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My father is constantly scratching his back, I mean everytime! First thing in the morning, pm, night, etc....to the point of bleeding through his clothes. We have gone to the Dr and he was prescribed scabies lotion (which I think was the last resort, because my home is clean with no pets) which didn't work, we have some other over the counter anti itch lotions, but nothing works. I'm thinking it's in his mind, but who knows, he doesn't have any mental health problems. I bought him a back scratcher and it is his best friend. Anyone dealt with this before? Background: dad is 85 yrs old and he has had immunotherapy for CLL about 2 years ago.

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At some point the scratching will create the itch if that makes sense.
I might be out in left field but medication for anxiety might help. Does he have other OCD tendencies?
The other possibility is either reaction to medications he is taking.
I would bring a list of all the medications, herbal supplements and any OTC (over the counter) medications to the pharmacy and ask if they can search for any interactions .
Or if the diabetes is creating nerve problems. Does he have any other nerve problems that may seem minor compared to the itching. He might be having foot or hand problems but the back is overpowering the sensations elsewhere.
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Cinot7me Nov 2019
He does have diabetes and has nerve issues in his feet, in pain if he hits them against something and cannot wear closed shoes only sandals. I'll go to the pharmacy and check..I have to go today anyway. Thank you!
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Have a complete blood test workup. Some counts being off can affect the red blood cells and cause itching.
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Cinot7me Nov 2019
THanks, he just had his bloodwork done by his oncologist and he is GTG. Thank you though!
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Senile Pruritus is what the condition is called, if you Google it. How do I know that? Because I've been dealing with it via my 92 y/o mother for YEARS! UGH. That's what I have to say on the subject....UGH. Nothing works to stop the itching for the 'rash' that only she can see. The doctor can't see it, I can't see it, but she can. It moves, too, from under her breasts to between her thighs and back. Then it appears somewhere else, oddly enough, but it never completely goes away, and causes her to chronically complain and seek a cure. The doctor has prescribed about 10 different lotions and potions, but again, nothing works for my mother. So I bought her some Dermoplast spray anesthetic to numb the area(s) temporarily, thinking it might work. It did, to some degree, thank God.

She hasn't had too many 'rashes' lately, again thanking God, but when she gets them, I'll bring over another can of Dermoplast or whatever anesthetic spray is on sale at Wal-Mart and that seems to do the trick, at least for a while.

Not everything can be figured out by the doctors because I truly believe some of this stuff is in their mind. If the Dermoplast didn't work, I was prepared to give her some 'pills' to treat the issue that were just a placebo.

Best of luck!
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Cinot7me Nov 2019
Thank you!!! I read that Allopurinol can cause itching too, so I'm stopping that med tomorrow because he doesn't have gout anyway, not sure why he's on it. Then I'll purchase some of what you mentioned and hopefully it'll do the trick. I'll take even for 'a little while'!!!
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I've been giving my mom Benadryl for itching exacerbated by morphine. It has been very effective.
Your poor old dad, I feel great empathy for you both.
R27
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Ugh!
Yes, I was guardian for an aunt with dementia and she CONSTANTLY scratched and picked at her face, scalp and arms. She picked so much at her scalp that she ended up with large bald spots. It was sad and horrible.
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Cinot7me Nov 2019
Yes, its horrible, but I'm glad he uses his back scratcher over his clothes....he's a germaphobe...lol!
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FWIW Maybe something he eats? 

I was itching all over. Just started this year. Feet super bad. Short story short I eliminated drinking instantaneous coffee. Cold turkey. No more itch. Even the first day. Drank coffee 72 years, instant for 68 years. I liked it. Good stuff. Don’t miss it. I’m 84.
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Cinot7me Nov 2019
Thank you, he drinks coffee maybe 1x a week if that. Glad you quit though!
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Itching because of diabetes....
Diabetes can lead to areas of itching. Diabetes can cause areas of localized itching. There are several reasons why a person with diabetes might experience more frequent itching than others. Sometimes, itching can result from damaged nerve fibers in the outer layers of skin.
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Chronic kidney disease also causes itching. Vitamin E gel is a good OTC Help.
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Cinot7me Nov 2019
he does have bad kidneys and diabetes....thx
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And, a fatty liver....Not sure, but can liver issues cause itching?
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The gout med is supposed to keep him from having gout. He may flare when you take him off of the med. Ask the doctor. Ask for his Uric acid to be tested to see where he is on it.
Itching is different from picking.
Try CBD oil. If it works for him you will know fairly soon.
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Has he had his liver enzymes checked? Liver issues can cause itching. I second having his uric acid levels checked also. Medications can be another cause, even some antibiotics can cause itching if there is an allergy or sensitivity to them.
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CLL, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia is a serious disease and can go into remission with immunotherapy. However, that does not cure CLL., Imo.
Maybe you can tell us more?

Return to the cancer doctors, specialists, who treated your Dad 2 years ago.
At the very least they can follow up on their patient, look into the cause of the itching, and determine his status.

Treat the bleeding back as a wound, keeping it clean. And perform wound care. In addition, take the back scratcher instrument and clean, sterilize it so as to not spread germs, causing an infection. Change the shirt daily, or more often as soon as it has blood on it.

Dad does not seem to be faking, but I believe more information is needed.
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Cinot,
There is a blog online, where someone describes itching with CLL as being a common issue. This one man describes making his own self-diagnosis, and found that wearing new clothes to visit family caused the itching. (Wearing new jeans).
He suggests washing New clothes several times prior to wearing them. There are chemicals and formaldehyde in the fabric.

You may want to find a detergent free of chemicals, as well as a fabric softener.

How about an allergy free bath soap, rinsing well?
How about a hypoallergenic moisture cream, as elders get dry skin.??

Could it be as simple as that?
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Cinot,
I see that you wrote that he has been to his cancer specialist and already had his blood work.
Good for you!
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