General Medicine

» llor007 - Itchy Hands and Feet

Please can you tell me what your doctor said. My doctor can't seem to figure it out, they did all sort of blood test. All normal. My hands and feets are still itchy and my vision has been blurring lately, please email.

-- posted by llor007

» Elaine Moore - Itchy Hands and Feet

Hi Dolly,
The latest issue of Life Extension recommended using tart cherries for gout. I know several people who have tried this and swear by it. The phytonutrients in tart cherries reduce inflammation and by changing the pH, they help reduce the formation of uric acid crystals. Best, Elaine

» Elaine Moore - Itchy Hands and Feet

Hi,
Besides the many autoimmune diseases that cause rashes, many of us with autoimmune disorders have chemical sensitivities and react to detergents and lotions.
Another increasingly common problem is dust mites and about 20 percent of the population is sensitive to dust mites. This used to be only a mild problem but now people are having severe reactions, with rashes persisting for long periods. Best, Elaine

» ssaint6 - ITCHY ITCHY and no medical insurance right now

Hi usmc_gf,

I was wondering if you ever found out was causing these symptoms. I seem to have the same problem, severly itchy on palms, soles of feet, scalp and armpits at random times and no new cosmetics/chemicals around the house.

-- posted by ssaint6

» Elaine Moore - ITCHY ITCHY and no medical insurance right now

Hi,
Can you try keeping a food journal and seeing if any foods might be triggering your rash? Let us know if you make any connections. Best, Elaine

» ruraptureready - Itchy Hands and Feet

If you can at all have your thyroid checked. I have been having the same symptoms, itching, blurred vision to name a few. As far as I know right now this is what has showned up on the test results. I have hyperthryoidism. Blessings!

-- posted by ruraptureready

» mimix10 - Itchy palms, feet, ankles, with rash

I read with interest the post about itching starting after work done at the dentist's because that's exactly what's happened to me. I thought maybe the tetracycline I was given gave it to me (a month ago)but we stopped it for a while and the rash continues. My GP suggested washing all my bedding since it seemed to occur in the am and when I undressed/showered -- nope. It will 'blossom' day or night now, and sometimes starting on my palms. A couple of nights ago I felt it start on the tops of my feet and slowly spread up my legs, to arms and trunk, itching terribly! I stopped the extra supplements for a couple of days (Omega-3, zinc, B12, E) but kept the calcium and multi-vitamin and I was practically rash free - one day only a slight rash in the am and the next day none. This morning I took the supplements again, and at shower time there was my rash again. I don't see how the supps can be causing this since I've been taking them for quite a while -- only the extra calcium is fairly new, 3 months, after breaking a bone in my foot. If the dental problem could still be what's causing the itch (which the dentist doesn't believe), maybe the periodontist can check when I see him in a couple of weeks to further check the tooth/gum problem -- if I can stand it long enough!

-- posted by mimix10

» Elaine Moore - Itchy Hands and Feet

Hi Dolly,
How are your thyroid hormone levels. Sauerkraut is a goitrogen and lowers thyroid hormone levels. If you're hypothyroid and the itching is related, sauerkraut could worsen the symptoms. Many people have undiagnosed hypothyroidism based on the new TSH ranges. TSH levels higher than 2.5 suggest hypothyroidism.
Some rashes are related to food allergies too. An allergy to sauerkraut would also make your symptoms worsen. Best, Elaine

» lady_offield - Itchy Hands and Feet

Hello all,

I am new to this itchyness. About a week or so ago the bottom of my left foot started itching just as I laid down for bed and has itched at bed time ever since. Two nights ago it seemed to spread to the palm of my left hand. I have not found any rashes just itchyness. I have also noticed that it is only in the arches of my hand and foot. I am not on any medications and have not changed any of my detergents, body washes or lotions. I am 25 years old and a stay at home mom. So there are no stresses of working, just 2 roudy children. I have read many post on many different causes such as lupus (which my mother has), pbc, spider bites, so on and so forth. My questions are, what is it, will it ever go away, should I see a doctor or should I wait it out?
Oh, and as far as I know I am not allergic to anything.

-- posted by lady_offield

» Elaine Moore - Itchy Hands and Feet

Hi,
Rashes and itching can be hard to diagnose but since you mention it occurring when you're in bed, dust mites, body lotions, detergents, fabric softeners, and dry cleaning agents used to clean comforters or other bedding could be causes.
Allergies can develop at any time. I never had any allergies until I was in my 30's.
Now I get some curious itching and rash every fall that lasts for a few weeks and then goes away on its own. You might want to keep track of the itching in a food diary, listing everything you eat. Hand itching often occurs in food allergies and foot itching can occur in food allergies too.
Most rashes come and go, but sometimes they occur seasonally or when you're eating certain foods, on oral contraceptives, or try new toothpastes. If you pinpoint the cause, please let us know. Take care, Elaine