamol. It is widely available and generally considered safe, so I struggle to understand the source of my suffering. Many people insist that these reactions are normal side effects, leading me to question whether I am overreacting. The immediacy of my reactions intensifies my concern; I don’t even need to swallow the medication completely before I notice my throat constricting, increased mucus production, and shortly thereafter, some blood in my mucus along with persistent coughing. This pattern has become consistent, whereas it used to depend on the dosage. Now, regardless of how much I take, the same symptoms occur. I’ve tried to dismiss it, not wanting to worry my parents or seek medical attention for a dosage safety test, fearing I’ve already pushed my body too much. However, I am considering discussing my concerns with my mother since she is increasingly worried about my use of this medication. I’m not seeking a diagnosis or medical advice—I understand I should probably consult a professional. I’m just interested in knowing if anyone else has faced similar experiences, as the confusion grows. What I once assumed were normal side effects now seem to signify something more concerning.
Chronic Hypersomnia Since Adolescence: A Seeking Path for Answers
I am a 30-year-old white male, standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds, residing in the United States. **Current Medications:** - Adderall XR 40 mg - Sunosi 150 mg - Lisinopril 40 mg - Atenolol 25 mg - Tolvaptan 60 mg **Medical Background:** - Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) at stage 2 (eGFR 67) - Obstructive Sleep Apnea (utilizing CPAP machine since July 2024) - Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) **Symptoms Experienced:** - Persistent and overwhelming sleepiness—more than just fatigue—accompanied by a heavy feeling in my face and chest; I struggle to keep my eyes open and often feel as if I am burdened. - I sleep for 10 to 14 hours every night, supplemented by involuntary naps lasting 1 to 2 hours multiple times throughout the day. - None of my sleep feels restorative, leading to a groggy, hangover-like state upon waking. - Cognitive challenges including a lack of focus, forgetfulness, and trouble retrieving words, which have grown more pronounced over the last four years. - Activities as simple as showering or cooking now feel like moving through molasses. - I experience low physical endurance and lengthy recovery times, even though I previously maintained a regular exercise routine. My late father exhibited similar symptoms with the addition of seizures he associated with alcoholism, although he was never assessed medically. I, on the other hand, do not have any alcohol or addiction issues. **Specialist Consultations:** - **Sleep Specialist:** A Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) ruled out narcolepsy with no Sleep Onset REM Periods (SOREMs) and a 12-minute latency. I comply with CPAP therapy for an average of eight hours each night, but there has been no alleviation of my symptoms. Testing revealed no periodic limb movement disorders, alpha-delta intrusions, or unexplained nighttime arousals. - **Nephrologist:** Symptoms are considered unlikely to stem from my current stage of ADPKD. Tests show I’m not anemic, with standard iron levels. - **Rheumatologist:** An ANA titer of 1:320 with a speckled and nucleolar pattern appears elevated; however, all specific autoimmune tests returned negative. Monitoring was suggested without a clear diagnosis provided. - **Psychiatrist:** It was determined that my symptoms do not seem to be connected to mental health issues. My therapist has also validated in a letter that my condition is unrelated to psychological factors. - **Miscellaneous Findings:** An arachnoid cyst was detected in my brain. My white blood cell count is borderline low and my red blood cell count alternates between normal and low realms. Testosterone levels are within the normal range, though morning cortisol is slightly elevated. Normetanephrine is elevated at 2.15 nmol/L, while metanephrine remains normal at 0.27 nmol/L. Both Vitamin D and B12 levels are adequate. Tests for STIs returned negative results. **Current Situation:** I am currently on disability, unable to work even in part-time capacities and can no longer engage in exercise, finding myself nearly confined to my home. I feel as though I am being sent from one specialist to another without gaining clarity on my condition. What avenues should I explore next? Which type of medical professional might offer further insight? I'm beginning to doubt my own experiences, pondering if I am merely being lazy or overly sensitive.