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I will do my best to explain. Just wondering if I should be concerned? Take her to Dr? Or is it something normal?
So tonight my Mom asked me to rub some stuff on her back because it was itchy, she had been using back scratcher on it previously.
So I did as asked. Upon looking at her back It seemed what appeared to be little pockets of blood? Looked like little red spots all over her back. When I looked closer it just looked like little spots of blood. Has anyone else ever seen this, know what I am speaking of, or have any idea. Sorry it really grosses me out to see and talk about it, but looking for some insight. Thank all you beautiful people. May God bless.
Wasn't sure where to post this under.

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itchy skin in general can be a sign of liver or kidney problems. With older people, even things that seem minor should be brought to a doctor's attention. Skin lotions is important for older skin. More fat in the diet is helpful too.
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If this is bed bugs, then they are not just in the bed. They can be anywhere a bug can hide. There was an article in Family Handyman magazine, check their website, about clean up of bedbugs. It is very labour intensive. You can buy cardboard things at Walmart to put on the legs of the bed as a detection measure. I keep them on my bed at all times. You can get bedbugs anywhere. Any situation where people are sitting still in low light (movie theater) causes them to be active. I take a flashlight to the movies and check the seats. I don't care if people think I'm nuts. I put my luggage in the shower at a hotel and then do a complete inspection of the room. Yes, I found bedbugs in a $400/nite room. I was at a ER with a loved one and heard the nurse say that the patient in the next booth had bedbugs. They set a guy with a mop in there----not an effective response. Good luck to the next patient.
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As there seems that a dr. has said nothing to worry about then address the itchy back next - after every shower/bath/sponge bath put skin cream on - something simple as coconut oil you find in cooking oil aisle at grocery store would do - elderly [& not so elderly] skin needs to be soothed -

I go to a pool 4 times a week we all bring lotion & 1 lady brought a silicone kitchen spatula/bowl scraper to put lotion on her back for that area you can't quite reach - several of us have followed - we pour a small amount on it then apply to our backs ... so soothing - I notice in the few weeks since I did this that my back isn't itchy anymore - maybe get her one to use instead to that back scratcher which could tear her skin & cause a worse condition

As to why detergent would suddenly make you itchy is that they keep changing the basic chemistry to 'improve' the product - just because the packaging/name is the same doesn't mean what is inside is the same - when I had my knee replacement I developed a severe itch [at 3:00a.m.] all over but my head area .... it was my own pillow & pillowcase so when I dressed in my own clothes the itch stopped - I went home 2 days early to avoid the sheets etc washed by the hospital 
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We used Tide for years and the last year we used it both of us kept itching and breaking out. Finally narrowed it down to the Tide. Changed to Gain and Downy free (no scents nor perfumes) and it stopped. I still have major itch where my bra goes across my back but it has been determined it is nerves in that area and an allergy to the metal in the bra fastener...ugh.

Tide really surprised me as my Mom used Tide laundry detergent the whole time I was growing up and never had a reaction.
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Nickie1970...although this poster's issue seems resolved, just want to say in re to your response that people self-treating a bed bug situation will only allow it to be prolonged. If you have a GOOD encasement on the mattress and IF you had bedbugs, they will ultimately die inside, but there is a strong possibility they are elsewhere beyond the bug. Spraying with alcohol is minimally effective. Please get a pro involved and if funds are a problem check with your county (sometimes the board of health has funding) to assist. If you do not live with your loved one, you are putting yourself at risk when you visit if you do not stay aware and know what precautions to take.
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Yes, my mother had the same problem. It was horrendous. I took her to the doctor and he prescribed hydroxyzine. I also changed the detergent to Tide Free and Gentle, Bounce Free and Gentle. Also used Avalon Organics Therapy colloidal oatmeal Eczema Relief Body Cream. It was a nightmare for months. After the doctor treated it from the inside, I've been able to get more sleep. Her skin cleared up on her back. I continue to use the tide but haven't had to put the Avalon on her back for months.
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smeshque,
I just want to clarify that 2 days ago you took your Mom to see her Doctor and that he/she diagnosed your Mom's skin condition as "liver deficient itchy skin".
Did the doctor prescribe any lotion or ointment for itching, and if so, is the medication or lotion or ointment helping control your Mom's itching? Thanks
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Seeing a Dr could help. First does she live alone. Has her diet or bath soap changed? Check her bedroom for bugs or put out traps . Is she board?
My mom had a similar problem on back and on legs. Dr prescribed an ointment and Sarna lotion to put in fridge.
My investigation was she was weeding and sitting in the grass too much. So contact dermatitis.
We have gone to perfume free and dye free laundry soap. She also had lots of roaches in the house. Since then she moved in with me. Look at soaps and shampoos too .Still at times itches and so do I. Some could be nerves and heat. I find things to keep her hands busy (fidget Mat) or playdough and use the cold Sarna lotion or for quick relief Benadryl spray works wonders.
You will need to investigate.
Best of luck to you and Mom
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Dear Smeshque:
Eczema
Red marks from overly scratching the possible eczema
Cannot stop scratching once one has started
Psoriasis
Poison Ivy (doubtful)
Aging skin
Thin skin
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My Mother has been suffering with bullous pemphigoid, google it so you can see pictures. You will need to see a dermatologist to get it under control. It is very difficult to control, my mom has been on methotrexate and prednisone and a rx cream for the itching for almost two years. It seems like we get it under control, start backing off slowly the prednisone and she will go through an event that upsets her and it comes right back. Good luck and I do so hope it is something easier than bullous pemphigoid.
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I, myself, have my daughter's german shepper chihuahua mix with me all the time and once she picked up fleas from her daily walks and somehow I thought fleas had bitten me so she got a bath … this continued going on sporadically so I started getting concerned because of the bites and an itching I couldn't control …
So knowing that there is a plague of bed bugs everywhere in the USA, including 5 star hotels in New York City, airplanes, trains, even hospitals, anywhere you can think of, I told my daughter I suspected of bed bugs in the house.
I was alright - but how did we get them? We very seldom have someone visiting us in the house, since my husband died two years ago -- and I started suspecting of our housekeeper that once mentioned that where she lives 'there is roaches' but that she keeps a clean house' so she does not have any … and I asked 'what about bed bugs' and she said, 'oh no, maybe some tenants have them but not us ...'
I was bitten more and more so one day I had my e-mail opened, an ad popped up on bed bugs, I opened it KillBedBugs.com and you can find out what to do and all about that -- hope that it's not her mom's case, because I feel ugly, miserable, unworthy to be among the people I've been around all my life …
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Yes, this has happened to my mom. On her back and arms. Her primary care said she thought it was bed bugs. She recommended having a bug professional in to assess the situation. She said if that didn't work, she recommends a dermatologist. I sprayed her bed with rubbing alcohol and bought a "bed bug case" to enclose her mattress. This has helped tremendously; however, I think it's gone on too long. I have to convince her to throw out her king size bed and take the free queen size bed my sister has offered.
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Here is a link to a description of Petchia and conditions associated with it.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petechia
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I got spots like that from consuming too much sugar. After I stopped the sugar the itching and spots went away. Elderly can tend to eat more sweets. My best guess. Good luck.
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without seeing it, most likely shingles. my mom got that on her back and across one side of her chest. don't touch it, get her to a doctor.
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Medical opinion would be important. Red spots in the back can be linked to kidney issues. When my mom (92) is starting a UTI one of her symptoms has been small red spots which appear on her back (something like hives). Originally I wondered about detergents, extra rinse, bed bugs etc., after three years, in her case, has been a sign of UTI. Good luck.
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My Dad also had an itchy back which drove him crazy although he didn't use a back scratcher. Is your Mom a diabetic? My Dad was and the insulin he was taking didn't seem to arrest the problem. Something about what the insulin was made from. Fortunately we had a relative who was a scientist for a drug company and he created an insulin without whatever the regular insulin was made from. This was years ago and I can't remember the insulin that he was using but there might be new insulins that have been created. If she is not a diabetic taking insulin, you should check with her doctor and explain what you see on her back. This is not an issue you should ignore and your Mom needs to be seen by her doctor. Good luck!
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It could be be shingles! If it is, it's very important to take her to her doctor before it starts to spread and it is very contagious.

Oh never mind.  I just read that you found out the diagnosis. Sorry. 
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smeshque's update yesterday read to me as though she had taken mom to a doctor and the medical diagnosis was like OldSailor's and nothing to be worried about but maybe I'm reading wrong. Sounds like the itchy skin isn't related to the spots though especially now knowing mom does have liver issues I'm surprised the spots aren't connected. Itching and then that dry/burn kind of feeling from it is so miserable I feel for both you and mom smeshque! You might try some healing things like coconut oil and aloe, there are some homemade creams that include them along with other natural healing elements that can do wonders. I used to make one up for my grandmother who had Shingles and she claimed it helped more than any of the prescribed things from the doctor. She actually was very protective of that bottle, would only use it when her Shingles acted up and was panicked about running out apparently. My mom told me this long after I had made it up and given it to her to try...I could have made up more anytime! Hahaha
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smeshque - don't give up your day job.
If that "grosses you out" - what will you do if you ever have to wipe her bum? Or Cut her toenails?

Ahmijoy - I bought "Monkey Butt" powder for babies - no talc - it's got calamine in it. Very soothing - I now use it myself as a dusting powder. I also found a Calamine Barrier Cream - very effective.
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I had not seen this, so am replying rather late. Since you refer to "Old Sailor's" reply - I want to assume that since your inquiry a doctor has seen your mother. Great it is diagnosed as nothing to worry about medically - HOWEVER - anything that makes her uncomfortable, bothers her (an "itchy" back certainly would) should be addressed. Good grief an itchy back or anywhere else drives me nuts, and she does not need the aggravation(which can result in physical & emotional discomfort/problems). I would suggest at the very least * she drink 2 drops doTERRA Lemon Essential Oil (not the fruit) -in every 8 oz of water, tea etc she may drink throughout the day (keeping her hydrated of course, but also helping to flush toxins from her body). I always recommend *soaking in a warm, soothing bath of Epsom Salts (or Vinegar) & doTERRA Lavender Essential Oil - I realize a tub bath is often difficult for infirm/elderly. (You can also add Coconut Oil to bath if you like, it would be good - be careful re slips/falls) *Massage back - feels good, helps with circulation/itching - if skin is dry, doTERRA Lavender diluted with Coconut Oil.
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The spots could be harmless hemangiomas or cherry angiomas which are common in older adults. If they are actually bleeding/crusting, then she needs to see a doctor. That does not explain the itching, although dry skin is often the culprit. If cream doesn't help, you can try Gold Bond powder. If neither alleviate the itch, best to consult a doctor.
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Also, is the poor lady still itchy? Can't imagine anything worse than an itchy back you can't get relief from. Worth finding out for that reason, let alone to rule out anything more concerning.

The rash sounds as if it might be petechial. #1 Get an ordinary drinking glass, and in good light press the (warmed!) glass onto the skin where the rash is. If it *doesn't* fade, it's petechial - little blood spots under the skin that aren't going anywhere. Your PCP might find that useful to know. #2 There are many causes of this; and in any case any change in condition should be reported. More good reasons to get medical advice.
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In my case I was told by a PCP that what I have is nothing to be worried about. I would not "Worry" but I would still get it looked at by a licensed medical professional. It could be most anything or absolutely nothing but old age. But only a medical professional can tell you for sure.
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Thank you all for your responses. It is such comfort to know in times of panic you all are here.
So diagnosis is like as to what old sailor said, and nothing to be concerned about.
Trying- My mom does have liver deficient itchy skin.
Definately no bed bugs, no scabies.

Thank you all!! Case closed. :)
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On a woman I would not use anything too close to the urethra.
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Ahmijoy, check out the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Baby powder was implicated in ovarian cancer. I believe that talcum was the offending carcinogen, and if I remember correctly there was talcum in the powder women were using. Apparently it was accidently swept inside through the use of tampons, condoms, and other products.
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Dont forget ugent care if doc not available first.
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Scabies are fairly common for residents in NHs. Very itchy, as well as  bites from bed bugs. The back is common area for bb bites. I certainly hope there's no infestation but check her bedding and mattress for bed bugs.
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Does your mother take a blood thinner medication? Too high a level can cause tiny capillary bleeds. Call the prescribing physician immediately her blood thinner may need to be adjusted.
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