To worry about this itching…

[GrumpyWombat]

About a week ago I started being really itchy, my scalp, shoulders, upper back, neck, arms and hands. There’s nothing visible on my skin apart from the marks from me scratching. I’ve noticed that I can feel a lymph node half way between behind my ear and the back of my head.

It’s driving me bonkers. I’ve tried antihistamines but they don’t really help.

Should I be worried?

I have an under active thyroid

Have you had your ferritin levels tested of late? Low iron causes itching.

So weird, I have exactly the same. Started intensely itching on scalp and back of neck about 3 weeks ago which developed into a raised red rash. I do have a lot of allergies so thought it was a bad hayfever reaction. Antihistamines not really helping despite starting prescription strength fexofenadine. steroid cream has been helpful and have scalp treatment from GP too.
Also have lumps on neck and have underactive thyroid.

Had bloods taken and nothing amiss.
actually feels reassuring that someone else has the same - sorry!

Are you peri menopausal? I know on Mumsnet a lot is pinned on menopause, but I find the skin crawling/itching symptoms really annoying. Not constant though.

Antihistamines that are good for hayfever might not work so well on skin allergies. I have skin allergies when it's cold and take acrivastine and I have hayfever in summer and take a different antihistamine for it.

Try different antihistamines in the meantime, don't mix them, try them on different days one at a time, if they're effective for what you need they'll work in 15 minutes.

Have you changed your washing powder, deodorant, shampoo etc.

If you haven't has the formulation of these changed? 'New, Improved' on the packet.

I would maybe just get this checked out with GP, it's probably nothing but an old flatmate of mine had similar symptoms and it turned out to be Hodgkin Lymphoma. This was years ago, she was treated very quickly and no issues a couple decades later.

Yes, I would definitely go to the GP, liver problems can cause itching too, good to rule things out if nothing else.

I don’t think so, I’ve just gone 38, periods still regular, my mum’s periods didn’t stop until her early/mid 50s

I used a different conditioner once but haven’t used it since just in case.

I will send a message on my GP app. Thank you

GPs take this very seriously. I don't think I've ever had so much blood taken! Everything fine except low ferritin.

hi did you figure out what this is? I’ve had the same issue since January!

@GrumpyWombathave you managed to get a GP appointment to have this looked at? I have similar symptoms. Also 38 years old and have thyroid problems but worried about the itching. Seeing my GP tomorrow

Does it, never knew that might explain a thing or two. had really bad itching since last sept/ oct mainly on back and tummy which I’ve put down to peri menopause as it’s listed as a symptom. I’ve also had shortness of breath which i put down to being unfit but someone informed me few days ago this can be due to low iron. I’ve had high blood pressure and just got put on tablets for that and they also did some blood tests couple of weeks ago but don’t think they tested iron, I’ve started talking a multi vitamin with iron in a a few days ago will this be ok to improve my iron is it is low or should I get it tested at doctor do you think?

I would personally get tested to see if it’s an issue - if you are deficient, the amount in a MV is unlikely to be sufficient, and iron tablets are not always the most pleasant thing to take - so I would check you actually need them before you buy any!

Have for an appointment for 13 June hopefully multi vitamin will have made a difference if it’s going to by then