What can I do about this itching all over my head and body? DR MARTIN SCURR has the answer
I recently developed itchy skin over most of my head and body. I’ve tried creams, antihistamines and even a different washing powder – but to no avail. I’m wondering if one of my prescription medications might be to blame?
Name and address supplied.
The technical term for your condition – widespread itching – is generalised pruritus and it’s a diagnostic challenge because there can be a wide variety of causes.
These include dry skin (common in older adults and worse in cold weather) – as well as eczema, hives and contact dermatitis (when something touching the skin irritates it). Another common cause is scabies, a contagious condition caused by infestation with mites.
Itchy skin can also be a sign of an internal disorder, such as cholestasis, a potentially serious condition where bile builds up in the liver and bile ducts, instead of flowing towards the intestines.
This can cause skin itching long before other symptoms, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), becomes apparent and can be triggered by an adverse reaction to antibiotics, antidepressants and anticonvulsant drugs.
Kidney disease, iron deficiency, thyroid disease and diabetes can also trigger it.
Wide-spread itching - known as generalised pruritus - can be caused by a number of factors
But you mention in your longer letter that you are taking several medications, including statins for high cholesterol; omeprazole for heartburn; tolterodine for overactive bladder; and a daily turmeric supplement.
My suggestion is that once your GP has taken a blood test to rule out underlying issues, you temporarily stop taking each of these drugs, including the turmeric supplement, one by one to see if the itching subsides.
Start with the statins (we know statins can cause itching) and stay off each drug for two to four weeks – under your GP’s guidance, of course.
If one appears to be the culprit, you’ll need to repeat the exercise to confirm the suspicion. If it were clear that it was the statin, for instance, then switching to a different one might make a difference.
My wife and I have just had our Covid and flu jabs and, as you recently suggested, we also asked for the RSV jab. But we were refused and told it did not work at our ages. I am 88, my wife is 83.
Keith Temple, by email.
The new RSV vaccine is free on the NHS for adults turning 75 on or after September 2024, adults aged 75 to 79 at that time and adults who turned 80 after September 2024
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a contagious virus, affecting the cells lining the respiratory tract.
It’s a common cause of coughs and colds but in babies and small children with immature immune systems it can cause chest infections, including croup and bronchiolitis (and in turn, breathing difficulties and pneumonia).
The virus is equally hazardous for older adults whose immune systems are less effective due to age, as well as those with heart failure, diabetes or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – an umbrella term for lung conditions such as severe asthma.
The new RSV vaccine is free on the NHS for adults turning 75 on or after September 2024, adults aged 75 to 79 at that time and adults who turned 80 after September 2024.
This excludes you and your wife – which is deeply unfair in my view.
There is no evidence that it doesn’t work in your age group and I think it’s both shocking and unethical that it’s being rationed seemingly on the grounds of cost.
I’m afraid the only course of action open to you is to consider paying privately (Boots charge £245 per jab, for instance) – and write to your local MP highlighting the unfairness of the current rules.
