DEAR DR. GOTT:
My husband is 82 years old and swims five to six times a week. At 15, he was a Marine and fought in World War II.
For the past two or three years he has had an itch primarily on his back and shoulders but sometimes is all over. The dermatologist has tried many salves, creams, cortisone and other things. He also ordered a biopsy which turned out normal. What do you advise?
DEAR READER:
Itchy skin can be difficult to treat. It is often caused by irritants and is accompanied by a rash. Your husband appears to have run the gamut of dermatologic causes and now needs to move on.
First, I recommend that he stop swimming for two or three weeks. Many people experience skin dryness, itchyness and/or rash because of some of the chemicals in the pool. This is especially true for public pools where chemical levels are often higher than home pools, due to the fact that more people use it therefore more bacteria and contaminates must be eliminated.
Another possible cause could be an environmental allergy. Perhaps a trial of over-the-counter antihistamines such as Claritin or Zyrtec is appropriate. If all else fails, your husband should see an internist who can further test him and if necessary refer to other specialists.
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