Struggling with Persistent Itching
Age 35, female. I've been on a regimen of 150 mg sertraline for half a year, along with hydroxyzine, diazepam, and flonase as needed. I recently started adderall but only used it briefly. I had been taking various vitamins and supplements, but I’ve ceased all of that in the past week. I also discontinued sertraline during this time and, surprisingly, experienced minimal withdrawal symptoms. Other medications like Lexapro and Effexor were quite challenging to stop, but that's not my concern at the moment. I've been dealing with an intense itching sensation, particularly on my left arm, belly, upper left chest, and the front of my right torso. It appears to be a persistent issue, with some minor areas of discomfort on my lower face and right arm. I just visited my healthcare provider (a 29-year-old nurse practitioner), who diagnosed me with dry skin and recommended lotion. However, I informed her that I have already tried a variety of remedies. This itching has recurred every three to four months, often coinciding with the winter season. Although it serves as an annoying distraction, it generally resolves on its own after a while, but can linger for multiple weeks at a time, often driving me to distraction. To provide some context, I spent 18 years living in a desert climate, and now I find myself in a humid environment. My skin and hair seem to thrive in this new setting, so I doubt dryness is the issue. In the past, I had some candida issues, but those have almost completely resolved. I have ruled out common irritants like bed bugs, fleas, and skincare products, and I maintain a balanced hygiene routine. I struggle to identify any specific food allergies as well. I’m beginning to wonder if this might be related to histamine intolerance, though I’ve encountered conflicting information online. I initially theorized that it could be a sensitivity to sertraline or an overload of medications and decided to eliminate as much as possible to see if it helps. While I don’t believe it’s an allergy, significant itching sometimes leads to the appearance of small bumps on my skin. I do have additional health issues that I’m actively trying to address, but finding a new doctor who will acknowledge the seriousness of my symptoms without attributing everything to anxiety has been difficult. I’m open to exploring whether this skin condition might have a neurological component, considering that my anxiety has improved somewhat since starting sertraline, but it hasn’t completely disappeared. I’m trying to determine my next steps regarding this itching. What kind of tests might be beneficial? What can I experiment with at home? My previous blood tests have shown normal results, but the persistent itching is overwhelming. Please let me know if you need more details. I’m 5’10” and weigh 200 pounds. I don’t smoke or use street drugs, and I’ve reduced my THC consumption to a minimal level, as it seemed to increase my anxiety with sertraline. Recently, my dreams have been unusually vivid. I am also undergoing weekly treatments with spravato for long-standing severe depression and anxiety that have been present since age 13, which seems unresponsive to medications. To clarify, I experienced this itching long before starting any medications, which leads me to suspect histamine intolerance might be the underlying issue. I was considering purchasing DAO as a potential remedy, especially since I suspect I have IBS. I also experience heartburn but cannot pinpoint whether it’s due to too much or too little stomach acid or other factors. I took omeprazole a couple of months ago, but this resulted in flare-ups of c. diff and h. pylori. I’ve previously had no issues with omeprazole. Afterward, I focused heavily on gut health, which significantly alleviated my digestive discomfort. In January, I noticed that I had lost my hunger cues, which was the main reason for my visit to the doctor. However, she seemed unconcerned, and here I am, six months later, often able to go an entire day without eating or drinking until my blood sugar dips and I experience headaches and nausea. I can eat a little now, but it continues to be a struggle. Apologies for my writing – I'm completely worn out. I appreciate any assistance in advance!
Answers (1)
6/28/2025, 1:50:47 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a frustrating and persistent itching sensation amidst a complex health situation. Your past medical history, medication changes, and current symptoms present a unique case. Let's explore potential causes for your itching and outline actionable steps to address it.
Key Points
- Persistent itching may arise from various causes, including environmental factors, potential histamine intolerance, or certain medical conditions.
- It's essential to identify triggers and explore home remedies while considering your recent medication changes and environmental adjustments.
Explanation
Your description suggests this itching could stem from multiple factors. Given your move from a dry to a humid climate, changes in skin sensitivity, medication adjustments, and previous issues with candida, it's important to investigate further. Histamine intolerance is a possibility, especially since you've linked it to your symptoms before.
The persistence of your symptoms, despite ruling out common irritants and maintaining good hygiene, indicates that further exploration is necessary. This may involve lifestyle adjustments and targeted approaches to identify effective relief.
Next Steps
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Track Symptom Patterns: Start a symptom diary to record when the itching occurs, what you eat, and any other relevant daily activities. This may help identify potential triggers related to histamine or other factors.
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Experiment with Dietary Adjustments:
- Since you suspect histamine intolerance, consider reducing foods high in histamine for 2-4 weeks, such as aged cheeses, fermented foods, and certain fish. Gradually reintroduce them to identify potential food sensitivities.
- Keep a food journal to help correlate itching episodes with specific meals.
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Topical Treatments:
- Try soothing topical treatments, like cool compresses, aloe vera gel, or over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream, to relieve itching.
- Ensure that any lotions are fragrance-free and designed for sensitive skin.
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Hydrate and Moisturize:
- Continue using moisturizing lotions regularly. Sometimes, different formulations can yield better results, so consider trying a thicker ointment instead of a lotion.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water, as dehydration can exacerbate skin sensitivities.
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Consider Taking DAO Supplements:
- If you're exploring histamine intolerance seriously, DAO (diamine oxidase) supplements might help with histamine breakdown. Monitor symptom improvement closely.
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Target Stress and Anxiety:
- Since you noted that anxiety can heighten symptoms, consider mindfulness, yoga, or other stress-relief techniques.
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Monitoring and Testing:
- While diagnostic testing may not be currently recommended due to normal blood work, keep an open dialogue with a healthcare professional about what you’re experiencing and your concerns. Blood tests for specific allergies or skin tests might still be options worth considering based on how symptoms evolve.
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Document Changes: Take note of any changes in your appetite and overall health. Communicate any alarming symptoms to your healthcare provider as they arise.
Final Thoughts
You’re experiencing a complex situation that requires a multifaceted approach. Implementing these steps should provide insights into your itching and potentially alleviate the discomfort. Continue to advocate for yourself regarding your health concerns and symptoms. If the situation does not improve, connecting with a dermatologist may also be beneficial for focused skin care.
Take care, and don't hesitate to express any further concerns or ask for more information!
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