Seeking Guidance for Unresolved Itching and Blood Test Results
I am urgently looking for assistance as relentless itching has taken over my daily life. I’m a 34-year-old female residing in the UK with a BMI of 22. I don’t smoke and abstain from alcoholic beverages. Approximately two weeks ago, I started to notice a very uncomfortable itching in the anal region. Initially, I suspected it might be linked to hemorrhoids, a condition I've had since giving birth; however, it’s never caused any symptoms before, and I usually don’t suffer from constipation, which made this experience quite surprising. I applied a topical cream in hopes of relieving the discomfort. Subsequent days saw the onset of severe itching across my entire body, with the exception of my face. The irritation spread from my scalp to my legs and arms. I even developed hives and have found it impossible to manage the intense scratching. In my 35 years, I've never had eczema or any skin reactions. I’ve never suffered from hay fever, allergies, or asthma, and until this incident, I had never needed to take antihistamines. I currently show no signs of viral infection; my respiratory and throat health appears normal. My skin is in rough condition, now inflamed with hives and numerous bruises from incessant scratching—truly, my skin is covered in these marks. I consulted with my general practitioner, and here are the results from my blood work, which show somewhat low levels of serum ferritin and vitamin B12. I haven’t discussed these details with her yet. However, the remainder of the results appears fairly normal. Could someone provide insight into what this might indicate? The condition is intolerable and is significantly diminishing my quality of life. I have been prescribed a topical steroid and fexofenadine, but unfortunately, they haven't brought any relief. Bloodwork Results: - Hemoglobin: 130 g/L - Total White 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 - Serum Potassium: 3.6 - Serum Creatinine: 58 - Serum Ferritin: 18 - Serum Total Protein: 68 - Serum Albumin: 46 - Serum ALT: 10 - Serum Alkaline Phosphatase: 39 - Serum Total Bilirubin: 9 - Serum Globulin: 22 - Serum TSH: 0.54 - Combined Vitamin D2 and D3: 67.2 - Bone Profile: - Total Protein: 68 - Calcium: 2.24 - Adjusted Calcium: 2.22 - Alkaline Phosphatase: 39 - Inorganic Phosphate: 1.18 - Albumin: 46 - Globulin: 22 I've thought about scabies as a possible cause; however, there’s no evidence to support that theory, especially since I have been celibate for five years. The only individuals I come into contact with would be my children, who are unaffected by any of this.
Answers (1)
3/25/2025, 9:30:56 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing significant discomfort and distress from intense itching and skin irritation, which is understandably affecting your quality of life. Your symptoms and the blood test results suggest a complex issue that may require careful consideration.
Key Points:
- Persistent itching and hives can stem from a variety of causes, including allergies, skin conditions, or deficiencies.
- Your blood test indicates low levels of serum ferritin and vitamin B12, which may contribute to skin problems, fatigue, or general discomfort.
- It's important to address both the itching and the underlying nutritional deficiencies.
Explanation:
The itching you are experiencing, especially if widespread and accompanied by hives, could potentially be related to an allergic reaction or an irritant exposure. Given your history and the context, it’s plausible that your body is reacting to something new or unexpected in your environment.
The low serum ferritin (18) indicates low iron stores, which can lead to symptoms like fatigue and sometimes skin issues. Similarly, low vitamin B12 levels (156) can also impact skin health and lead to neurological symptoms. While these deficiencies might not be the direct cause of your itching, they can contribute to an overall sense of malaise and skin sensitivity.
Next Steps:
-
Dietary Adjustments:
- Increase Iron Intake: Focus on iron-rich foods such as red meat, poultry, fish, lentils, beans, and fortified cereals. Pair these with vitamin C sources (like citrus fruits) to enhance iron absorption.
- Boost Vitamin B12 Intake: Incorporate foods rich in vitamin B12, such as dairy products, eggs, meat, and fortified foods. Consider discussing B12 supplements with your healthcare provider.
-
Symptom Management:
- Continue Using Fexofenadine: As an antihistamine, it should help relieve itching. Ensure you're taking the medication as prescribed and considering any other antihistamines if the response is inadequate.
- Use Topical Treatments Wisely: While the topical steroid is aimed at reducing inflammation, use it as directed. If there's no improvement, you might want to discuss alternative options with your GP.
- Apply Emollients: Regularly apply a thick moisturizer to impacted areas to help soothe the skin and reduce flaking and irritation.
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Track Triggers:
- Keep a Symptom Diary: Note any potential allergens or irritants (new laundry detergents, foods, stressors) to identify patterns in your symptoms.
- Consider Allergist Referral: If improvements are not seen, consulting an allergist for tests regarding food or skin allergies might be prudent.
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Follow Up with Your Doctor:
- Discuss the implications of your blood work with your GP. They might consider additional tests, such as specific allergy tests or further assessment of your iron and vitamin levels, to create a comprehensive management plan.
While these suggestions can help address your symptoms and underlying issues, also consider maintaining open communication with your healthcare team to adjust the plan as needed. You are not alone in this, and many options are available to help restore your comfort and well-being.
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