Itching on my back

I am a 76 year old man and I have had a terrible itching on my back for at least five years. You don’t see anything on the outside. I have already tried everything (Locoid cream, Triamcinolone, Ketoconazole, Lidocaine Vaseline cream, miconazole nitrate, udder ointment, Doxycycline disperse and Inderm Application Fluid). Do you know what’s wrong with me?

I am thinking of pruritus senilis, another name for itching in old age. Before that diagnosis can be made, other causes must be ruled out. Has an extensive blood test already been done? If necessary, your GP could consult with a dermatologist or neurologist.

Pruritus senilis can be caused by several factors, for example dry skin, showering too often or too hot and air that is too dry. You have already tried many creams yourself, then only polidocanol, calamine or capsaicin remains. I’m not a fan of tablets, but you still have a choice.

Consult your doctor about this. Most people with chronic itching complaints end up in a vicious circle: itching-scratching-bad sleep-more itching. That may also be the case with you. There are so-called itch clinics and a patient association that may be able to help you.

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Rutger Verhoeff (1979) studied general medicine at Radboud University in Nijmegen. Besides practicing his profession, he worked on radio and TV programs, he wrote the books Don’t let it ruin you, Kiss on it and (together with chef Ramon Beuk) Lekker better. He also writes columns and vlogs.

This question was previously in +Gezond June 2022. Want to subscribe to the magazine? You can do that in an instant!