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…”
Attn Paul, I honestly do not believe changing soaps or anything will help. It is inside your system coming out thats why its itchy, you can can get ointment to relief the itch but it won’t cure it. But thats where unfortunately I certainly don’t no the cure either, wish I did. My dermatoligest said the nerve endings are very close to the skin causing them to get itchy and what also will help is drugs to relief itch, if you want to resort to that, but that too will not cure it. I am past the itch stage for now, till next fall. Just the odd little episode and most of the time than its in the neck. Hope this helps
Attn: MT – Thanks for your input. I do allay the itching with drugs, but the worst time that it hits is when I am about to go to sleep. Also, this is an all-year thing with me, at least for about the last 9 months. I take Fexofenedine (gen for Allegra) at night and also Hydroxyzine if needed.
After the hit which occurs after the shower in the morning, the itching goes away and I really do not have the problem until I am ready to hit the sack. I also started to believe that it was psychosomatic and that my brain was playing me around, but after reading everyone’s complaints, I believe that my mind is sound and agree with you that it’s coming up from within and not from any external source. So why bother going to an allergist which is what my Dermo wants me to do?
But that means that there is a physical deficiency, perhaps a chemical which prevents this itching, which, over time, has reduced in volume in the body. Or, as you said, it’s in the system…somewhere. I’ve noticed that most of you are not old timers.
I’ve got a feeling that my GP is thinking that its part of aging. That’s nice…not a good thing for the last 20-25 years of life.
I’m, however, going to call the Allergist’s office tomorrow and make an appointment. It’ll be interesting to ask him to read these comments of everyone here and see what the guy says. I already know. (Hey, I’m the guy with experience and your comments are anecdotal.)
I agree Paul, about showing it to any doctor, I tried, she said no thanks. Someday I hope she gets itchy
1. I think the itch gets worse sometimes when going to bed because it puts pressure on the damaged spine area. Try change position, do gentle arm rotations. Some arm chairs will have the same effect. You can also try a Panadol with a full glass of water half an hour before going to bed. It seems to have an effect on the spine even if it is not sore.
2. If you itch after exercise, after sweating, etc., it could be dehydration. Pump up the fluids, on waking, before going to bed and during the day. Plain water seems to work best, probably because it is simple with nothing in it.
3. Accupuncture and chiropractic on the spine seem to help.
4. Sweet things like chocolate, honey, jam, etc. can kick it off, especially if the fluids are down a bit or if there is even mild constipation. If the plumbing is working OK, sweet foods don’t make much difference.
3.
OK, so I made an appointment with the Allergist today like my Dermo and GP want. I told the receptionist that I was only doing this because I was told to like a good boy and that I thought this Allergist had one chance in a million to deliver me from this thing.
She said, “Oh, he’s very good”. “Yeah, uh-huh” said I.
I tried taking a great deal of water in today. Anytime I was near a faucet I grabbed a glass and filled myself, and to be honest, I see a glimmer of salvation. It’s 11:25 P.M. and as yet there doesn’t seem to be any beginning sensations of itch on the upper forearms and arms even though I have taken as I usually do a Fexofenadine. Of course, I can’t drink water while I sleep.
Decided to stop all intake of chocolate today. I am and always have been a chocolate junky.
By the way, if one is new to Fexofenadine, and you have a choice of answering a phone first or grabbing the nearest toilet seat, pray, do the latter. You can really save some time out of your day. I am going to do some shoulder excercises before hitting the sack tonight which include some shoulder rolls. Testing, 1, 2, 3. Perhaps the chemical deficiency of the body is merely water. Judith mentioned it above.
I shall drink volumes of water during the next few days and see if it gets me anywhere. The Allergist’s office said that I should not take any antihistimines for 5 days before the appointment. I almost laughed at the receptionist on the phone.
WOW! When I first started looking for answers for MY insanely intense itching a few months ago, I found nothing…and now, I am finding more and more…
I’m 34, fair complexion, blonde with hazel eyes. I’ve been dealing with this itching for over a year…and told my primary doctor about it, he sent me to a dermatologist. She said it was probably cervical nerve impingement syndrome, and then my primary doc sent me to an orthopedic doc (which I went to this morning)…and I had my doubts that he’d have an answer anyway.
I already take prednisone for ITP (idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura – an autoimmune disorder where your body kills platelets) so we always knew the itch was not allergic…and since it’s localized (mostly upper left arm…but now both upper arms, never equal in intensity at the same time)…
I had tried everything! Vinegar, lanacane, Gold Bond, you NAME IT! (sometimes I think ACID would feel better) The only thing that gives SOME relief is a lotion called SARNA…
ANYWAY…orthopedic doc doesn’t sound like he thinks he should be involved. I showed him info on brachioradial pruritis, and he has never heard of it! He said to me that it’s probably something autoimmune since I have an autoimmune disorder…I KNOW he’s wrong (thyroid is fine).
GOing to a chiropractor tonight also…and will NOT be picking up the LYRICA prescription this idiot gave me….
I am SO GLAD I’M NOT ALONE!!!!!
Paul, thanks for sharing. It sounds like you have years of sun damage that might have damaged the nerve endings. Also, with your weight lifting, you could have damaged nerve endings. I know I didn’t start itching until after almost 2 years of intensive weight training every day (but with only 2 pound weights!!)That’s one of the causes of BRP, which is what I’m assuming a lot of us have. (Or at least I do)
I too find that showers trigger attacks. Try a bath instead, keeping the areas that itch the most away from the tickle of the shower water. When you do wash your skin, use lukewarm water (hot is awful for the itchies!) and try a natural body shampoo, NOT SOAP. Something without any perfumes. No, surface things aren’t supposed to affect this condition, but I have found in my own experience although fragrances don’t CAUSE the itching, because my nerve endings are hyper sensitive, almost any fragrance, tickling, straps from bras, or friction on the area will trigger an attack. Even though salves and creams don’t seem to help it at all (in fact make it worse), other things on the surface seem to make it worse. Try a Whole Foods or Wild Oats market and get FRAGRANCE FREE body wash, such as the new line from Jason or the like. California Baby also makes a fragrance free shampoo you can use on your hair and body.
Don’t get unscented. Unscented products are still full of additives to make them not smell.
It’s worth a try to help you with the bath time itchies…
Also, fragrance free shampoo and conditioner. When you wash your hair, those do drip and migrate to the itchy areas, so it’s best to stick with all fragrance free stuff.
Can’t hurt…
Another tip that was given to me (above post s.b.)is soaking in a bath with epson’s salts. First time you use it, it might actually feel worse, because its suppose to draw out toxins, so repeat a couple of times a week. It seem to work a little for me, but I hate sitting in a bathtub, I’m a shower person
Trish, if you got an rx for Lyrica you might want to try it. If indeed this malady is nerve-damage-related, it may help. Lyrica helps people with diabetes who have severe nerve pain, usually in their feet. Nerve pain is nerve pain. I have been using doxepin oral (now 50mg at night, and is also for nerve pain) for my itch, with about 75-80% improvement. I still have a way to go to up the dosage before I hit ‘too much’, so I am encouraged. I asked for Lyrica, but he gave me doxepin instead.
Molly
Thanks Molly!
I am keeping it in the back of my head. I went to the chiropractor today, and am near certain that this is the way to go. He found some sensitive spots that correlate to this issue, and mentioned the brachioradial nerve…and it all adds up…I just don’t want to ‘mask’ the problem….I want to FIX it. Sick of docs trying to always push chemicals/drugs and cover up the real problem (I’ve seen more ‘ologists’) over the past 5 years than I care to EVER see again…lol)…Had xrays done, and go back Thursday so WE can look at them together…how often does one get to do THAT? I might still get the RX…since I am not sure that my insurance will pick this up…we’ll see!
I sure am glad I found this site…
Well I went to my doc today and told him what I had found on this thread and he was very interested and asked me to leave the written info I had taken with me so that he could do his own research on it…hes a good doctor who listens. He asked if I would be willing to have a neck x-ray and I agreed and I also agreed to try out ‘Cetirizine Hydrochloride’ its an antihistamine, he said I would know within a day or two if it had any effect so its worth a try. I think what was more reasuring for me is that he listened and believed me and is willing to find out more.
I’ll report back with the results.
I seem to have my itch under control…I am focused on my water intake & believe dehyrdation is a trigger! The cooler weather also starts the itch sensation…I notice it start when I’m in the fruit shop or supermarket & enter the cooler areas? My partner massages my neck & back, I practice yoga & drink a lot of water each morning, before & after eating & before bed. All this seems to be working:-)
ABOUT THE SURVEY
It’s just taking a little longer than we (Stephanie, Mark and I) thought. It has to be well thought through and technically it has to work in a certain way etc. So we are giving it the finishing touch at this moment and hope to be ready within the next 2 weeks.
AND DON’T WORRY:YOU WON’T MISS IT WHEN IT’s READY!!!!
And YVONNE from UK, it sounds like your doctor would be interested! That sounds great!
See you soon!
Mari Anne, Copenhagen
Hi everybody, don’t know how I finally found y’all after so long but I’m glad I did! Here’s my background:
34 yr. old female, brown hair & brown eyes -medium skin type (Italian genes) and while I usually burn the first couple of times in the summer, then I develope a nice tan.
My itching first started 3 yrs ago (one of those “never forget” moments) and before I knew it I had the lesions – both arms. Regular dr. prescribed some creams that only seemed to aggravate, sent me to a derm. who later sent me to another derm. They did the biopsies, extended bloodwork and nothing popped up. Gave me more creams and it ran itself out after a month or so, leaving some BEAUTIFUL scars behind.
In Oct., that hideous ‘wake you up in the middle of a good sleep’ itching started AGAIN & it’s just gotten progressively worse. It starts out prickly, feels very deeply routed (the nerve damage makes sense) and my skin becomes so pink & inflamed and ITCHY! It really looks like a sunburn but big blotches that itch intensely – no soreness.
My current derm. is at Yale Hospital and since he told me he couldn’t help me further, he agreed to refer me to a neurologist who of course can’t see a new patient until May! He’s suggested creams over the years and I won’t buy one more – I’m going to take the advice of my fellow sufferers!! I’m currently strung out on Benadryl- praying for a restful sleep – and after my shower I slathered on the Vicks vapor rub which feels quite nice! Hoping he’ll presribe the lovely Neurontin people mention with such fondness.
I have found that during the summer months this condition is dormant. We have a pool and live near the ocean so I do lay out in the sun. In my teens I had lifeguarded and one summer I got 2nd degree sunburn on my shoulders – so painful, went to the doctor, couldn’t wear a bra due to discomfort and skin peeling off in chunks, medicated stuff. Now it has me wondering if that might have been the beginning of nerve damage but I didn’t have any problems until 12 yrs. later. Yes, I’ve had a few bouts of sunpoisining like many people I suspect but they had been on my chest area.
Whew, sorry this is so long-winded……
My arms actually feel better when they’ve seen sun. A neighbor of mine has bad eczema and somehow gets her insurance to help pay for tanning sessions to control the eczema (I’ll follow up on how that works and get back to y’all). Has anyone else determined that the sun helps them? Could it possible somehow feed the nerves the Vitamin E or whatever it is we get from the sun? A nurse I know pondered whether or not it could be a nerve virus as some of you have also mentioned.
I remember another poster inquiring about the sandpaper-like, bumpy texture of their skin and I have this too. This has been diagnosed as Keratosis Pilaris and the bumps are how your body handles the keratin – this is genetic and my sisters have it too (though not the itching). My derm recommended using an acidic soap to help it along & I’m sure he feels like the itching I’m experiencing is due to this. I might also point out that he gave me antibiotics the first time that may have worked or the itching ran it’s course 3 yrs. ago because it did not help this time.
I’m just so darn irritated and it is BEYOND COMFORTING to know I’m not alone though I wouldn’t wish this on anybody – okay, maybe my worst enemy! I hate the way my arms look and while I know it could be worse, I look at people with smooth skin with such longing! I feel as though this problem is magnifying and I’m wondering if because I get so hot & itchy – could it be something to do with the way my body regulates it’s temperature? Can’t wait to see the neur. ’cause I work with handicapped adults and after years of lifting, I wouldn’t rule out neck damage. Can’t find a pillow I like though my travel pillow will be next.
Taking somebody’s suggestion to stop icing the arms because once that wears off, the itch comes back with a vengeance. Oh, and I’m tired of walking around with wet arms! Everyday you’ll find me in short sleeves and when that itch kicks in, any coat or sweater has to come off immediately for any comfort – know what I mean? It’s like you can’t concentrate on anything but cooling the arms down. I had to leave a grocery store one time to get outside and press my hot itching arms against my snow-covered vehicle.
For now, my next course of action is to contact my regular MD and see if he could order some more bloodwork for liver, thyroid, candida & Crohn’s disease. I’m going to try and get a neck massage as was perviously suggested and I’m going to start a pilates DVD I have. Lots to do but after listening to all my itchy friends around the world, I have NO DOUBT that if we’re ever going to experience relief we’re going to have to help each other.
As they say, Brachioradial pruritis is an enigmatic condition but until you live with it, you have no idea of it’s level of discomfort. Has anybody thought that if the nerve endings could be stimulated somehow, that they would mend themselves? Like electric stimuli or something? It’s very depressing to think this is just getting worse and the docs don’t understand and when I think of y’all who’ve been suffering for decades…. shoot, somedays I think I can’t handle another minute, never mind a lifetime!
Thank you all for all your contributions – I’ll write to that damn Dr. Phil (a suggestion from an old posting) to help us all out if that’s what it takes. God, I want to ice in the worst way (like an addict!) so please cross your fingers for me that I won’t but can still find sleep.
Rest peaceful my friends,
Jennifer
I haven’t written since november. It is now another year and i have been doing really well without the itch. I have had some little tingling and prickly itching at times but not enough to keep me awake. Well, it is January and my right arm is itching and I have bumps on it. It is only on the upper part of my right arm. I also, have had some itching in my left arm at the same time, but not as bad. Also, I have noticed some tingling sensations in my shoulders, neck, and parts of back. I really don’t know what’s going on. It has not gotten real bad yet, but why now, after about a year without any problems, (not major anyway). I have not started back on the lyrica yet or lunesta. I am taking clonapen at night and still wake up several times. I catch myself scratching a little, but not scratching til i bleed yet. The dr. at wake forest medical university told me to stay on the lyrica for 2 years before i try to quit with it again, and i didn’t because i was doing so good and i wanted to be drug free. I went longer this time than i have in the past. I may have to get back on it, but i am waiting until it gets really bad again. I have not been in the sun or tanning beds this past summer. When i went on the beach with my grandchildren, i wore sleeves to my elbows. I believe that it is a nerve problem in the spine or brachial plexus, but what do i do, what kind of dr do i go to? There are very very few drs that have even heard of brp. You would think that you would go to a Neurologist or Neurosurgeon, but they have never heard of it, regular drs, dermatologist, allergy drs,bone drs, so what and where do i go now. I still believe Dr. Yosopovitch at wake forest medical univ has come closer to knowing more about this than anyone else. He has been all over the country and done a great deal of research on it. I have not seen him in 1 1/2 years. My regular dr just follows up on dr yosopovitch’s instructions and writes my perscriptions. I will continue to read and follow up on this site and if I come up with anything new or helpful, I will let you know. I know what you are going thru and want to be as much help as possible. I wish all of you the best.
Very interesting reading. Some of the symtoms and possible causes fit – neck problems, repetitive motions, computer use; however, after a few years of the arm itching I developed new symptoms. This year I developed a rash on my neck, inner elbows and inner knee area. The dermatologist prescribed prednisone. Since then I have had a rash over my entire upper body and now it is progressing down my legs and arms. No treatment has helped, topical cotosteroid ointment has calmed the rash, and hydroxyzine has helped a little bit with the itching. I appreciate reading all the postings but has anyone developed the symptoms I have? I’m wondering now if I’m not just reacting to the steroids…. Thanks for being there.
Evelyn; Is it Eczema?
SURVEY ON ITS WAY…
Mari Anne, Stephanie, and I have completed an electronic survey about this condition… the survey will be launched in a day or two, here on Pink Cookie…
We will greatly appreciate your participation, and will gladly publish the results for all to see. We hope that the information collected will benefit everyone including the medical community as we seek to understand this condition and its relief or possibly cure.
– Mari Anne, Stephanie and Mark
Jennifer, have you tried ICE? That is the only thing that seems to help some people, including myself.
Hi Everybody!
It’s a cold and windy day here in New England and like the rest of you, I still find myself wearing short sleeves because as we all know, the stinkin’ arms start flaring up as soon as they get over heated! When it’s freezing out I’ll layer up but at night I must still wear a cotton t-shirt with the sleeves rolled up, my arms resting on top of the sheets, chilled.
Has anybody else experienced the arms starting to get itchy the later it gets? I’m not even talking about lying in bed.. I’m more of a nocturnal person so I may be watching tv, reading, on the computer… whatever and they start getting itchy. Think it could be psychosomatic (sp?)? Between 1 & 2 am I just can’t take it any longer and I’ll shower and then slab on the Vick’s Vapor Rub which may or may not work, I then spritz with a Eucalyptus spray I bought in San Diego… it says ‘good for bug bites’ so I figured, “What the heck?” Anyway, I read a few minutes in bed and if the itching persists, I’ll use the natural boar bristle brush (try saying that 10 times fast!) I keep next to the bed – GREAT SUGGESTION ALL 🙂 – some nights are better than others. My dr. has me on doxepin which gets me through the night but feeling VERY cloudy in the morning.
Mark, thanks for the ice suggestion 🙂
It has worked fleetingly over the years but since I read in an earlier posting that once the numbness wears off, the itching returns with a vengeance (because the blood vessels are wide open)it made so much sense & while it can be hard NOT to use ice, I haven’t in weeks. In a pinch I’ll try some cool water just to cool the skin down – doesn’t it feel like the emolient in the Vapor Rub traps the heat in our itchy spots? I’ll keep looking for Bio-freeze. Think I’ll try sticking sunburn cooling gel in the fridge ’cause when the skin gets hot and itchy, you can leave a thumbprint mark, like a sunburn.
Does anyone feel like maybe the sun could help due to the Vitamin E we get from it? Can all this nonsense really be related to sun damage? Sorry all, not to discount anyone’s sun-triggered itching, I guess I just can’t come to terms with the fact that I have to stay out of the sun. This recent bout of itching started when my suntan faded.
Well, what do you know? I start my posting and my arms start itching… I really must be nuts! It’s only 9:30 but guess I’ll be taking my shower early tonight! Can’t wait for the survey to be completed (thanks for all the time you folks are putting into it).
Take care all,I’m so glad you’re out there!
Jennifer: I just returned from Dominica Republic and got a beautiful tan. Now I will wait and see what happens. I too, usually have the itch start after my tan fades. But, thats when our summer starts ending into fall, so I’m curious to see if it reacts the same to this time of year. I didn’t have any problems before I left so that is good, better to judge whether tanning has anything to do with it. I will post regular to say when my itch starts, hopefully it won’t. Keeping my finger crossed.
M.T, didn’t you just love the Dominican Republic? I was married there 8 years ago and the people were so wonderful to us. Yes, please let me know how your arms hold up as the tan starts to fade. Did you notice your arms getting hot & itchy as you laid in the sun? That’s never been my problem though tanning beds give me an all-over itch the first couple of sessions.
Glad you enjoyed an itch-free holiday!
🙂 Jennifer
Jennifer, yes the people there are very friendly, had a wonderful time, no my arms actually felt soooooo good in the sun. Tanning in the beds prior didn’t make them itchy either, I was more cautious this time and put on alot more sunscreen (still got tanned) but I never burnt.
When my arms get itchy I have what I would say feels like inflammation behind my skin, thats why I always stem it to some type of arthritis trying to set in, because exercising effects that has well, but lately even exercising hasn’t been bad, watch just saying it will bring it all on.
With the weather getting real cold tomorrow, I would of wished I stayed 2 weeks.
I’m watching Primetime on abc, they always have this series called medical mysteries.
Maybe they can resolve are itchy arms. Anyone have any connections to ABC, Primetime?
Hey, I wrote a few months back. I located some roll on stuff called Freeze It @ CVS pharmacy that has the same ingredients as Bio-Freeze and you don’t have to get your fingers in it (and then in your eyes….ouch!)Frequently, I slather on Cetaphil cream and then a layer of Freeze It. This year it started on my right arm but has sifted in the past months and is exclusively on my left arm now. I, too have wondered if it is in fact sun related because it starts after the summer around Oct. or so. My arms are the only part of me that gets seriously burned and tanned. The itch begins in the fall and always is more aggressive in the late afternoon and evening??? The time of day when the body becomes more acidic. Anyone ever tried eating large amounts of yogurt or foods that counter balance acidity? I am a choc-o-holic and a caffeine freak so needless to say, I tend to be very acidic and I am lame on the water drinking too. I have noticed that alcohol only seems to exacerbate the condition. Though at times I’d like to pour some directly on the area and light it on fire! Bizarre problem, to be sure. I’m in about my…oh, six to seventh year with this now.
OKAY COOKIE-MONSTERS: HERE’S THE BRP SURVEY!
An electronic survey about our itchy arms (“Brachioradial Pruritis (BRP) survey”) has been launched today here on Pink Cookie.
We will greatly appreciate your participation, and will gladly publish the results for all to see. We hope that the information collected will benefit everyone including the medical community as we seek to understand this condition and its relief or possibly cure.
This is a unique chance for any practitioner or treatment provider to gather a lot more information than through any other means. Please tell you doctor or anyone you know who could be interested!
Please go to http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB225VX8PDVAV
Thank you for your participation!
Cookie Monsters, Stephanie (UK), Mari Anne (DK) and Mark (USA)
P.S. We will repeat this message in a shorter form once in a while for new contributors on Pink Cookie to see.
I’ve just filled out the survey. I posted the other day but I don’t think my comment has appeared so Ill try again!
I’ve been suffering from ‘the itch’ for the last 4 years on my right arm… mid and upper. It has recently started on my right shoulder too. It’s unbearable. If I scratch it, it itches more and more and it’s just appalling……. I never feel that I can get to the cause of the itch. I have to wear a long cotton sleeve all of the time because if the arm is exposed to any temperature change it aggravates the itch. If I am in bed and put my arm outside of the covers while I”m asleep and it gets cold? I’ll wake up in itchy agony.
I have tried every non prescription cream on the market and several prescription creams. My dermatologist gave me a strong steroid cream called Vanos which has some effect if I have scratched as it reduces some of the inflammation but it doesn’t help if I haven’t scratched.
The last time I saw the Dermatologist after seeing various of them over the last 4 yrs she told me that she no longer thought that I had a skin disorder but that it was Neurological & she thought I had a tumor and that I should go and see a Neurologist. I was devastated as you can imagine!! I spent several days in tears and finally saw a Neurologist who told me that the Dermatologist should be shot and that I did not have a tumor (phew!).
He said the itch is definitely neurological / neuralgia related and that the best medication would be Neurontin/Gabapentin. I am currently 4 months pregnant and so he didn’t want to prescribe it but instead prescribed a cream which was a mixture of Gabpentin, Ketoprofen, Amitryptiline and something else…….. he said some people have relief. It didn’t help, it burned the skin and thus aggravated the itch more. I called back and he prescribed a different cream, this time comprised mainly of Diclofenac…. but again this hasn’t helped.
One thing that does give me a tiny amount of relief is to smother the arm in Vaseline and the steroid cream together. The Vaseline seems to provide a protective coating against the elements and clothes and keeps the whole thing at a ‘dull roar’.
Where the itch has now started on my shoulder it is constantly aggravated by my bra strap!
I cannot wait to be able to try to Neurontin/Gabapentin in 4 months time!
Gee, being the MOM of the BIG PINK COOKIE, I guess I am partly responsible for spawning this itchy arm crisis! And a survey to study it makes me so thrilled! I am so honored my big pink cookie grew up to begin this thread!
Katie Jones….see if your Dr.will prescribe Zonolon cream for you since you cannot take the Gabapentin right now. I never tried the Zonolon but have read about it helping. Gabapentin did the trick for me, but to get you thru the next 4 months, maybe ask for Zonolon.
Katie Jones….see if your Dr. will prescribe Zonolon cream for you since you cannot take the Gabapentin right now. I never tried the Zonolon but have read about it helping. Gabapentin did the trick for me, but to get you thru the next 4 months, maybe ask for Zonolon.
I posted a few weeks ago, and said I was headed to a chiropractor. Turns out my spine is curved (misaligned) in FOUR PLACES! The first one is right where the brachioradial nerve is…! Hmmm! And the ‘real doc’ didn’t want to do xrays?!
I don’t see a point in taking the lyrica as a ‘band aid.’ The root of the problem needs to be addressed…
Has anyone else tried this avenue?
Dear Mari Anne, Stephanie and Mark
Thank you for all of your wonderful work on the survey. I filled it out and feel like I have contributed already to a future cure.
Thanks again you guys, you did a beautiful job and we should all be so grateful to you.
May you have an itch free week for all of the work you did.
Diane,
I just googled the Zonalon cream but it says it blocks histamine or something -which is similar to things I’ve tried before, they just don’t work… nothing topical seems to work for me (sob!)
Trish – don’t get too excited I too have had the same diagnosis from the Chiropractor and despite lots of manipulation the itch hasn’t gone…. I wonder if the nerves are just ‘damaged’ beyond repair 🙁
FYI everyone I’ve blogged about my itch problem at http://www.katie.com/babyblog/archives/001748.html and I’ve included a link to the survey and invite comments.
This is my first time posting here, but I’ve been checking this site for a couple of months and was introduced to brachioradial pruritis (BRP) though the early postings. I’ll skip a long explanation of my experience since it mirrors perfectly everyone else’s itching experience; I’ve had it for about 10 years off and on. The itch started again this past September. After reading the journal articles on BRP I went to a chiropractor. An x-ray of my cervical spine showed there was narrowing between my C5 and C6 in comparison to the space between my other vertebrae and my atlas (C1) was out of place by 8mm. The chiropractor made the adjustment to my atlas; my itching didn’t seem to change. The next week he made the first adjustment to the C5 and C6. Within 4-5 days I started to notice a reduction in the itching. Over the following two weeks it continued to decline until I just had a few 30-second, little-itch episodes in a week. Just two days ago, 3 weeks after my first adjustment, I had a second adjustment to the C5 and C6 and the itch is completely gone. The chiropractor I went to used an “activator” to make the adjustments. It’s a little hand held device that he held against the vertebrae and it gives them a little tap to correct their placement. He was not cracking my neck or doing any big manipulations at all, but used what I believe is called the Activator Method. (Look up info on the web and you’ll find both pro and con opinions on this method.)
One note…. when I described my symptoms to the chiropractor and shared info on BRP he understood immediately that problems in the C5-C6 could cause this itching since the nerves at C5-C6 go down into the arm. He explained that irritation to the nerve in one place can cause symptoms elsewhere along the nerve, and that itching can be caused by irritated nerves. Also, nerves take a while to calm down/heal so you usually shouldn’t expect immediate relief from nerve symptoms.
I realize it’s also possible that the itch went away for some other reason which coincided time-wise with the adjustments. But as of today I’m itch free and will post again with any updates that may be of help.
Good Luck to all of us.
My 2 cents: it seems everyone is going the same route I’ve gone with differing results. For me I seem to be having super relief for the time being. I’m one of the all-year-around itchers. I have very bad neck problems (cervical spine deformation, 4 bulging discs, spondelosis, stenosis, curvature of the spine, and an auto accident to pull it all together). Accupuncture, chiropractic, creams, etc. did nothing for me. (By the way, Zonalon cream can only be used for about 2 weeks – I used it for over a month and finally broke out in a terribe itchy rash! Zonalon is a NERVE AGENT, not just a cream, maybe not good for a pregnant lady. I was distraught because it just knocked the itch right out). But Zonalon in pill form, doxepin, has helped me dramatically, recommended by my neurologist. I take 75mg every evening at 6PM with my wine (do as I say, not as I do!!) It takes about 2 hours to kick in, so by bedtime, no itch. It makes me sleepy (works for me!) and the only itch I get now is first thing in the AM when I get up. Ice pack for 15 minutes and I’m good for the day. I’ve found ice is the ONLY thing that suppresses the nerve (doctor says itch and cold use the same path, which is why it helps). Side effect of ice, of course, is dry skin (which I had anyway). Sometimes I scratch the dry skin (oooops) and start the bad itch. All in all, short of surgery, and assuming it doesn’t get worse, I’ve reached a manageable level. Too bad that’s all we can hope for right now.
Molly
Heidi…that’s the machine they use at my chiropractor! I think its amazing! However, I was only adjusted once…and am waiting to see if my insurance will cover chiropractic care…the spine/nerve thing makes SENSE…and since I’ve been on prednisone for almost 5 years, I know its wreaked havoc on my spine, and body (34 with osteoporosis too)….I hope so badly that I can manage to afford to continue treatments that way…please let us know how it goes…or email me!
I am up late working on a paper for school and icing my arms. When I finally looked on line an found out there were others like me made me feel so much better. When I try to explain to people that my arms itch and I don’t know why. I have no rash just ugly arms from the itching and all the ice.
I have had blood tests, gone to the chiropractor for several months, I am seeing an acupuncturist and last week I went to a dermatoligist. She prescribed Neurontin. I am bipolar and take medication for that. I looked up what Neurontin is used for and it is a bipolar seizure medication.
This itching controls my life. I have ice packs at work, home, I take them with me when I go over to peoples house. I even wore one when I went to a play. I go crazy when I start to itch and I don’t have ice around. I have bought frozen corn before and put it on my arms and went to the gym and did the treadmill. I have stopped caring what people think about my ice because the relief is so much better than the itching. Sometimes it gets so bad I have ice packs on both arms and back to get it under control.
I hope I don’t have to live with this forever. I have wrecked so many clothes when the ice pack breaks open and the blue stuff oozes out. I wear headbands on my arms because I use them to keep the ice packs on my arms.
This is nuts. What the heck is this itching and why can’t someone help us?
Thanks for letting me vent!
Kristin~yikes! Hugs too!
I thought I’d tell you that I broke an ice pack the other night in bed….yuk! But, OxiClean spray took it out of my sweatshirt…and will probably take it out of the sheet…(haven’t taken it off yet)…
I would like to know what results are with the nerve drugs from anyone…lyrica or neurotin…
PLEASE ALL OF YOU WITH THIS EXCESSIVE ITCHING HAVE YOUR DOCTOR TEST YOU FOR CELIAC DISEASE………….WHEN YOU REMOVE FOODS THAT RELATE TO THIS DISEASE, AND OTHER MEDS THAT YOUR DOCTOR ADVISES, YOU WILL BE AMAZED AT THE RELIEF….I DONT CARE TO ADD MY NAME, BUT I DO KNOW THAT THIS TYPE OF TESTING IS WARRANTED….BEST WISHES.
Celiac disease is not the case for me…and in case anyone is curious…here are the symptoms. THe itching is in the wrong places to begin with…
Symptoms
Celiac Disease may appear at any time in a person’s life. The disease can be triggered for the first time after surgery, viral infection, severe emotional stress, pregnancy or childbirth. CD is a multi-system, multi-symptom disorder. Symptoms are extremely varied and can often mimic other bowel disorders. Infants, toddlers, and children often exhibit growth failure, vomiting, bloated abdomen and behavioral changes.
Classic symptoms may include:
abdominal cramping, intestinal gas, distention and bloating
chronic diarrhea or constipation (or both)
steatorrhea — fatty stools
anemia – unexplained, due to folic acid, B12, or iron deficiency (or all)
weight loss with large appetite, or weight gain
Other symptoms:
dental enamel defects
osteopenia, osteoporosis
bone or joint pain
fatigue, weakness and lack of energy
infertility – male/female
depression
Aphthous ulcers
Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH) is skin manifestation of celiac disease characterized by blistering, intensely itchy skin. The rash has a symmetrical distribution and is most frequently found on the face, elbows, knees and buttocks. DH patients can have gastrointestinal damage without perceptible symptoms.
I was tested for celiac disease. It was not the cause of my itching. It is BRP for sure.
I’ve been on Amitryptelene (sp?) for about 3 months (50 mg a night). Other than a few intense attacks, this has worked! The neurologist said that they don’t know what causes this but we should be able to get it under control. I had an MRI and nerve damage test all with negative results. I go back next week and am willing to change meds if even those few attacks can be controlled.
Has anyone heard of “cutaneous field stimulation”? I was doing more research on BRP and found where this form of stimulation was being used in the treatment of severe itch.
I would be very interested in hearing about cutaneous field stimulation. I am taking 100 mg of Doxepin and 5 mg of Klonopin each evening before bedtime to control the itching. I have been doing this for about four months now and this has indeed brought about amazing relief. I have had this for years now and this is the first thing that has helped. It does not make it go completely away but almost. The down side of this is trying to stay awake the next day and concentrate at work. I tend to really get uptight when I feel the first little bit of itching because I know how bad it has been in the past. I still break out but that is not as bad either.
I wonder if a TENS machine (you know those electrical stimulant pain relief machines) would do a similar job at stimulating the field and stopping the itch.
Wow, I guess all my itching problems have fried my brain. I’ve been a journalist for 25 years (mostly newspapers and magazines, but also TV) and have been freelance writing for the past 12 (LA Times, Parenting magazine, etc.) I need to do a story on this!!!! I can first person it, but it would be helpful to have people from all over the country weigh in. And the people who did the survey too.
Okay, if you would like to be interviewed, please email me personally at deenawriter@earthlink.net or call me at 949-472-1205 (CA) and leave me your name and telephone number. Maybe if we get some press on this, the doctors will finally take us seriously!
i tried a TENS machine and it did not not work….just the neutontin is the only thing that has worked for me….thank God for it, after 20 years of itching off and on, but mostly on lately.
So as a first step, I would suggest that all clothing and bedding be washed with Calgon. This method is called “stripping”. Use only, the Calgon, alone, with nothing else added to the wash load. At this point, what one would check for, is how high the head of foam is, just prior to the first rinse cycle. If there is no foam present, all is well. But if any foam is present, and, this can very from 2 to 6 inches high, this could be the source of the itch. You may have to re-wash the clothing, a number of times, until no foam is present during that first wash cycle. It may take up to four to six cycles, of Calgon only usage, before that takes place.The second step would be in stress reduction. Did find a one paragraph reference, stating that the itch condition was mentioned in early biblical writings. This I have not been able to verify as yet. In that there were no antibiotics in those days, and none of the unpronounceable chemicals, currently used in manufacturing and food production, stress could have been the culprit in those days, and perhaps even now. So, mentioned elsewhere, in my blogs, is the program offered free, called EFT. If stress is a problem, and who doesn’t have it, using EFT would be the next logical step. It seems that I use EFT on a daily basis.(LOL) Overlooked is the fact, that some degree of stress is a necessity on a daily basis. The critical point of stress will vary for each of us. What one may shrug off with a quick flip of the eyebrows, could cause another to go on a rampage. Stress causes chemical reactions within the body, and if not properly neutralized, by thoughts, nutrition or medication, problems will arise. This generally would be in the form of changed pH factors as mentioned in another post. Perhaps using the above steps, coupled with whatever else you do, you may be successful.
Tried leaving the blog addresses befoe, but they are not allowed. Am trying now the blog titles only, ( if allowed ) where more info can be located, on various things put together over the years,health-wise, but not directly “itch related.
The Psychics Blog –
The Healers Blog –
Razors Edge –