DEAR DR. GOTT: I have an itchy scalp and body. It’s not ringworm. I get small bumps on the skin when it itches. My doctor gave me pills that help on my body and lotion for my scalp, but these last only about 15 minutes.
DEAR READER: There are numerous causes of itchy skin, most of which are harmless. Then there’s the itch from stress, anxiety, hyperthyroidism, polycythemia, an allergic reaction, sun exposure, dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema and liver or kidney disease.
There are logical steps you might consider, such as ruling out food allergies, reducing stress levels, using cold compresses, over-the-counter antihistamines and anti-itch creams. Beyond that, you might have appropriate blood or allergy testing to zero in on some of the possibilities I mention. If your physician is unable to prescribe something for control that is effective, request a referral to a dermatologist who can sort out the problem.
About Dr. Gott