DEAR DOC: I itch all over if I take a cold shower

When I take a hot shower I am okay. Is this a case of allergy or something else? PHOTO| FILE| NATION MEDIA GROUP

Dr Flo, 

Thanks for the good work you do. I have a long running challenge; whenever I take a cold bath, irrespective of the weather, my body becomes very itchy and this may last for even 20 minutes. I have not sought any medical assistance but people have told me it’s a common allergy and can only be checked by avoiding allergens. When I take a hot shower I am okay. Is this a case of allergy or something else? 

Muriithi.

 

Dear Muriithi,

What you describe is most likely aquagenic pruritus, which just means itching caused by water, a kind of allergy to water. Contact with water produces an intense itching of the skin, usually with a prickling sensation, without any observable rash or swelling. The symptoms can last anywhere from 10 minutes to two hours, and it usually resolves on its own. There is no good reason why some people develop this problem, although sometimes it may be associated with some underlying blood conditions. Showering with hot water for some people actually prevents the itching because the heat affects the cells (mast cells) that trigger the allergic reaction. But if you take a hot shower that is too hot and for too long, you can also get itching because of drying out of the skin. You can use anti-allergy tablets, creams and lotions for the itching, although they do not work very well. Avoid using harsh soaps for bathing, or harsh detergents for your towels, because the chemicals in the soap can also cause the itching; and clean your towel regularly, like once or twice a week, to avoid growth of bacteria.

 

THAT'S CALLED A FISSURE

Hello Doc,

My son is five years old and he has a small hole in front of the right ear which has been present since birth. Sometimes the area around it swells and becomes painful. What is it? Can anything be done about it?

Concerned Parent.

 

Dear Concerned Parent,

That small hole is called a pre-auricular pit or fissure, and it is usually an entrance to a skin-lined tract that runs under the skin, usually towards the inside of the body. It is a result of a malformation during ear development in the womb. Sometimes it may be associated with other birth defects. Some people live their entire lives with the pre-auricular sinus or pit without experiencing any problems. Other times the tract gets infected, usually by common skin bacteria, causing swelling, redness, pain, and sometimes even drainage of some fluid, and this is treated with antibiotics. If the infections are recurrent, or if they do not respond to antibiotic treatment, then the area can be cut and drained. A procedure can also be done to figure out how long the tract is, and it can be removed surgically to permanently deal with the problem.

All the best.

 

 

Dr Flo,

I have not had my periods for ten months now since I gave birth. I had been having the same issue even before I got pregnant where I would miss sometimes for up to six months. A doctor told me that I had some hormonal imbalance after I removed a breast lump. What could really be the problem? I am disturbed a lot.

Lydia.

 

Dear Lydia,

The lack of regular periods is usually associated with hormonal imbalance and you will need to visit a gynaecologist so that the doctor can do tests to determine which hormones exactly have a problem, and there are medications that can help in making the periods regular. However, since you had a child recently, right now you are most likely experiencing what is called lactational amenorrhea. While you are breastfeeding, the body produces the hormone prolactin in large amounts, which in some women interferes with their menstrual cycles. If that is the case, then the periods resume once you stop breastfeeding. But remember, it is still possible to get pregnant at this time, so please visit the gynaecologist so that you can get the proper way forward.

 

Send your health questions to [email protected] for absolutely free expert advice.

 

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IN A NUTSHELL...

Had a baby recently and have been missing your period for too long? Relax! New mothers are most likely experience lactational amenorrhea. As they breastfeed, the body produces the hormone prolactin in large amounts, which in some women interferes with their menstrual cycles. If that is the case, then the periods resume once the mother stops breastfeeding. But remember, it is still possible to get pregnant at this time, so if you are going through this please visit the gynaecologist so that you can get the proper way forward.