Severe buring itching attacks, caused by?

Question

I'm 19, male, slender build. At times, it seems that when my body tempuature rises, I have these unbearable itching attacks. It feels like my skin is being stabbed by thousands of tiny needles all over. It causes me to have to itch uncontrollably, and my skin will turn beat red just from even running my hand over it, not even itching it. These attacks differ in severity, and usually only last about 20 mintues before going away. When I have a bad attack though, I get these raised bumps all over my skin which can stay for up to an hour after the itching is gone. I went to a doctor, but they didn't seem to take me seriously and made no effort to find out what the cause of the problem is. Has anyone had anything similar or know what it could be? I don't believe it's an allergy, because these attacks can come just from even being in clean hot water.

Answer 1

Hi!

I get this!! it is really doing my head in! the doctor has given me tablets which just made me really tired! the itching was still there but was me annoyed as I was too tired to scratch!!
Is it sometimes like skin crawling too? Does it get worse when you break a sweat aswell??
I've had blood test as someone said it could be something to do with my liver but it's fine!
Antihistamine I've heard works for some but not me. I typed in itching in the 'search for questions' & there is a few people who get this..I've emailed them so hoping to find out more about it!
I've heard it could be something to do with anxiety??? I'm not sure on that!!
After itching alot it sometimes feels like I'm sunburnt or something! horrible! & some are really sharp itches like pins what make you jump!! When I am in bed with my girlfriend too It is bad as if it gets too hot from her body heat it starts my itching off aswell!! plus say if I go out at the weeknd & have a couple of beers the 2nd day after my itching gets so much worse..weird???

I will let you know if I get some answers! I'd appreicate if you could do the same! nice1!

Answer 2

I always get this on my legs when I run. I also get a splotchy red, sometimes itchy rash in the shower. I do think its allergy-related. I agree that you are probably not allergic to hot water. But I don't think the water is what causes the condition. I think the heat associated with showering and exercising aggravates an allergy already present, which then causes the skin irritation. I think the underlying cause is probably something I'm eating, or it could be some other external factor (pollen, dust). The reaction isn't an immediate response to an environmental condition. I have just gotten used to it in the shower. But when I run, I take an allergy pill beforehand; also, I rub anti-itch cream all over my legs. This doesn't completely alleviate the problem, but I am able to push through whatever mild discomfort still exists.