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…”
Hi,
I am a 42 year old, very fair with dark hair and green eyes. I have been doing a LOT of heavy lifting of my twin toddlers the last couple of years AND have spent much time outside in the sun at the park. I have been itching on my arms all around my elbows, but mostly the right arm. I was waking up with lots of blood stains on the sheets from scratching. This has been going on for a few months. I went to a new and highly respected dermatologist after another was unable to help me and corticosteroids had made me skin soooo much worse. The new dermatologist diagnosed me with brp right away and suggested capsaicin after my skin healed. Well, I tried it on my left arm which was healed at the time and the itching became so intense I knew it wasn’t for me. The good news is my symptoms are mostly gone now except for occasional itching. I don’t know if the season is a factor (now that it’s Fall). Here’s what I think helps me. I now always cover my arms when I’m outside so there is no more sun on them. I moisturize after a shower with Aveeno unscented lotion. When any itching starts I use Clotrimazole. (someone on this site had suggested it). For some reason this often works. I had tried numerous other products and spent lots of money but to no avail. I never wake up itching anymore. I also went to see my gentle chiropractor who said I was much tighter on the right side. I know we are all different, but I hope I can help someone. Lisa
hello everyone. I don’t think i’ve written since Jan. I want to share with you whats happening with me. I have not had the itch since the first of the year. I have not gone this long without the itch in several years. Back in Jan. i told you i was taking lyrica and ambiem and the dr. in winston salem changed it to lunesta. I took this medicine every night for months. I slept all night long. This may have been my time of the year that i didn’t itch, but i changed my life style also. I have always laid in the sun for hours. I am not exagerating either. I loved to lay in the sun, i was a die-hard fishermen(lady), i worked in my yard all through the summer, wearing a bathing suit top. I also would get in the tanning bed also, in fact, i owned my own tanning bed. Well, this year i stayed out of the sun and the tanning bed. I didn’t wear a bathing suit at all. If i went outside to do my yard work, i waited till late in the day, and always wore sleeves on my arms that covered at least to my elbows. I went on the beach just a few times with my grandchildren, always with something covering my arms. I have not itched all summer. Also, i quit taking the lyrica 2 months ago, but continued to take lunesta at night. It is now Nov 1,2006 and i quit with the lunesta on Oct 29. I am itch free and still sleeping pretty good. I wake up a couple of times but go back to sleep. I want to become drug free. I truly believe the sun is a major factor and the damage may have been done years ago or over a period of years. I will not rule out that neck and cervical damage might also be the culprit because of the nerves located in this area. I have trouble with my neck but have not been treated for it. I diagnosed myself, contributing the pain to arthritis. I also believe if you go to the Dr. and get lyrica for the nerve damage(this is called a wonder drug and i believe it is) and get lunesta or ambiem to help you sleep at night, avoid the sun and cover your arms you will see a difference. I will continue to follow this site and if i have any changes will let you know. I wish all of you a better quality of life and each night of sweet dreams.
Deborah:
Your story sounds very similar to mine. I also was a SUN worshiper. Can’t remember when I didn’t have a tan. It was either the sun or the taning beds. I have stayed out of the sun since last year and I have been 98% better. I also take a sleeping aide at bedtime, but didn’t have to go on lyrica. I was ready, but staying out of the sun entirely was my salvation.
It was hard to rid myself of the addiction of tanning, but it was well worth it. I had never wanted to admit that the sun might have played a part in this affliction, but it did. I hate my white skin, but nothing is as bad as the itching and sleepless nights for year that I experienced.
In all that I have read there are two schools of thought on this and they are nerve damage from C5 to C7 (or compressed nerves) and damage to the nerves from the sun. Whatever, staying out of the sun works for me and wish it would for everyone.
I am not saying I will never experience the symptoms again, but for now I only have rare occassions of itching for short periods.
If it returns I will definately try Lyrica.
I wonder how the thalidomide is working for sb.
Would love to hear from her.
Good luck all, I’ll be taking part in the questioneer tomorrow.
Hello to all fellow arm scratchers
As I have posted on before I won,t bore you with all my aches and pains again, however this year (out of the past 8yrs) has been very bad for my itchy arms, so I have gone from one doctor to another and spent a fortune on tablets, creams, physio and special neck pillow. Anyway last week I saw one a pain specialist Dr at my local hospital and she issued me with an Electronic Nerve Modulation (ENM) machine. I had it initially for my neck and shoulder pain, however I since using the machine I have not had any itching, I am hoping that it is the machine and not just a fluke, as I usually have at least one episode of severe itching a day. I will keep you informed of my progress with the machine. Here is the web site address for ENM machine http://www.remediuk.com/index.html.
Felow sufferer
Jenny
sorry about lack of contact. coming up today on one month on thalidomide. still having some itching. also having some side effects – being sleepy, irritable, and constipated. of course, two of those were already in effect from never sleeping because of the itching, so i certainly can’t complain. i am worried this won’t cure the itching, but i am going to continue this pursuit in hopes that by some wonderful turn of events, it does. so far, still have to wear strapless bras, no tags in clothing, can’t carry heavy objects, etc. ugh. it is getting colder so symptoms are nothing like they were even a month ago…medication or season? next year will be the true test…
What a nice site. I have suffered through 3 yrs. of arm itching. I have gone to 4 Doctors about this and been blown off by all of them. I got more information from this site (free) than any other place. I too get relief from ice. I am a golfer and have been in the sun many years. I do agree sun is the culprit. But am still looking for answers, to relieve the itch
anyone else notice that the area that itches and/or neck, shoulders, even sometimes face get more red during an itching episode?
I know that almost everyone has written that it is such a relief to find this site – BUT ITS TRUE!!! Both my mother (60yrs) and I (26yrs) suffer from itching of the upper arms and sometimes for me it travels to the skin around my scapula, but always staying above the elbow and mostly affecting me at night (although now that the weather is heating up I now find it gets me at any time of the day). I have tried all sorts of creams and treatment options (acupuncture, naturopath etc) but no one has heard of this condition. I am also due (tomorrow) to have my first baby and was tested for bile acid levels (liver function) because of the symptoms but nothing came up in those tests either. I have found that sleeping with a wet face washer on the arms has helped me to finally be able to drift off to sleep, and ice applied at any time helps too…but i am very reluctant to take anything internally. I live in Australia and after reading posts on this site now believe that the sun must play a huge role in this condition. Here in Qld in summer we run around with our arms bare and now that i think of it – the arm that gets more sun exposure during the day, tends to be the arm that itches the most. Thanks to all who have written, as it is a blessing to know that i am not the only person who suffers this horrible and annoying condition.
hi i have been suffering with this upper arm itch for about two years. been to the doctor for various tests but nothing was found. want to say found this website and read all youre stories one in paticular has helped me by using vicks vapor rub. now i can sleep all night its wonderful. thank you so much. i hope you will all try this and i hope it also works for you. would love to here from anyone if this has helped you. katrina brown hair green eyes.
I’m reading and learning and getting lots of tips, even though I haven’t contributed lately. I’m still itchy occasionally, however, with the ice gel and ice packs and Aveeno after a bath, it isn’t too out of hand. Heat and certain clothing seems to be the culprits, but I’m not ruling out my stiff neck and weak back. Thanks for this site as it is a life saver.
Hi..haven’t written in a while, I guess that is because I have quit itching for the “season”. I am so happy, Katrina, that the Vicks works for you. Actually, I thought of using it on my arms after reasing the newspaper column by Dr. Gott who has many readers who share their medical situations. Fortunately, Dr. Gott does not appear to be a slave to the pharmaceutical industry and will publish such remedies. He has passed on other uses for the Vicks, and I had nothing to loose by trying it on my arms. It is a little smelly, but better than itching. For me, it helped break that itch cycle. For me, this itching is a seasonal matter, having not had any cervical/back/spine injuries that I am aware of. However, I did have a “spinal” two times for c-sections. Anyways, glad I could help and share my experience. The survey sounds interesting. Also, I wonder if anyone has had shingles?? This site has been great support.
Hi Stephanie, thank you for the survey, I will fill it out and email it to you over the next couple f days to a week.
Susan LeBlanc
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
I was with a group of people today who have kidney disease and they get the arm itch when toxins build up in their blood. It gets worse in the sun. They get relief by putting ice on the pulse points at the neck and wrist and say that, as soon as the blood cools down, the itch goes away. It is interesting about toxins though because it is apparent that not all the itch is caused by spine problems.
stephanie, is the survey complete???? I’m waiting to hear, sorry if you have told me. I can put it online for us all, then just post a link… much easier than mailing around to everyone…!
Hi everyone, JoAnn here, I have been on this site since 2005, I too am thankful i have met all you nice people!!!!My itch seems to be getting better, although my ice packs for each arm is right by my side in case their needed. I really do not know what causes this itch thing, could be a combination of everything. If it is the sun, if we kept sunscreen on, could that help, wish i knew!!!!Can hardly wait to wear somthing on my arms, without it really feeling awful!!!I think i am going to take fewer showers, baths are suppose to help with dry skin…I will close for now, sleep softly…God bless..JoAnn
Oh My Goodness! I can’t believe ALL these people are saying the same things about their arms as I am. 4 yrs I have suffered with upper and mid arm itch jumping back and forth from righyt to left arm and back again. Starts in Sept and last through until around Feb. That is just plain weird. No rash, bumps by morning if I scratch (and I do). Took an oatmeal bath tonight to no avail. NO creams work. Dermatologist was of NO help. ICE packs, yep, the only source of soothing. What else?? HELP… What can be done. Always at night, wrecks my sleep. Tingling itch, feels like from the inside out…
Used Vicks last night. It works pretty good!
Tonight I got online to see if I could find some of the lotion I have been using for the past two years. It has been discontinued. It was two years ago that I started with this itchy arm syndrome. I am awestruck as to how many other people are afflicted with the same annoying problem. During that time that it started, Nov. of 2004, I was under a great deal of stress. It is also my very busy season at work as a hairstylist. I was traveling a lot as well as doing a total make-over on my home. That along with Christmas shopping, parties etc. just put me over the edge. I went to the dermo thinking it was an allergy (I have sensitive skin). When he said it was nerves I wasn’t too surprised. However, he did allergy testing and said the only thing I was allergic to was the tape he used. I went online and found a great lotion that worked up until now – and I can no longer get it. It was recommended that I try something with Lidocaine in it. Haven’t decided which one yet, as I have also spent a fortune on creams and lotions recommended. I do know that I have degenerative disc problems as well as thyroid. I live on the West coast and am in the sun boogie boarding from Spring till now. I have auburn hair and green eyes and am 51. I have changed to a flat down pillow and I too use a hair brush for intense sessions. I am bothered when I snuggle next to my husband to watch a movie in bed and I am sure he is running out of patience with my constant itching, tho he doesn’t complain. I itch more on my right upper arm esp. on my inside shoulder. I feel that my itching is esp. related to nerve damage or pinching from my neck or back. However, there is a different itch or burning that I will experience from time to time that seems unrelated. I also wear a brace at work for tennis elbow and I get intense itching deep in my right elbow.Let’s face it – that itching, burning feeling is bad no matter what the cause. Benedryl did nothing. Sometimes I will take 3 Advil to sleep. Eucerin came out with a “calming” creme that helps some. My itching left me for about 6 months but has returned in the fall. Thank you to all of you sharing your experiences. This is surely a help to all of us.
Hi everyone.I feel like I know you all as I have been monitering this site for a bit.I am a fellow sufferer of this confounding malady and figure its time I throw my stats into the mix.Im male 36,live in Canada,a firefighter by profession,am blond haired hazel eyed.My only known allergy is ragweed,no thyroid problem that I know of.I have had some back issues in the past.As expected my GP raised his eyebrows and has never heard of bracialradial pruritis I guess I will start my own course of action.If I come up with anything you will be the first to know as I am now another soldier in this battle.Good luck to you all.
Thanks to all and thanks to whoever started this site!
I’m a massage therapist and have been itching in my upper arms for years now…menthol seems to really help the best. Back in the day it was Tiger Balm (which I still apply now if I get an attack!). Aloe would help too–These two would enable me to sleep–always worse in the summer–syptoms tended to leave in the Winter months as per 90% of you all reported.
I’ve also been diagnosed with hypo thyroid…and have been taking Kelp tablets for that (and just ordered some Edgar Cayce special Iodine formula for that) Will supplement by a stronger RX from Dr.
…sometimes SARNA works; sometimes the new Aveeno with menthol helps…it depends–If I unconciously itch my shoulders DURING THE NIGHT while sleeping–it’s all over…I’m up and usually with the little icky soars (very minimal eruptions) which last for a day or two then dissapear). Comes and goes comes and goes…
Tonight I took a very “hair of the dog that bit you” approach and “Dry brushed” (hard core brush for exfoliating skin and cleaning lymph from West coast) my deltoids and upper arms (“Both Sides (itch) Now” to quote Joanie Mitchel) to see what THAT effect would be–WHOA-SUPER ITCH IMMEDIATELY! Hmmm so much for homeopathy…
The cervical connection sounds like it might be a real solution…chronic arthritis in my neck and spine here though very athletic and work out like a demon…am 52, HIV negative, very good health other than damn itching…
We (in NYC here) are going through a bedbug infestation (so much for Globilization) so of course I thought they MAY be part of the problem or scabies–but I’m just being neurotic. This condition is so so old…I think it’s a nerve-related thing…thanks to all for your feedback. I empathize will all of you…
I think “cooling” off the skin is a big solution here to…the way folks have lauded about the ice. And when I was in Amsterdam last summer they have a product that was almost all Menthol gel–I would put that on and VIOLA-itch was gone! (Then would return _ like death and taxes ; (…unfortunately NOT in Amsterdam any more! This produce was called “Mentho 10-Mentholgel” and it worked like a charm. I would draw the conclusion that when the temperature of the skin is reduced–somehow the nerves stop firing…be it ice, menthol, etc. Interesting…
I have a tiny bit of get left. Will shop internet see if I can order on-line. Also there was a really really STRONG menthol based (other chemicals too?) product that one of the gyms I work at gave out for free (a sample) Called “Biofreeze” which (yes–is for muscle/joint ache) but I’ll bet you could apply that and see a major reduction in itch symptoms too).
Reminds me of when I went to this really arrogant SOB dermatologist (and–sorry–his name was “Dr. Dick”–on the Upper Eastside of Manhattan) years ago. He took a 3 minute look and said “You have chronic itch–there’s nothing I can do) then charged me $200. Yada yada…
Ya gotta love the internet…I’m off into the night to buy some Vicks Vapo Rub and baking soda too…I hate taking any kind of drugs unless absolutely necessary…
So Good luck to all…
Moderators–feel free to email me that little form your talking…
love you all
Meet you in MENTHOL HEAVEN : )…..
StevenO
Success, at least one night. Last night I slept with a travel pillow under my neck. As soon as I placed my head down the itching stopped. You can get these pillows in airports or on line. I bought mine from a company called wolf manufacturing. I hope this continues to work. Figured I would share!
I found this site about a year ago and have posted a few times, not for awhile. Have had this condition for 8 years. Tried all the creams, diet changes, vitamins, etc. Finally broke down last month (I am not a pill taker) and got some Neurontin. IT WORKS! At least for me. 300 mg. about an hour before bed, that´s all I seem to need. It worked the first night I took it. I haven´t needed to take it every night. I wake up a bit groggy, but not as bad as when I was up scratching all night! Also FYI I asked a friend of mine, a nurse- practitioner, to decipher the technical language in Wallengrens study about a year ago. He said for starters it is a flawed study, in that there were not enough test subjects. And that just because she saw similar changes in the skin as cbserved in UV overexposure, it does not then follow that it is CAUSED by UV exposure. I.e. if your face is red from chugging a fifth of whiskey, it doesn´t mean you´ve had too much sun. I believe in the neck connection, as I work at a sewing machine and my neck and shoulders are always stiff. But the sun exposure does not appear to correlate at all to my episodes of itching. Some of us obviously have different triggers for this. Mine are coffee(but not tea) fatigue (but not stress), and hot humidity. I believe we have nerve damage(which could be caused by various things) and that there are different elliciting factors, depending on our individual physiology. Or, as I mentioned in one of my earlier postings, we were all experimented on by aliens, they start pushing buttons back on their home planet in Sept and observe us til Xmas, then turn us off. This explains the seasonal nature of the affliction. Haha.
Sarah, re: the neck, I have been a public transportation commuter for about 15 years. Many of those years were spent on the train which has horrible seats. Basically twice a day (going into work and coming home) I would fall asleep and my head would flop to the side or to the front and jerk. Over and over again, every day. That is how I figure I messed up my neck. I also have a lousy posture and my head is a little on the large side. The travel pillow seems to be working for me now, so I am sleeping 100 times better. I hope it continues to work because everything else I have had success with has been temporary. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience. This forum has saved me because I NEVER would have thought of the pillow or realized that this was a neck issue if it was not for these great people!
Hi Sarah and John… and all you other fellow travelers.
Cate here from Austalia again……. I wrote a month or so ago recommending a chiroprator as each time I go, maybe one to three visits the itching goes… or is at least manageable one a week or so… I have had relief for the past month now… due to my neck being seen to by the chiropractor. I have after your suggestion started using a smaller firmer pillow thanks John it does help… I actually don’t think I have a neck ‘problem’ as such, but if I think of what I’ve done to my neck over the years from sleeping on my tummy, age and a slouchy posture etc…. it all works toward this thing…
As I said before…Just thought I would let you all know that I have not iched for a month now and I live in the northwest of Australia… today’s temp was 43c or 114f its been like that for a month now and I get out in it every day…. it is not affecting my itching..????? I was wondering if the correlation between the weather only impacts the itching if I am having a itching bought??? and if I’m free of itch the weather is not an issue????
Anyway…. good to read all your posts everyone…. hang in there…. and get ya neck done if ya desparate.. 🙂
hello all — just updating you as promised. still on thalomide…had to stop for 5 days because of a mix up from the company. they are very strict about giving this stuff out (understandably) but it really made me have to start all over again to miss 5 days. the worst side effect is not the drowsiness, but the constipation! this was never a problem before. i eat LOTS of fiber every day, fairly healthy, but now i have to take laxatives daily to assist at all. other than that, i still have itching episodes, even though it is getting colder here, but nothing like this late summer was (every day, misery!) still can’t wear a bra or any tags in the back of clothing. wore a coat the other day made of wool and it started a hell of an itch on my neck. anything that would usually slightly irritate starts an attack if it touches my neck, back, or shoulders. still hoping my last resort medication route works….or that we find the fountain of ice packs somewhere…
I’ve been dealing with the “itchy forearms” since having my first baby 18 years ago. Insane! I had PUPPPs with that pregnancy and I guess the itchy arms decided to stick around. The only medicine I have found to work is a $3.00 box of sinus & allergy medicine from Walmart. It is their “Equate” brand Suphedrine PE sinus & allergy. The active ingredients are Chlorpheniramine Maleate 4 mg and Phenylephrine HCI 10 mg. For some reason this is the only combination that will work. Either separately won’t get the job done. Of course, there is the every faithful ice! One tablet will work within 10 minutes. I NEVER leave home without them! More valuable than gold!
I LIVE IN ENGLAND AND HAVE HAD ITCHY ARMS FOR 10YRS OR MORE I SOMETIMES FEEL I WOULD RATHER BE DEAD THAN PUT UP WITH THE ITCHING I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING FROM PILLS TO AQUEOUS CREAM WITH MENTHOL BUT NOTHING WORKS ANY MORE…. APART FROM 2 FRIENDS WHO SUFFER WITH IT I AM SURE EVERYONE INCLUDING MY DOCTOR THINK IT A HABIT MY SCRATCHING THAT IS… ITS GOOD TO KNOW I AM NOT ALONE BUT HEY COME ON SOME ONE WE NEED SOME ANSWERS..ALL THE BEST TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU XXX
I had severe itching on hands, forearms and shoulders that drove me crazy for months – the skin on my wrists was thickened and had sores all over my arms and hands. The itch was unbearable. I saw Doctor after Doctor, and was diagnosed, finally, after a punch biopsy was done, as having a condition called prurigo nodularis(itchy lumps – no kidding!. I was told there was no known cure, prescribed skin creams to help with the symptoms and told to learn to live with it. Well I couldn’t. I wanted to get to the source. Research on the internet turned up medical research papers siting instances where helicobacter pylori, the bacteria responsible for stomach ulcers, was associated with prurigo nodularis. I asked to be tested for the bacteria, was found positive, and asked for a course of treatment. I was prescibed a 2 week course of 3 antibiotics (a pac put together to treat this nasty bacteria) and it worked. The lesions healed the itching stopped. I was told by my dermatologist that this was unusual, and maybe so, but just in case it can help anyone else out there, thought I would pass it along. I live in Manitoba, Canada, where temperatures go from +35c in the summer to -40c in the winter, but weather didn’t seem to matter. This was all going on inside. Good luck to anyone who is afflicted this way. It surely is a nerve wracking condition.
Further to my posting of a few days ago. I have had a thought for years that this is actually a nerve VIRUS, or the nerve damage caused by a virus. As we know, viruses are mutating at a rapid rate, so just because no such thing exists in medical literature, or most doctors say it doesn´t, doesn´t mean it does not exist. I am thinking a virus related to the Herpes family. As with a cold sore, the tingling pinpoint before an outbreak, the seasonal nature, does this make sense to anyone? Interesting the postings from Mark re his developing the itch after a bout with parvovirus. I believe mine showed up after an self-diagnosed case of shingles. Note to Camille: glad you got relief from the antibiotics, but what you describe is not what most of the people on this site are suffering from. No thickened skin, no lesions. Same to those who get relief from antihistamines, this is not an allergic condition and antihistamines do not work for the majority of us. There are many causes for itching.
I am so glad I am not on my own with this as up to now anyone I have spoken to, even doctors, don’t seem to realise how disrupting to your life it is. I have suffered with itchy arms, shoulders, neck and upper back now for over 2 years. As most of you will probably understand it is a nightmare. The itching is mainly at night and despite several trips to the dermatoligist nothing seems to work. I am taking the drug amitriptyline 175mg per night and it really isn’t giving me much relief. Ice works seems to work for me too. I am convinced that the cause is nerve damage and that it was triggered by the sun, however my symptoms are not seasonal they are all year round. When in the sun I wear 50+ SPF and try to cover up. My skin also goes red and very hot sometimes. There is nothing to show on my skin for this except where I have scratched until I bleed. I also get a reaction sometimes with alcohol so I find it better not to drink at all. Everyone who doesn’t have this thinks it is so easy to stop itching but as most of you have said when it is bad you feel like ripping your skin off as it is relentless. I am going to try some of the tips I have read here, so fingers crossed. I am thinking also of trying acupuncture, has anyone had any results from that? I will see how they go but if they don’t do any good I may see a chiropractor as many of you have mentioned.
Tracey from England – I have had good results using acupuncture. The trick is, you have to have treatments about 3 days a week to start out with, then go to 2, then one. At first it is kind of overwhelming, but it works best to “hit it hard”. Now I go about 1 to 2 times per month, depending on my itching. For the most part I don’t itch anymore, but if I have to sit at my computer for several days to complete a project, then I know I’ll have to have acupuncture done once or twice to get the itching under control. Also, I have to go regularly during the summer months because of the sun exposure. I notice an increase in itching when I drink achohol and also when I eat chocolate/sugar. That doesn’t stop me from indulging in them though! LOL Bottom line, the acupuncture keeps me itch free and it’s a drug free choice which I am glad about. I recommend it.
Tracey, When you lie down, it puts pressure on the nerves in the damaged part of your spine and the itch starts up. It seems worse with more than one pillow. Acupuncture somehow fixes these pressure points. Kathy K is spot on.
HEY EVERYBODY,
THE QUESTIONNAIRE IS READY AND MARK IS RIGHT NOW WORKING ON MAKING IT FUNCTION PROPERLY. WE’LL LET YOU KNOW WHEN IT’S READY TO FILL IN AND WHERE TO FIND IT.
🙂 HAVE A NICE ITCH-FREE NIGHT EVERYONE!
MARI ANNE
Thanks for the replies. I will certainly research the acupuncture thing and see if it will work for me. I feel so much better knowing other people know what it is like. I am also going to try and convince my doctor to refer me for a scan on my neck. Will let you know if I get any results.
I just found this site, and got validated about my itchy upper arm. I want to give it a name, and my dermotologist asked me if I have a herniated disc. I told him that I didn’t think so, and then he said that this condition could be caused by another condition that you may not realize you have. I have an appointment with an internist this week to check things out. I will say that derm Doc said Stress also, but I got that covered with a great little Happy pill that I needed for imbalance of serotonin and neurepinephrine. So I doubt it is stress related. It def flares up during the day with more intensity than usual, but I haven’t started to journal the “before the itch” condition. It hits, and I lose my mind, so to speak, in scratching until the area is so red that it hurts. The next day it’s black and blue. I know it’s real, and notin my head…it’s insatiable at times. The cream prescribed FLUOCINONIDE doesn’t work. Nor does Aveeno, skin relief with cooling Menthol. Nothing helps, so far. My upper arm started over this summer, in August 06. My lower arm used to be the target during the winter months in other years. Now it’s the upper arm only (right side) But this is the worst ever, because it hurts after a certain point.
I too am amazed to find so many with the same problem. I am male, red hair and fair skinned mid 40’s. Same time of year (fall early winter)…nights the worse, etc. The only relief I have found is opening the window hear my bed alittle…maybe I’m too warm or something, but it seems like fresh outside air makes a big difference. I have woke up in the middle of the night itching, opened the window a little, and went back to sleep and slept the night itch free.
I am so glad to have found this site. It has validated my years of itching with no name given to the problem and a poo-poo from doctors. I finally took the printed web site of brachialradial pruitis (sp) and took it to my healthcare professional with some results. She realized how out of control this had become, prescribed some neurontin, and had a MRI done on my neck and has sent me to a neuologist tomorrow. I will keep you all updated, but the neurontin has certainly helped, but I had to up the dosage from 300mg. to 600mg. at night. (I AM a 119 lb. 61 yr. old, 5’3″ female) I was about to go crazy with this itching/scratching, and it had gotten to the point where I was even doing it during the day. It makes you miserable!!! I have been to every kind of doctor imaginable, tried everything to alleviate the problem. This has been going on with me for YEARS and just as quickly as it comes, it goes. HELP!!
I don’t know about all the rest of you folks but it makes me so crazy and distressed that I want to literally cry. It is so frustrating. The only sanity in it all is knowing there are hundreds that suffer in the same way. I, too have only found ice packs truly work. I have used Capasin but one has to be extremely careful not to rub one’s eye after using this. OUCH! Problems compounded. And muscle rub works briefly but seems to be drying, adding insult to injury. My itch problem comes on in the fall and lasts into early to mid winter like so many others. Also, it is predominantly bad from about 4 p.m. on (though there have been days that it bugs me all day). It seems that coffee, alcohol and sweets aggravate it (drag…I love coffe and chocolate) Any chance it is a liver enzyme problem? but then why would it occur strictly in the fall/winter? Hmmmmm…I have to wear short sleeved shirts and a vest to stay warm since long sleeves only irritate and bring it on. I am 51 blonde, blue eyed and fair skinned. And have skin cancer in my family history. Also, have found that dermatologists don’t know……. anyway, thank-you for your site. It is a comfort that we aren’t nuts!
I have been following the posts all year. Sometimes I am afraid reading them will bring back my itch! Last year was the worst of about a 10 year run. I ended up taking Neurontin for about 2 months. It helped me tremendously. Since January 2006 I have not had any INTENSE itching. After a hot bath earlier this month I had an area on my lower right arm develop a deep itch. It still comes and goes but nothing like the shoulder to finger itching I have had in the past. I keep hoping maybe it is a virus that has run its course? The neck connection is of great interest. I have not been to a chiropractor or had a deep massage all year. Maybe leaving well enough alone is better than manipulation of the neck area? Nothing else in my lifestyle has changed.
I am going to Hawaii next week for 10 days and will see how the sun/warm weather affects me.
I also have upper arm itch on both arms, I have scratched so much, it is bruised, I have been to the dermatologist no help other than sterioids 2 times. I get off the steroids it comes right, back can’t stay on them forever. Thought it had something to do with the inside of my house, I have used every kind of allergy relief cleaners, air filters, soaps, laudry detergent you can think of..not the answer. This is controlling my life, I do not sleep at night because of the painful itching. It feels as if someone is poking me quickly with a pin. You scratch, then a tiny bump comes up, this goes off and, on all day, then when I lay down at night, I suffer, I cry because I know when I lay down what is going to happen. I freeze my arms where they itch, winter time is really horrible. This is going to sound bad, but, I have used everything under my kitchen sink, be it toxic or not, gasoline, hydrogen peroxide, fingernail polish, soft scrub, clorox, lighter fluid, I am so desperate I am going to use the dogs anti itch cream later. I also watch what I eat. I am also thinking since it is on both arms in the same place on both sides, pinched nerves, irritated nerve ending? I run around and, sleep in a tank top, arms always uncovered because of the irritation. I am exhausted, I have also went to my M.D. they just give me a bunch of sample lotions/crams that does not faze it.
Judy, try Neurontin. Demand that your doctor prescribe it so you can at least give it a chance and hopefully get some relief. Basically no cream or lotion or anything topical works for this condition, so stop wasting your money on it. Take the time to read thru all the postings here. Good luck.
Like Martha I feel like crying nearly every night when the itching gets to it’s worst. It’s one of those things that you know is going to come around every night and you somehow have to get through it without going mad! At the moment I am trying to reduce the medication so I can see if acupuncture will work. It’s a nightmare in winter when you can only wear short or baggy sleeves as long ones aggravate the itching.
my arms itch and tops of hands. please let me know.mine is only in the fall/winter.
I learned that, when I lie down, it puts pressure on the damaged part of my spine. Sometimes just changing position can ease the itch off. Also a flatter pillow was best for me. However!!!!!, the acupuncture seems now to be holding it with just an occasional treatment and I can lie however I like!!!! I had ten treatments on my upper spine over about six months – at first once a week for five weeks. I have just had my first treatment in three months. Cut down on over-processed food, drink water – I won’t buy water, eat and drink everything else you like, take your vitamins, try acupuncture and see how you go.
I’ve been reading this site for a couple of weeks now, amazing, I thought it was something that just some of my siblings and myself have. Yes, I come from a large family and there are about 5 of us with similar complaints exactly what everyone is talking about, now my daughter is getting it too, I’ve had it for about 18yrs off and on, also through Aug – Nov. I’ve tried every kind of sauves. I finally went to my dermatlogist and she prescribed some sauve for me and told me to go and ask my m.d. for a prescription of amptriptelyne (spelling??) The sauve helps a little but the amptriptelyne is working wonders, no more itch and only on my 6th day taking it. I’m on a very low dose, and m.d. told me to conitunue taking this if I can stay on low dose. Dermatologist said what is was is nerve endings very close to surface of skin and couldn’t give me a reason why this acts up it just does and there is no cure, only items that will calm it down. Now it is almost December so maybe thats why its gone, but I’ll no for sure next year August if I don’t have it i’ll know the Amtitriptelyne worked. I hope this helps a little for all the sufferers out there, good luck
Amitriptelyne is a powerful anti-depressant which is used in many different sorts of mental disorders but also for the relief of nerve pain.
There are instances where it should not be taken and also drugs it should not be taken with.
You can find out everything you need to know by Googling the name of the drug +contra-indications
i’ve been reading all of these posts about itching arms and i was somehow overwhelmed with all of us suffering from this. although mine i think is a slightly different case. i do suffer from itching A LOT especially at night as well, but it’s mainly because of a very very disturbing skin disease called prurigo nodularis. im really having a hard time sleeping coz i also feel my skin so sore and dry from scratching. but i do use cold pressed evening primrose oil to soften the skin. it makes the skin a little warmer (which my homeopathic doctor said it’s good to make all the heat come out) i wonder if all your itching problem come from a certain bump on the skin that just worsened by itching or is it just the skin?
im itchin now readin al that
Attention Rose: Just wondering if you are in the medical field? After suffering with this for 18 years I don’t really care what this drug is as long as it helps, as I said I’m on a very low dose. I’m not stating that people have to go on this, this works for me and I will continue to use it.
Attention Rose: I’m just wondering if you have a medical background? I have had this for 18years and if amitriptelyne works for me,I’m going to continue using it, as I said I’m on a low dosage, I’m not saying this for everyone. I have tried everything under the sun, so I am at the end of my rope, and happy to find this is working