Antihistamines Tablets Not Working

[sinbin]

I've been taking antihistamine tables for itchy skin, but they don't seem to be working. Anti-fungal creams don't work either. I've seen 2 skin doctors and both are stumped. The last one I saw, Bangkok Hospital, told me, and my wife, I needed a blood test as she felt I either had Syphilis or HIV. That test proved negative, which made her look stupid. As it stands, I have this itch and can't find a cure. Any sensible advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[lopburi3]

You have eliminated allergic reaction to soap or water I trust? Is it all over or localized? The only fungus cream I have had good results from is Trosyd. If one doctor can not find I would try another. If you are non Asian try to find one with experience with your skin type. Just as most western doctors don't have much of a clue on tropical medicine most doctors here do not have much working knowledge of our skin problems.

[sinbin]

^ I can only do what people/doctors recommend. My itch is localised and not wide spread, ruling out an allergy. I don't use soap on the affected area as it was the first things that sprang to mind. I live 4-5 hours drive outside of BKK and don't really want to go there. Having travelled hours to see the first 2 doctors, and getting negative responses, I'm scared the same thing will happen if I go to BKK. The doctor I saw at the Bangkok Hospital was fresh out of med school and still had her med books on her table. A total waste of a day and about 6,000 Baht in total, if you include the trip.

[FBN]

Dermatological conditions are difficult to diagnose as is; without a much more detailed description, it is impossible to even venture a guess..

What does the rash look like, how long has it been there, where is the rash, what kind of antihistamine and anti-fungal creams have you used, what kind of exposures did you have (not the STD kind..) are all questions that need to be answered and even then, without seeing the rash, it would still be a wild guess..

Just as an historical factoid; syphilis has been called "the great imposter" as far as skin rashes are concerned; able to imitate a large number of skin conditions and dermatology is still very much taught that way it seems.. This has died out many years ago and is very rarely seen these days..

[sinbin]

It's not so much a rash but imflamation, due to the itching. Had it about 6 months now and I've tried just about every cream available. Currently using Daktacort cream and Telfast 60mg tablets. Itch is between the buttocks and warts have now developed in that area. Dermatologist said they need to come off but there is no laser equipment in this part of Isaan. They have tried Podophyllin paint to kill them. This condition has been confirmed as not being genital warts.

[JohnC]

Interestingly I have had a similar problem recently, as I know I have certain allergies I guessed it was something to do with the laundry. Anyway s after trying many different creams and lotions I got a combination that worked for me, I took one 25mg Atarax tablet every morning and applied Quadriderm cream twice a day, I also started wearing cotton underwear in bed where previously I slept naked. It seems to have done the trick as the rash has all but disappeared, it drove me mad with sub-concious scratching ending up with bleeding! I still think that the laundry that does my bedding was the source but no way of knowing for sure.

[FBN]

OP, still difficult to guess; the treatment as described by JohnC above may offer better relief. Aterax is also an antihistamine but works specifically for itching.

Quadrderm is a sort of "shotgun" therapy containing a steroid (which will also reduce the itching) as well as a broad spectrum antifungal. Also worth a try but you may be no closser to a definite diagnosis although you may get symptomatic relief.

Skin scrapings and examination with a Woods lamp is necessary to exclude a fungal condition which this does not seem to be..

Suggest trying this combination for a few days but if no improvement, I am afraid another trip woud be necessary. There are very experienced dermatologists at Bumrungrad and a visit may be worth it.

[sinbin]

I was on Atarax 10mg, three times a day. All they did was make me tired and irritable. Couldn't tolerate them, hence why I'm on Telfast tablets. The thought of going to BKK doesn't appeal to me so I'll give a Dermatologist in Buriram a shot. If he doesn't do any good then BKK it will have to be. Thanks to all input, much appreciated.

[sinbin]

Just a quick follow up to my itching problem. I was given a bottle of C-20, an antiseptic mouth wash. It's main ingredient is Chlorhexidine Gluconate, which I Googled. Chlorhexidine is a surgical skin cleanser. Having used umpteen types of anti-fungal creams, none of any use, I decided to give the mouth wash a go as an act of desperation. Low and behold it worked, and cured my itch within a few days. I just rubbed some on the affected area, twice a day, and left to dry. All I can say is "it worked for me".

[kkerry]

For anyone reading this topic, the one place in Bangkok 3 different doctors suggested I go to for skin problems that persist was this place.

http://iod.homestead.com/files/iod-main.html

The website is very old but I'm told the address is correct (near Victory Monument) however it might be a good idea to ring first for opening hours.

It's nothing fancy and you probably need to speak Thai but Thai people do know of this place.

Interesting about the C-20. From what I know it's considered by dentists a much more effective mouthwash than Listerine etc.