Generalized Itching and What Should Be Done About It
Everyone has had an itch here or there, but as an allergist Washington DC patients rely on might attest, generalized itching (itching all over the body) does not occur in everyone. Generalized itching (i.e., pruritus) is not uncommon and is very annoying to the person suffering from this condition. It often may be associated with hives (i.e., urticaria), and/or angioedema (i.e., swelling). The intensity of the itching can range from mild to very severe. It can be so bothersome that it decreases the quality of life for that individual.
In many cases, the generalized itching is short-lived and subsides in a couple of days. In a number of cases, however, it persists more than a couple of days and the duration can last for years in extreme cases. Most individuals have tried over-the-counter topical creams and/or oral medications with minimal or no effect by the time they seek help from an allergist Washington DC patients trust.
The board certified allergist at Black & Kletz Allergy have seen and treated thousands of cases of generalized pruritus throughout the years in the Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland metropolitan area. Our 3 office locations in Washington, DC, McLean, VA (Tysons Corner, VA), and Manassas, VA affords us the opportunity to treat patients in such adjacent Northern Virginia cities, some of which include Arlington, VA, Alexandria, VA, Falls Church, VA, Vienna, VA, Great Falls, VA, Reston, VA, Herndon, VA, Sterling, VA, Annandale, VA, Oakton, VA, Burke, VA, Centreville, VA, Haymarket, VA, Chantilly, VA, Gainesville, VA, Fairfax, VA, Springfield, VA, Warrenton, VA, Dumfries, VA, Culpeper, VA, Ashburn, VA, Leesburg, VA, and Purcellville, VA. In addition, we also treat many patients from Maryland due to its proximity to our offices largely from the following cities: Chevy Chase, MD, Bethesda, MD, Potomac, MD, Great Falls, MD, Rockville, MD, Gaithersburg, MD, Darnestown, MD, Germantown, MD, Olney, MD, Wheaton, MD, Silver Spring, MD, College Park, MD, Beltsville, MD, Hyattsville, MD, Clinton, MD, Bowie, MD, Columbia, MD, Annapolis, MD, and Baltimore, MD.
It may be important to see an allergist in Washington, DC for generalized pruritus in order to try to find out the cause. At Black & Kletz Allergy, it begins with a thorough history and physical examination. There are many causes of itching ranging from different allergies (e.g., foods, medications, contact with allergens) to various systemic medical conditions, some of which may be serious. It is therefore important that a cause be identified, so that either the allergen is avoided or treatment can be aimed at the underlying systemic condition responsible for the manifestation of the itching. In many acute (i.e., less than 6 weeks in duration) cases of generalized pruritus, no testing is needed as a thorough history and physical examination may be enough in order to figure out the cause. When the duration exceeds this length of time and/or symptoms are very bothersome, allergy tests and/or blood tests may be indicated in order to find the cause of the itching. Either way, patients are treated on their first visit with medications in order to stop their itching.
Contact an allergist Washington DC residents respect
The allergy doctors at Black & Kletz Allergy treat both adults and children. If you suffer from itching, hives, swelling episodes, or any other allergy such as hay fever, asthma, sinus conditions, and/or eczema, please call one of our 3 offices to make an appointment. Alternatively, you can click Request an Appointment and we will respond within 24 hours by the next business day. All of the offices offer on-site parking and the Washington, DC and McLean, VA offices are Metro accessible. There is a free shuttle that runs between our McLean, VA office and the Spring Hill metro station on the silver line. Black & Kletz Allergy has been providing high quality allergy, asthma, and immunology care to the greater Washington, DC metro area for more than 50 years. Call us today for an allergist Washington DC is proud to have in its community.