What can cause sudden tingling and itchy sensation?

Question

Hi doctor,

Two months ago I started feeling tingling and itching sensation between my thighs and then up to my chest. I just took the most painful shower ever (warm water). It stung and I wanted to scratch my skin off. At first, there was nothing visible, just itching, now you can see red dots here and there on the stomach. In addition, I have a bump on each thigh that has recently surfaced, maybe from scratching. I also feel this intense itching on my penis that gets inflamed with intercourse. A doctor looked at it and said it was probably an allergic reaction to something new. But, there has been nothing new, not soaps, not detergents, and no new clothes.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

I am glad you chose icliniq for your medical-related queries.

I understand your concern and will try to help you with it.

It is a case of folliculitis, probably fungal or bacterial in nature. Apply Mupirocin ointment, twice daily.

Thank you for consulting me.

You can always reach me at icliniq.com.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read and understand your concern.

By looking at lesion (attachment removed to protect patient identity) it is a clear-cut case of folliculitis.

If itching is there, then there are two most common cause, scabies and Malassezia folliculitis. Scabies is a common cause of folliculitis secondary to itching. Itching predominantly occurs at night; webs of fingers and abdomen are usually affected. Family members or roommates could also be affected. Permethrin 5 percent lotion, twice a week apart is the treatment of choice.

Malassezia folliculitis, mainly on the back and is associated with itching. Ketoconazole 200 mg daily for 21 days and Ketoconazole cream, locally twice application the treatment of choice. Now bacterial folliculitis usually does not present with itching but since bacterial coinfection is quite common usually antibacterial like Mupirocin is commonly given. Folliculitis with itching can also be one of presenting complaint of diabetes, so if not responding to any medications, please do check your blood sugar levels.

Looking forward to your response in order to help you.

Thank you.

Answer 3

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read and understand your concern.

It can be sometimes due to autonomic neuropathy. Although the diagnosis of it can be made only after ruling out other conditions, sometimes deficiency like vitamin B12 also presents like this. You need to refer a good physician because as a teledermatologist I can only comment on what is visible. A complete physical examination is needed to rule out other systemic conditions which can mimic like yours. Nevertheless, go for vitamin B12 replacement for 3 to 4 weeks.

Looking forward to your response in order to help you.

Thank you.