I just posted this in my comments on the post below, but decided to make it a post too for anyone that might wonder or might have more information to share.
I had allergy testing done because every year I have sinus problems (to the point I’ve asked a doctor before if they could just cut them out) – and any time I end up congested from allergies, I then end up with a sinus infection – or this last time I ended up with tonsillitis. We know it is allergies because Claritin helps keep the congestion away. I’ve had swollen glands most of the fall & winter this year and my doctor suspected it is also due to allergies. Now that we have tested me and found out what my allergies are, they will mix up a special serum just for me and I will go in once a week for injections. (I think it is once a week – maybe once every two weeks?) This will help me build up immunities to my allergies – hopefully preventing the sinus infections and tonsillitis of my past.
My family doctor just gave me Claritin constantly to fight my allergies, without ever testing to see what they were. I went to an Ear, Nose & Throat specialist for my tonsillitis though, and he is the one that recommended it (I’ve always wondered why no one did it in the past). Now that we know what we’re fighting, we can fight it better.
On a positive note, I called my doctor’s office this afternoon and she had me come in so they could check my itchy arms. They hooked me up with some special prescription ointment that made the itch go away. For now. Cannabis products from https://d8superstore.com/category/cbg may also help reduce the effects of allergies like swelling or inflammation. If stress is what triggers your allergies or any other health conditions, Dab Pens offers products that may help relieve your stress.
1,336 replies on “Itch Relief…”
What is the presc. ointment for itch? I started itching a few months ago. They say it is nerves, anxiety. No rash or hives, etc. Any help would be appreciated.
I have had the worst itchy arms for the last 3 months. It is only my arms and because I have scratched so much, I have sores all over them now. Ice is the only thing that helps. I am not allergic to anything?? I have often wondered if it is stress related. I am under a lot of stress. Would love to hear more feedback.
my arms itch all summer long, mostly at night and only my upper arms. Ice helps but the itch is maddening! The more I scratch, the more it itches!!!
My arms itch all summer long,this only happens in summer. The itchiness is intense to the point of distraction. Only happens on both arms,the constant itch causes redness dryness and eventual blistering. Been given antihistimine by doctor,this doesn’t seem to work,he said something you will have to live with (he should have it ) any possible cure or relieve would be welcome.
by now means am i doctor! but studying chinese medicine and remedial massage. am a qualified personal trainer and fitness instructor and also treat in myopractic (cross-fibre mobilsation and spinal alignment) (no bone cracking). i have been treating a client with same symptoms for two weeks now. my own theory..linked to spinal reflexes at c5 to t1. if impluses fail to trigger because of neuromuscular lesions or (blockages) the impluses will be slowed down.. is it difficult to hold your arms up front/side for long? do your fingers “tingle” “pins & needles”? I’m wondering if the scratching is a neurological reaction to “warm” the area and create a better energy flow..in much the same way as you wld hold your head wth your left hand when yr head hurts or you are stressed, or curl into the fetal position if you r injured or under mental stress. if you massage your arms..do you feel “gritty, bumpy” bits? just an idea..but seems to be aiding my client who has suffered for years (mother also).
during summer, my arms and upper back itch, mostly at night – only steroids help and i will not take those (i think i’d like to live a bit longer). doctors are of no help (yes, THEY should have this!). antihistamines do no good, topical treatments do no good – ice is the only thing. itching is around 7 p.m. til 4 a.m. – sleep? i wish. if anybody has had success – please share.
My arms ITCH ALL NIGHT LONG!!!!!! Sometimes during the day as well. Ice packs on both arms is the only thing that seems to help. For years my Mother has had CHRONIC, Acute, Arm ITCHING due to a condition called PORPHYRIA CUTANEA TARDE. I might have same condition. It is where your body has Too much Iron. Look up on the net, and check with your Docs to rule this out. I have to do the same. My Moms arms are All scared from all the years of itching and bleeding. People with this disorder should stay out of sun, do not drink wine, and there are a few other things also. Check with your health care Docs. Maybe this will help. Vicki
I have had itchy arms for about 3 years now. It usually starts at my upper forearm and works it’s way down to my wrist. This takes about a month or so, then subsides for a couple of weeks, only to start all over again. I thought that I had bet it. I read somewhere to use sun-block, so I used “Water Babies” with a 45 SPF. I was in heaven for about four months, but now it is back and maybe a little more intense. So try it, it’s good for awhile. Anyone have any luck with anything else?
I have itchy arms also. I have a couple of months a year that I don’t itch, but it seems I am always itching my arms. I create sores from all the itching, especially during the night. I think the sun triggers the itching. Dermatologist said to coat my arms with Zonlon cream eery night to stop the itch cycle. Right now the itchng is so bad that nothing is helping. This has been going on for 7 years now. I have little white scars all over my arms–upper and lower. Sometimes I get a cortisone shot and a predisone pack to help. This this time and didn’t help. I was thinking I should see a allergist? Any suggestions would be helpful.
i too, have been suffering from this itchy arm syndrome for about seven years now. every year, starting somewhere in late august until the weather gets cooler in the fall, my arms will itch like crazy. it seems certain foods like alcohol, coffee, and sugar will aggrevate the condition, but not always. also, spending time in the sun seems to irritate it. i also noticed that when i get stressed it will get worse. it comes and goes, but is especially worse in the evening. what i do is wash the area really well with soap and water, which seems to sooth it, and then apply jock itch to the itchy areas. yes, jock itch. it works for me! the only other thing i found that works is to apply ice directly to the arms. i heard this condition is called Brachioradial Pruritus and is caused by sun damage.
I have had itchy arms for 17 years. It started when I was expecting my second child. I have tried every cream on the market and was even a patient at the dermatology clinic for 2 years. They gave up with me after they prescribed me with a cream called Capsaicin. This cream is made from chillies and it is supposed to desensitise nerve endings. I was supposed to try this for 8 weeks, but after 5 weeks I could stand it no more. The cream began to irritate other areas, such as my face and eyes, as it was so engrained in my hands. It did not relieve the itching during that time at all. This apparently was the best and last thing they could offer me. There seems to be no pattern as to when this itching occurs, but it is getting worse every year. There is no rash to see and my arms are scarred from scratching. I have finally relented to trying sleeping tablets called Amitriptyline. They are supposed to be for depression (not that I am depressed) and they doctor says they are very good at desensitising nerve endings for people who have got pain after having shingles, but they need to be taken for some time before they have any effect. I hope to start these tablets next week. Wish me luck!
For the past month my arms have become so itchy I don’t sleep anymore, Its very bad at night. I though it was my soap, but only my arms itch, I thought it was spider bits but I don’t find marks, I thought maybe bedbugs but my husband don’t have this problem. I thought it was mold but we tested the house, I thought it was an alergy but alergy pills son’t help, no creams, no lotions, I even tried olive oil, nothing works. I don’t have a rash, but my skin does feel I bit dry. Where does this come from? I thought maybe its diabeties but I don’t have that either. It does get worse during stress. I have been reading on the internet and alot of people have this. Surely someone can help.
GC
I’m amazed at the amount of people that have exactly what I get and have found only ice gives any relief. Yesterday I found relief, but not sure if this is it. I do yard work all summer, (in florida) and yesterday, I wore a long sleeve shirt. I showered, and this time put on a heavy dose of some stuff for Chiggers. Last night I was hardly troubled at all. Long sleeve shirt again today. Getting some chigger stuff, just in case. We shall see.
Thank you all for possibly saving my sanity. I did a google search Sept 3rd in the middle of the night for “itchy upper arms”. I was desperate! I have suffered for possibly 10 years with the problem of itchy arms. Always starting in late summer and continuing into early winter. I have asked every doctor I have seen if they have heard of it and they are all puzzlled. It was bearable until this year. The problem has been so intense I did not sleep a full night for weeks with Sept. 3rd being the worst. Just knowing there are other sufferers was a huge relief. After reading the posts here and the many posts on the mens health website (found in my google search) I have gotten lots of helpful hints. The biggest one is the one just posted here by Caryn – ice. In the evening when the itching first starts to become intense I rub an ice cube on both arms. This is very soothing. Then before bed I slather Lanocain on both arms and take two Extra Stength Tylenol. I was also taking an herbal sleeping aid called Comfort Forte. With all of these procedures I was able to sleep a lot better.
Yesterday I visited the doctor and was put on Prednisone and if that does not work in two days I will be taking Nerontin. Nerontin was a drug I read about on the mens health site. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this will be the solution. I was also given Ambien to help with the sleep issue and slept for over 9 hours last night. About 10 more nights like that and I may get caught up : )
Sun exposure may be a trigger but I think it is more than that. I have read postings by some that have the problem all year long and do not have sun exposure. So for all of us it will be trial and error. p.s. I have one hint I haven’t read from anyone else. When the itching is intense as others, I have broken the skin. Last year I got a barrel style hair brush with fine bristles. I use it to scratch my arms as it is soothing without damaging the skin.
Itch all over. Only thing that helps is a strong menthol ointment called Biofreeze that you can get at a chiropractor’s office. Four doctors so far, still no answers on the cause. 5 1/2 months so far.
I am from the Chicago area. I have had itchy arms for about 3 years. It seems to start late August and continue till about December. After reading the posts, it seems like it is only affecting women. I’m in my 40’s, so I’m wondering if it could be that I’m starting to go thru the change and have something to do with that? Hormone change or something? Sometimes I find heat on my arms helps. The sun doesn’t seem to affect me. I’m out all summer and this doesn’t start until August. The doctors ran tests and didn’t find anything either. This is really a mistery.
I am so glad to hear I am not the only one, have never met anyone who has itchy arms. I really do think it is stress related. I am fine in the Summer but come Fall the itching starts, I don’t know if it is the change of seasons or my son being back in school is stressful. It is only on my lower arms, and I too have sores from scratching, it just makes me crazy. I will try the ice, as nothing I have tried has worked.
I THINK I FOUND THE CURE!!; for me anyway. I’ve been wearing long sleeve shirts for 3 days and with some moisturizer the nighttime itching has slowed to a trickle. No ice packs are needed tonight. Last night I needed only one for a short while.
I’m blonde, fair skinned, (female, mid fifties.) Come July, I no longer burn in the hot Florida sun. I can be out in it for hours. I get a copper sort of tan but it doesn’t get any darker. The one part of my body that is exposed the most, (my arms), begin to itch a little at first and then like crazy. It starts about mid to late summer. I have a book called “Listen to your body”. I think I should. I’m convinced that this kind of irritation over years will turn into melinomas.
I don’t remember how long the itching goes on into the winter. When it’s better, I forget all about it. This year, the back of my neck, which is also unprotected, began to itch. I was sleeping with ice packs there too. The last 3 days my arms were covered up but not the back of my neck. Tonight it itches, but the arms are blissfully content. Thank God!
I’ve read that some of you think it may be stress related. I think that may be another trigger. I had a bout of severe itch only once during the day. Now that I look back on it, it was a very stressful day, a very rare occasion for me.
Some of you say the itch is in the upper arms, others have it in the lower arms. I’ve had both. It began in the lower arms one year, and seems to have worked it’s way up. This year it has only been on one arm, (go figure). Some of you even have it year long. I only know that mine comes after long hours of exposure to the sun, only ice packs would ease it, but wearing long sleeves has stopped it. It’s worth a try.
I am also Blonde, Blue eye. Just wonder if we are all Blonde? But, I forgot to say in my last post. I do get relief from itching when I take a Sinutab Allergy pill or Clariton D. I take Benadryl at night to help me sleep. Maybe that will help some of you too.
I also have started having itchy arms and shoulders. My mom has had it for about 20 years she’s 50 now. I’m 34, and we both have blonde hair and blue eyes. I have been researching this for a while and some say fermeldehyde is a problem and it’s in everything from lotions to sprays, cleaners, air fresheners etc. I’m am a user of all of these things and I like my house to smell clean. My girlfiend is a natural kind and she will only use vinegar to clean with and she is very cautious of ingredents in other items.
I’m going to start eleminating some of these things and I use mary kay, calming influence which i used to sell but is now discontinued. I only have one bottle left and I’m going to research the ingredients, There has to be something like chamomile in it?
Will let all know!
I was so releived to read about others with the itchy arms. It is so intense and the doctors, allergist and dermatologist all run numerous tests to no avail. I have tried ice, prednizone – shots and tablets, benedryl tablets and creams, Dr. Tichnor’s, Aveeno products, A lot of money on doctors and meds and so far nothing has helped. I am going to try a Chiropractor next.
I’m in my early 40’s, light skin, blue eyes, dark blond hair & have had itchy arms – just my left arm for a few years now, during the night & day. The itching wakes me up at night (so I know it’s not all in my head, which I was starting to think that it was since there is no rash). I also used to have itching on the back of my neck, but that’s gone now. I use Lotrimin Anti Fungal cream & that seems to work, but I’m looking for a more natural approach.
I posted my message on the 16th, I’m the one who’s had itchy arms for 17 years. I’ve not tried the prescribed sleeping tablets as they have an awful lot of side effects. I was just wondering if any one else has a thyroid problem? Although my itching started before I was diagnosed with an under active thyroid gland, it has been suggested that getting the right balance of this hormone maybe a contributing factor. I’d be interested in seeing anyones comments on this. I do think, like so many others on this message board, that sun damage maybe a factor. Is there any one else here from England? Hope you all get some sleep tonight.
Thank heaven I found this site! I now know that I am NOT crazy or abnormal, and that all the doctors who told me that this was an unusual condition were WRONG. I have had severe upper arm itch (both arms) and around on my upper back and neck for at least a decade, and have so far not found a thing (save for ice) that provides relief.
I have started to believe that the cause may be linked to neurology. The itching seems to follow a path or pattern (I can trace the scars from my itching). Although in my mid-forties, I have had shingles twice. I, too, have heard the suggestion that the cause may be linked to nerve damage.
BTW, I am not a blonde. While I am a female with blue eyes, I have dark brown hair.
Thanks everyone, and please keep the suggestions for relief flowing.
Well, it’s another sleepless night for me. I also have an underactive thyroid. I take Synthroid 50 MCG a day. I to thought once I went on this the itching would go away. But, it didn’t. Other family member have underactive thyroid and they don’t itch. I can’t figure out why it’s mostly my left arm. It seems like most of us, it’s our left arms that itch the most. And if it is sun damage, why don’t other parts of our bodies itch? Or our right arm? And why do a lot of us only itch at night. It wakes me out of a sound sleep. I really think it has to be an allergy to something. But, What? Hope you all got some rest tonight.
Wow. I didn’t realize that arm itching was so prevalent! My upper arms also itch–first time this has happened to me. It started in early September and wakes me out of a sound sleep! I also experience itching at times during the day. I finally went to the dermatologist and am trying prednesone, Eucerin itch relieving spray, etc. When the itch attacks come, these don’t seem to cut it. BTW, it is more my left arm than right, and I have brown hair and eyes. I also spent alot of time in the sun, but haven’t burned this summer.
I wonder if it is nerve damage or hormonally driven, since I am 41. I hope this doesn’t persist!
Has anyone tried acupuncture? just wonder if that might help???
Drink lots of water!! I also have itchy arm, mainly my left arm that gets a lot of sun while driving. When I feel the itch coming on I start drinking a lot of water and it seems to go away.
I, too, thought I was going crazy! I have a doctor’s appt. scheduled and was going to have her check my thyroid and hormone levels. I even used a pumice stone to scratch my right arm at the elbow to the shoulder and rubbed it raw! By the way, I am not blonde…I am brunette with green eyes. I don’t know if I can tolerate this for 10 years like so many of you have! Help!
Oh my God I can’t take it anymore. I was up all night for the last week so you can all imagine how tired I am. The itching on my upper arms won’t stop. I am definitely sure it is caused by the sun though. I moved from NY to Florida and it just seems to have gotten worse. I’ve been to dermatologists and doctors and no one seems to have any idea what this is. I am grateful to this web site and for all I have learned on mens health. It is so astonishing to me though how some of us have had this for 20 years, 17 years, 10 years. And that there isn’t more known about curing it. The sun as I mentioned I think is the main culprit and yes I am fair skinned too with hazel eyes. At night and early morning is the worsed. But even now at 10am I am itching. My arms may also tend to become really red heat red. Like a face will get after working out. I am really concerned. The itching is maddening. I am going to have to wear half sleaves and long sleeves when I go out. Even when I put 45SFP I still get the ithching and really bad also. I have tried Tylenol PM because it helps me to sleep. The PM portion of Tylenol is just benedryl. At one point I was putting on a cream and thought I was actually allergic to it at the same time. What a doozy. I do believe that when I started drinking Aloe Juice and taking daily doses of wheat grass it was in fact helping. Because as soon as I ran out and was careless not to restock here I am itchy arm girl once again. HELP!
I responded to this site #14. Since that time I took Prednisone which did not help. I then started the Neurontin. I do think this is a huge help. I still have a little itching but not the intensity it was. From the Mens Health site it was suggested I take the Neurontin not only at night as prescribed by my doctor, but during the day as well. I have started taking a lower dose in the morning and afternoon and that is providing additional relief. I have not had any drowsiness from it during the day and even at night it does not make me sleepy but I do sleep ALL night.
I still put Lanocain on my arms.
My left arm is definitely the worst and I am curious if this has to do with driving and the sun on my left arm. Do the right side drivers have this problem on their right arm? This would be nice to know. If so that would tie into the sun’s influence.
Someone asked if this is a “woman” thing. On the Mens Health site there are men as well.
I am brown eyed with brown hair. In my 50’s and was just diagnosed with low thyroid. That may just be more of an age thing than related to this problem. On the Mens site I found references to a possible connection to arthritis in the neck. Also a mention of it relating to a lung infection. All interesting possibilities. Maybe we can all put together the puzzle pieces and figure it out.
For those just starting to find solutions keep remembering ice, lanoaine, calomine and a sleeping aid until you can get the itching under control. I am much better with the Neurontin but still not perfect. At least I am sleeping through the night and that alone is a miracle!
Has anybody tried to eliminate wheat products? I have had itchy arms for 2 years now. I am 2 weeks free of wheat and feeling better, but not cured. I have dark hair, hazel eyes and have a thyroid disorder. Take synthroid daily for the last 10 years. I am 35 yrs. old.Live in FL.
I have an intensely itchy arm. Mine is only my right forearm. It does affect my shoulder area as well, though not as much. I found that ice intensifies it profoundly and have taken to using a hairdryer for the only relief so far. I have Hashimoto’s Disease (no thyroid activity) and also am 45, female, medium hair and eyes. I first experienced this type of itch when pregnant seven years ago. I also found that not scratching, but “petting” (lack of no better word — sorry) helps to “calm” the itch. I do not wake in the might, but am kept awake with my hairdryer. For me, this began again a few weeks ago. Our family is under considerable stress with a job change/cut/huge pay cut, teenagers (that alone can send anyone into a whirlwind of experiences). I believe this is a nerve reaction (stress). I also wonder about the amount of salt and wheat products (hooked on pretzels). I live in Nebraska and also did tanning beds this summer, though not a lot. I use the hair dryer and then Band-Aid anti itch spray. I also pray to the good Lord to take this affliction away. I cannot do anything when in my “itch mode.”
I too have the itchy arms and back neck area with no signs of a rash, but for 29 years now. I have seen all kinds of physicians, to no avail. I was tested several years ago for 40+ allergens and was not allergic to one. I actually was anemic (low iron) for several years, but that problem has been solved. I also have an enlarged thyroid ( for many yrs) , but the specialists can’t seem to find anything wrong. I was diagnosed with Discoid Lupus last year, the Endoncronologist said that the itching might be related to the Lupus. He wanted to put me on Plaquenil (sp?), But the biggest side effect – Itching when our skin is exposed to the sun. – NO THANK YOU! I live in Phoenix – how does he expect me to stay out of the sun!!! I have tried all the lotions (prescription and OTC, and nothing helps. LIke many of you ice has been my only relief for years. I am in my mid 40s female/brn hr, bl eyes and do not know anyone else here that has this problem. I do believe the sun is a big contributor. I begin itching in Apr/May,with the worst in Aug-Nov and stops in Dec. ( when it gets cooler here and I wear long sleeves.) I too do yard work all year round, it’s the worst when I come in from doing the yard in the summer. I also believe ithat if there were some DRS that had this problem, we might have some luck in finding some relief. But for now, I make sure I always have ice close by.
I’m really interested in the amount of people with a thyroid disorder. I wonder if like me the itching started before it was diagnosed. Like so many of you I can’t live without ice blocks to bring some relief. This year, being probably the worst in the 17 years I’ve had this, I’ve found even that hasn’t brought it under control this year. I’m going to make an appointment with an acupuncturist for a consultation and see if that maybe a solution. I’m so gratful to be able to share my thoughts on this sight. Hope you all get some sleep tonight.
Amazing!! Suffering for 29 years!!! I began searching the web for the first time today re:intense itchy arm and there are so many of you afflicted by this same problem! I am 51, brwn hair, bl eyed, fair skin – have had this problem for about 6 months. My left upper arm only, sometimes during day, mostly as soon as I go to bed and in the middle of the night. I live in Vermont and do get sun while gardening in summer only. Do feel itching worse after being in sun but it occurs even with long sleeves. Have a history of being in sun every summer and got more tanned this summer than in past few years. Itching seems to be getting more frequent now and I haven’t been in sun for a month. Why my left arm like so many others? I do not drive with my arm out the window. HAIRBRUSH works for me – take one everywhere I go – keep it under my pillow at night. Scratching only seems to send the itch deeper into my arm & more intense. Brushing it seems to quiet everything down sooner. Have tried benadryl type creams also – not much luck. I too have little scabs starting from the “brushing”. I have been on the anti-depressant nortriptyline (for Migraines brought on by menopause) for 3 years – I imagine this has same sleep effect as amitriptyline. I still wake up in middle of night (3 am last night). I have searched the web today before starting my neurologists/dermatologists/doctors journey hoping to find clues. Seems no one has found an answer yet – ice is the common relief agent. I have been thinking about wheat – may try this next. I am not extremely stressed but do have a teenager so maybe this is a factor!! I am on a mission to solve this mystery so I’ll be back if I have further news….so many questions…got to get back to my research!
I have just recently aquired this itcy arm syndrom. It is as though the itch is coming from underneath the skin not on top of the skin. It keeps me awake at night. It’s probably the most aggrivating thing I’ve ever had! I went to a dermatologist and she said there are two theorys. 1) It’s not just being in the sun now it’s a stacking effect of being in the sun for many years. I grew up in Florida and still live there. 2) It could be nerve damage. That’s why you only itch in your arms or back. The nerve for arms is I think C3 and for your back is T1. She thinks the reason it comes on mostly at night is because you are settling in or resting for the evening and the nerves start firing. She gave me a cream called Zonalon but it hasn’t helped much. I also use Benedryl extra strength spray and that helps a little when combined with Zonalon. I don’t have thyroid or any other conditions to warrant these symptoms. There is a prescription she will be giving me tomorrow. I just pray that it helps. Some sleep would be nice. P.S. ICE is a lifesaver!
I have been suffering for about 5 years and like the others it comes after the summer (I’ve spent the last 5 summers in Spain), there is no rash, creams don’t help, ice or a cold flannel does etc. I definetely think alcohol, especially white wine makes the problem worse! My arms, especially around the elbows are burning like hell, so I’m going to have to get some ice! PS I’m selling the place in Spain!
I can not believe how many of us are suffering with this condition. I have developed this intense itching of my upper arms this last month…and since I can not sleep, I started searching the internet and am amazed how many others are describing the same symptoms I am suffering with. I did go to a doctor the other day and am waiting to hear some results of some blood work he did. In the meantime he gave me a Cortizone shot, Beta-Val cream, and Zyrtec pills. That was Thursday when I had the doctor’s appointment and it is now Sunday. I must say, I feel a bit better….but it is the night time itching that is unbearable. I am taking notes on what everyone else on here is saying and going to go back and show my doctor. BTW, I am a 51 year old female that had dark brown hair (now a blonde because I am totally gray) and brown eyes. I am from Michigan…am in the sun a lot due to golf, watching baseball game (LOTS OF THEM) and drive a convertible. I have always tanned very easily and tend to not use sunscreens as I should. I have had one bout of a small area of skin cancer on my chest. I don’t know what the doctor is checking for, but he took three viles of blood. I will let you know if he discovers anything that may be of help. Thank you for all the helpful ideas on how to get some rest…I, too, am exhausted from the lack of sleep. Best of luck to you all.
Let me join this site as one more who has suffered from itchy arms for about ten years. My arms start itching as soon as it gets warm in the Spring and it is unbearable until late fall, when it subsides to merely annoiying. I hae been to two dermatologists, an allergist, and a couple of internists, No one has a clue. One dermatologist diagnosed it as polymorphic light eruption, s it is much worse in the sun and heat, but later changed the diagnosis to brachial radial pruritus. I, too, have tried every cream both OTC and prescription. Only ice packs help. Has anyone tried progesterone cream?
I have finally found a message center on itchy arm synrome. I TOO HAVE A LOW THYROID. about 6 months after being on synthroid, I started with the itchy arms. It’s been 9 years and I still have itchy arms and have been to neutrologist, alergist, etc.. etc.. etc.. It’s definatel worse in summer months. Ice helps. Been put on various antidepresents and now for about 3 years use a cream called Prudoxin. It does work at least to take the real painful itch away. I too feel as though I could cut off my arms when I’m having an episode of itch. I have ALWAYS thought it has something to do with my low thyroid!!!!!
Oh, another thing I forgot to mention…..I have had SHINGLES four times, but never in this area.
I too have suffered from itchy upper arms for years. I’ve been on every prescripted cream & pill with no relief. Been to several doctors & Cleveland Clinic & they put me on neurotin. It seemed to help at first, but one of the side effects was increased appetite. I was hungary 24/7 and gained 50 lbs in 3 months.I took myself off the neurotin & just used ice. It went away for a few months now its back again. After many sleepless nights again, my hubby saw a show on TV about smoking pot for medicinal purposes ( for cancer & nerve pain). He suggested I try it (I’m 47 & not a pot smoker) so I did & it worked!! As soon as I feel my skin start to crawl I just take a couple tokes & it takes my itchies away!!! I’ve been in the desperate wanna cut my arms off stage & so far from all the drugs I have tried to help myself this is the only thing I’ve found to work.
Hi All
I am just joining you poor people, my left lower forearm has just started itching about 2 months ago, i haven’t yet seen a quack, i’m in my mid 40’s fair hair, blue eyes, some times had itchy back of neck before this problem started, it lasted about 2 weeks then i went to Crete for 2 weeks in intence heat & the itching went away, now i am back in england it’s started again. just the left forearm, no rash, have itched until bleeding, have had thyroid problem for many years, which cause palputations. Does anybody else suffer from palputations ? also damaged nerves in right arm 3 years back. shame it wasn’t the left 1 hey!
I’ve had this “condition” for the last three years. It started with just a few spots, now its both forearms (just the sun side). Ice definitely works. Use it. Lanacane also helps. I too believe that this is a “sun thing”. It could also be related to stress. I’m under lots, but their are plently of people who don’t itch, with more stress. I’m going to have my thyroid checked out. Good luck to all. Cover up and Ice!!!!!!!!!!!!
wow, can’t believe all the people that are suffereing from this…my arm itchs so badly tonight i had to find out if i was the only one. I am a 23 year old female with dark brown hair and hazel eyes. i noticed this itch about 2 months ago, and now it doesn’t seem to go away, it’s always on my left upper part of my arm. it is like short pangs of intense itchiness. thanks so much for everyone sharing there stories. thought i was going crazy. haven’t tried the ice yet…my doctor said it was just dry skin. obviously it’s not.
I too have suffered for 15 + yrs. My left upper arm is the main area, occassionally both arms. I am 43 yrs and also have suffered from shingles as a child. This year seems worse than before, it seems to flair up under stress;wine;chocolate;ice cream and possibly wheat. My grand mother had a Thyroid disorder. Piecing together all the comments from so many people, it appears to have some connection with the nervous system. Any thoughts ??
I can’t believe everyone with itching arms and no one seems to know why???? I have been suffering with this condition for a few years. This problem starts in August and usually ends in about a month. This time it has not ended. It is driving me crazy at night. Both of my arms are affected, but usually not on the same night. I scratch till I bleed. My arms look terrible. I’ve tried many anti-itch cremes, but none work. I have gotton some relief from tea tree oil. Recently, I’ve tried Lamisil. Lamisil gives relief some nights, but sometimes it doesn’t. Benadryl and Tylenol help me to sleep those nights that I itch really bad. I’ve never tried ice, so believe me I will try it. I’m wondering now if it is hormonal. I am a 45 year old woman with brown hair and hazel eyes. I have been to the Dr. for this problem, but it has never helped.
Just getting caught up on the comments here. I also am still amazed at the number of us suffering with this disorder.
Many use ice packs but my best results for immediate relief have been from rubbing an ice cube directly on my arms. This gives me relief for several hours. I am still using Lanocain cream – the strongest one – and that really helps at bedtime. I am also on Neurontin now for about 3 weeks – I take it mainly at night but I am sleeping through the night with minimal itching during the day. It still starts in the evening but the intensity is minimal by comparison. It seems to be getting better each day. Of course that brings the question – is it because the weather is cooling or is it because of the medication? I do still have an area on my left elbow that is extremely sensitive and painful.
As for the sun – I am exposed to California sun from April to October yet I don’t have the problem until August. Also, last March I was in Hawaii for a week and did not have any itching as a result.
As for stress – I have a stressful job. My stress is not at all greater in the late summer/early fall so I do not feel that is a factor. Since quite a few men also have this problem I doubt it is related to hormones. Also the age range is quite wide.
When I have some extra time : ) I would love to write all the comments down and try to find the common factor. As I read all of the new comments I know there is an answer. We just all need to work together to figure it out and get control of the problem.
Wow- so we all feel like we’re going crazy- just cause other people have it doesn’t mean we’re not! Both upper arms itchy for about 7 years. Goes away for months at a time, comes back without my having changed diet, stress level, etc. Started with an intense nerve “zinging” in my left upper arm, almost exactly on my smallpox vaccination scar (from 40 years ago). Small group of small blisters formed, acute for about 10 days. Itched like mad. Blisters disappeared. Zinging continued and kept me awake every night for about 6 months. I believe it was a form of shingles. Itching moved to right arm as well. Since then, have been driven crazy by this for months at a time, although the zinging has pretty much gone away in the last couple of years, now it’s just scratch -your- skin- off itching, mainly at night. Then it disappears for no apparent reason and reappears for no apparent reason. Aggravated by moist heat, coffee, alcohol when the condition is active. When dormant, these things do not cause it to come back. Can find no link to sun, diet(tried eliminating wheat, dairy), stress, had a full blood test done measuring all my organ functions and all is normal. Am Jewish, dark hair and skin, 56 years old. Have tried Lanacane, other topical itch medications, they do not really help, as itching is subcutaneous. Antihistimines have no effect. Ice helps for a short while. Valium seems to help, one at bedtime, which verifies my feeling that it is some form of nerve damage. Am living in Mexico, found a soap at the health food stores here, rattlesnake oil soap, which helps topically more than anything I have tried. Asked a nurse-practitioner I know what he would try- he said MRI of my neck, which would go along with what some of you have said. Like all of you, I have gone to several doctors(“you have scabies”), dermatologists(“here’s a prescription for cortisone cream”), naturopath(spent a lot of $ on things that didn’t help) , homeopath( told me we might have to try a hundred remedies before we found the right one), etc. Where are all the bright young medical students who could research this, do their theses on it? Environmental pollution of some kind? Did aliens experiment on us? See, this lack of sleep and constant itching IS driving me mad. P.S. Glad pot worked for someone, definitely didn’t for me.