What causes intense itching all over the body at night?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have seen your page and I was wondering if you could help me. I have been suffering from an intense itch all over my body, especially at night. I have raised bumps around specific areas of my body, including the thighs, but stop right at the ankles, my stomach, under my breasts, and on my chest, including my armpits, as well as my back. But none on my face and arms, I have went to my doctors and was seen by a practitioner nurse, it was a very quick consultation and was told it is chicken pox and that when I was a child it was not severe, however that is not true as when I had it was really bad that I still have the scars to this day. I went to a pharmacist and was told the same thing. I do not believe it is chicken pox, as when the spots are raised down they have a dark circle in them. I do not know if it is scabies, as I do not think I have a rash. I also had something similar to this around last year and was given Dermovate cream. I put it on this time, and it is worse.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Your symptoms sound really uncomfortable, and it is understandable that you want clear answers. Let us try to break down what might be happening and what to do next.

What you are describing:

Intense itching, especially at night.
Raised bumps with dark circles, clustered in areas like thighs (stopping at ankles), stomach, under breasts, chest, armpits, and back. No involvement of face or arms.
Past severe chickenpox (so unlikely to be a new chickenpox infection).
No visible “scabies trails”, but itching is worse at night.
Worsening with strong steroid cream.

What could it be?

Scabies: Classic scabies causes intense nighttime itching and small bumps, often with linear “burrows” (trails). However, sometimes the burrows are hard to see, especially if it’s a reinfestation or the skin looks inflamed. Distribution fits scabies, since it commonly affects wrists, thighs, armpits, abdomen, and genital areas, but can spare the face and scalp in adults. Scabies is very itchy and often worsens at night.
Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction: Could cause itchy, raised bumps and worsening with topical steroids if misdiagnosed or if there is irritation from the cream.
Other skin conditions: Such as eczema or dermatitis herpetiformis (related to gluten sensitivity), can cause itchy bumps. Folliculitis or insect bites are other possibilities.
Infections or infestations: Other mite infestations or fungal infections could cause similar symptoms.

Important notes on Dermovate (Clobetasol propionate):

If you have an infection like scabies or a fungal infection, steroids can worsen it. The burning sensation can be due to irritation or allergy to the cream.

What to do next:

See a dermatologist or a doctor who specializes in skin conditions urgently.
Ask specifically about scabies and request a skin scraping or dermoscopy to check for mites.
Avoid using strong steroids until the diagnosis is clear.
Wash all bedding and clothes in hot water to prevent re-infestation if scabies is confirmed.
Over-the-counter scabies treatments may be needed, but only after diagnosis.

Summary:

Your symptoms and distribution strongly suggest scabies or a similar infestation despite the absence of visible burrows. Other conditions are possible, but your worsening with steroid cream and intense itching at night points toward scabies.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach out to me again if you have further queries.

Thank you.