worried now... who do I see about thumb itch (nerve)

[Anonymous]

My darn thumb is getting worse and worse (constant deep itching like a nerve is going haywire).

Who would I see? Orthopedist? Neurologist?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts/suggestions.

[Anonymous]

I don't know,OP, but I was one of the PPs on your prior post. Keep us informed! I'm sure it's going to turn out to be nothing more than annoying.

btw watch how you drive (turning the wheel, do you hook your thumb on it) or haul in groceries with the bags hanging from your fingers--all that kind of stuff.

Also, a friend of mine got a staph infection--local--to her finger. She had had a cut there and the staph stayed in that area, locally, for YEARS. Made her knuckle itch like crazy at times. Sometimes doctors don't diagnose that, she said, because it's something a little unusual (more common to those who work with animals)

[Anonymous]

Have you seen your family dr yet? I would start there.

[Anonymous]

Agree with starting at primary care physican. Because of the range of things that cause his kind of thing (infection, electrolyte imbalance, neuropathy) they can begin preliminary testing and assessment.

[Anonymous]

I believe there was an article in the Post health section not too long ago about someone who had a persistent itch in their hand. She went to a million doctors and no one could help her until she found one who realized it was something no one else had thought of. I would recommend finding that article.

[Anonymous]

THANK YOU PPs! You all ROCK! Will keep you posted.

[Anonymous]

7:28 - thank you. I found the WaPo article but I'm not using any baby wipes and I don't have any bumps, etc on my hands. But thank you again!

And here is the article in case anyone else is interested:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/a-mysterious-rash-on-a-womans-hands-and-lips-stumped-specialists/2014/07/28/10e3aff6-0485-11e4-8572-4b1b969b6322_story.html

[Anonymous]

I took 3 Advil for a headache earlier today and realized that the itch was entirely gone after taking the Advil. I ended up seeing my General Practitioner this afternoon and based on that information, said that it is definitely an inflammatory process (either in my neck or hand) and she wasn't thinking diabetes, thyroid, etc.

Will post back if I have new info to share.

Thanks for all the supportive suggestions, etc.

[Anonymous]

OP, I also get this maddening itch inside my thumb and in my case it's a nerve being compressed up in my neck where I have a herniated disc. Might want to check that.

[Anonymous]

OP I had suggested dyshidrosis before. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dyshidrosis. I get it on my thumbs and other fingers at joints. It comes and goes - is much worse when under stress and itches like hell. My internist said to use Cortizone-10 and not itch it, but when it's really going, it's very difficult not to want to tear your skin off.

[Anonymous]

OP here. My GP thinks it is exactly what you are describing 19:39! I have compressed discs in my neck and some cord impingement.

What are you doing for your neck, 19:39?

[Anonymous]

20:37, thanks. I don't have any blisters etc on my hand. My GP thinks it is what 19:39 said... but thank you!