Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
Itching can be caused by nerve damage associated with
diabetes or lack of vitamin B12, skin diseases, an allergy to
something touching the skin or inside your body or a hidden
tumor or infection. See my report on neuropathy. Often doctors cannot find the cause.
When more than one person in a family itches, the usually cause is
scabies, a disease caused by a parasite that burrows into your
skin. You usually cannot see the bug that causes scabies.
Sometimes the only way that you can see it is in a piece of skin
that has been removed from the body and has been placed
under a microscope. You may see little bumps between your
fingers, in your armpits and groin, at your belt line or on your
back or chest. You also may see three or more bumps in a line.
The most common treatment is to cover the entire body for 12
hours with a prescription cream containing permethrin. If you still
have itching, your doctor may prescribe a single pill called
Ivermectin. Check with your doctor.
September 15, 2006