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…”
Every summer I try to get a bit of color on my arms to disguise the horrible scars. Every August or September the insatiable itching starts. Antihistamines every 4 hours around the clock, ice packs, and Capsaicin cream are my only ties to sanity. I think a tan is no longer an option. I’m going to have to accept pale skin and ugly scars.
Hi everyone, i have not written in a long time, but i need to share this with you all, i put sun tan lotion on everyday, for awhile it even kept the itch away, then as the itch started to bother me i put salt scrub on my arm, and within a few minutes the itching stopped, after a few hours, if the itch starts up, i just put cream on, then regular salt or salt scrub. it works, and i can sleep really good, try it, it might work for you also. I have had this for many many years, but it does come and go, only autumn months though. I am 65 yrs old, fair skinned, if that has anything to do with it, which i doubt….I do keep my arm above covers when the itch is here. This year it started the first week in october, and i only have it on right arm, from elbow to shoulder. God bless you all, sleep softly…….
Capsaicin does work (and is shown in the Wikipedia article to have some good effect in most people), but I notice that I have to put it on a couple hours before sleep to have the best effect. Make sure you wash your hands WELL after applying however… no matter how much I try, I always get the burning eyes. Flushing with water gets rid of it fairly quickly however.
Another comment – someone on this board said that they apply ice “between the shoulder blades” to good effect. I tried this, and it worked very well! The arm itching subsided. I use a soft cold pack from the pharmacy (with a soft cover, the kind you would drape over an arm or leg) and lie back onto it, with it between my shoulder blades, down my spine. Immediate relief, enough to get to sleep. I hope someone else benefits from this- thanks to whoever discovered this, and praise to the power of community.
Hello everyone. I am currently 99% itch free. I had been taking Lyrica prescribed by the dermatologist, but it was very expensive (around $70/mo.), so I switched to generic Neurontin and it really seems to help me and it is 1/10th the cost. I am tired all the time, though. But there could be other reasons for that; I am just beginning a prescription of synthroid for low thyroid, so that is a likely culprit.
But my situation is a little different as I have the itch year-round, day and night. It is not seasonal, nor does sun exaserbate (sp?) the itching. I have found nothing in particular that sets it off–having had this for about 15 years.
Mark S~ It was me posting about putting the ice between the shoulder blades…Not sure I ‘discovered’ it, but I tell ya, I panic if I don’t have one available nowadays! It makes a WORLD of difference! This proves that there is inflammation around the spine in that area…at least to me. Even if I put it on after I start itching, it helps!
I am glad that neurontin and lyrica help people, but I have a REAL HARD TIME with that because it’s only a ‘band-aid.’ It’s not resolving the problem, but covering it up.
I took the time to read most of the postings. Amazing–I have an electrical stimulation machine and biofreeze in my office and never thought to use them for my arms! I just used the e-stim after having ice on my arm most of the evening. I can tell a difference. The ice then e-stim helped more than ice alone. I’m going to try the ice between my shoulder blades tonight. (Along with my Ambien, Neurontin, chlorpheneramine maleate, and Capsaicin). I have a story about the Capsaicin…I’ve used the cream for a few years now and am greatful for the reprieve it brings. I use cotton balls to apply it, since, as many of you know, it bonds like superglue to fingertips and nails and all mucous membranes. Anyway, I was excited to see a “no-mess applicator”, roll-on like version on the market. It is liquid instead of cream. I purchased this and used it for the first time when I was on the verge of hysteria from itching. The product didn’t come out as fast as I needed it to, so I grabbed a pair of pliers to squeeze the bottle. The pressure blew out the applicator top and the Capsaicin liquid (0.15%) splattered all over my face, mouth, nose and left eye. Now I know why pepper spray incapacitates bad guys.
TO THE SURVEY PARTICIPANTS:
I’ve just sent the results to all of you who have written your email addresses in the survey. But three of the addresses are not correct. So if you haven’t recieved anything send me an emal at
zinkaduus@yahoo.dk
and I will send you the results. This also goes for everyone else, of course. I’ll be busy and travelling for the next 2 weeks, but after that I will get it done. 🙂 Mari Anne
I have been using an Australian tea tree ointment on my arm each night before it starts itching and have had several nights of unbroken sleep. My partner also decided to stop snacking before bed, which has reduced his snoring! Oh joy.
I am blown away. I don’t know if I should scream for joy or cry out of frustration!! I have been dealing with itchy arms (as has my mom and dad) for years on and off, mostly bearable and seasonal. But now it is back with a vengence. I went to the derm and she told me to take antihistamines because it was due to an over-production of histamine in my body. That has not worked for me. That is what has prompted me to turn to the internet for answers or at least ideas. AGAIN I am blown away that I am one of many that deal with this issue daily. I am excited to try the new remedies that I have read about today and I will keep reading. However, I can see this is going to be a long road.
Hi everyone, i wrote about how salt or salt scrub can releive the itching…well thuis has worked even better, i bathe with Head n shoulders shampoo, and i do not itch at all, i have been sleeping all night long… i am amazed.but sleeping softly… God bless Jo Ann
To Robin;
I took Lyrica last winter with great results and am considering starting up again.I am getting to the climbing-the-walls stage. I too have trouble with the price (no assistance)and would like to find an alternative. You are not the first to comment on Neurontin causing drowsiness. I was drowsy on the Lyrica at first and then once my system got used to it I was fine. Let me/us know if the sleepiness subsides over time will you? You should have an idea by now even. Also, what is your dosage that seems to be working? Do you take it only at night? Thanks for any more info you can provide.
To Trish;
We are all entitled to our own approach and don’t need the judgment. There are many, many health problems without know causes and/or cures that can only be managed with drugs. Until there is more information about BRP, we all individually, have to weigh the benefits of our chosen treatments with the risks/side-effects.
Hi all of you fellow itchers. I too suffer from this and found this sight by typing in pin prickly itchy arms. Wow, I’m glad I’m not alone. OK, I too have a neck injury and live with crushed ice in bags on my arms and sometimes my neck. I was looking for an alternative to this and may, just may, have found something. It is called icy relief, it is supposed to penetrate to the nerve endings. Havent recieved it yet but the person selling it says he is sure it will work. I will let all of you know if it does. Also he mentioned it could be caused by a lack of Magnisium. I of course got the supplement plus all the foods containing magnisium. I hope and pray we can find out how to cure this not just mask the symptoms. I will write again when I try the icy relief. Good luck you guys.
would love to hear the results of the survey.
Wha happened to my respone? I truly think I have found the cure to this problem please e-mail me so I will know someone is getting this.
Hello All. I’m a 41 year old male and have had the arm itch for almost 10 years. My wife is always upset because I scratch at night, waking her up. Also, I stain the sheets from my bloody arms. It definitely comes in phases for me. Oddly, my left arm is more prevalent. I have at times used a pocket knife to scratch, and once I give in to the temptation, it just gets worse.
I’ve used calamine lotion, crushed benedryl pills disolved in water, benedryl creme, etc. Cortizone does absolutely no good. I have missed work vecause the itching has been so bad that I stay awake all night.
I live in Louisiana, and very active outdoors with my son’s baseball and football activities. Dirty blonde hair and green eyes.
I have seen some posts indicating itchy neck. I too have had this at times. Sometimes I wish I could peel my skin off. I haven’t pursued much with doctors because I have no faith in any of them. Topical cremes are a joke. I’m insulted when they recommend 1% cortozone cream!
Anyway, thanks for letting me unload on this. Oddly, my father had the same thing when he was a younger man. I hope everyone here finds the relief they need.
I too have horrible itching that keeps me awake at night and causes little bleeding blister like sores. I wake up with blood on my pajama’s and sheets, and lose sleep.
I do tan but it doesn’t seem to bother me so much in the summer.
does it feel like something is crawling under your skin?
help!
Hi again,has any one tried Head n shoulders shampoo, i have had this for years, and this has helped me alot, and the salt worked ok, but the shampoo has been better, has anyone tried either one, all the medicines and going to the drs are just wasting $, they do not have a clue about this, itchy situation, whatever name we chose to give it!!!! Anyway i have been sleeping softly, just wanted to give out some advice that has sure helped me. God bless you all, sleep softly JoAnn
I think I may have the cure to this horrible itch. I was told we have a magnisium defiency. I bought a supplement on thursday. I have not itched sense. Please try it. It works on muscles, bones and nerves. I have suffered with this itch on and off for years.
Hi everyone its JoAnn aganin i have to agree with Toni , I also have been taking magnisium, becaause i know it is good for you… but the head and shoulders shampoo works too, if i wake up in the night with a itch, i just rub a little on and it helps alot, i get to go back to sleep, and sleep softly too… and what more can you ask for, God Bless you all JoAnn
Toni I’m not saying your incorrect about the magnesium deficiency, but for it to work that quickly is pretty unlikely, don’t you think?
Anyways, to anyone thats interested I do use this cream that I buy at Walmart in the health section and it does bring some comfort for the itch. Its made by Nutravite – Glucosamine Cream with MSM, the ingredients are interesting, they are Glucosamine, MSM, Devil’s Claw, grape seed oil,methol turmeric, evening primrose oil, pepperment oil, champhor oil., its actually quite soothing.
Hope this helps
I’ve tried Head & Shoulders as a wash, as someone mentioned here…no help…unforutnately. =(
I’ve noticed during stressful times, and heavy work loads (more stress) it’s worse…I assume this is due to increased tightness in the back, shoulder, spine area…causing further impingement of the nerve(s) responsible for making us so miserable! Ice again, is the only way to truly help…as it lessens inflamation.
Hi everyone, the head n shoulders no longer works for me, it left my skin very hard and scaly. i only have it on my right arm, this year, it seems forever!!!! I am up at three in the morning, i am having a bad night, but i feel blessed, for so many previously good nights rest!!! I am back to using lotion and then putting salt on my arm, it takes awhile, but the itching n stinging do subside,i am so thankful this helps… just pray it goes away for good, this is a difficult thing to understand and deal with ,I pray you all sleep softly, God bless JoAnn
I received the results of the survey from Mari Anne (#957) and was most taken with the fact that 97% of respondents are not only caucasian but also 73% had the recessive blue/green eye color gene. That stat alone is so different from the general population. I’ve tended to buy into the neck nerve compaction theory (because I love the sun) but since less than half the respondents have ever had neck or back problems I’m going to have to rethink the sun damage theory. For me, my itch is very seasonal so weather or environment does seem to have a direct (or inverse direct!) effect. My neck and back issues come and go throughout the year, my itch, fall and winter only.
Problem was, with the eye thing…I have hazel eyes, and I recall it wasn’t an option in the survey…so how many people were in that group?
I’ve been waking up at 3am this week, but not with HORRIBLE itching. I’ve spaced my naprapath visits to every 3 weeks now…it’s getting too expensive, but it is worth it…I AM better than I was.
I now stay completely out of the sun and at least 85% improved, but believe it or not, when September came I had a light case of the itch again. I thought Oh Dear God, don’t let this come back again. I had a most severe case of BRP for 8 years and was totally depressed and frustrated in addition to being in total misery day and night. So I am still going with the nerve problem exhaserbated by the sun.
Fall is here in Ohio and I have started wearing a light coat or sweater and if I get the least bit overheated I feel the itch coming on. How weird is this condition.
Trish asked about hazel eyes. I have hazel eyes also. My itch comes and goes constantly. Used ice last nite. And Diane also if I get the least bit sweaty or overheated easy here in Florida I too can feel the itch start. Same way though in New Jersey. That’s why I don’t believe it is seasonal. I think maybe too much sun heat does aggravate it but I had the itch in the winter months as well. Definitely believe it is somewhat due to hormones because just b4 that time of month my itch kicks in as well. I think I am starting to go thru the beginnings of menopause some heat flashes other small symptoms but that’s not what causes it I’m sure. Ice cold Vick’s Vaporrub mixed with a little tea tree oil seems to be the answer 4 me. I also wash my arms every morning and nite with water and Vaseline Creamy not the jelly but the Vaseline Cream in a tube. So far these have been the best 4 me. And of course 4 those nights when I feel the itch even a tiny bit b4 going to bed I just take my ice bag with me. No more let’s see if it lets up.
Forgot to specify Vick’s Vaporub Cream in the tube not the jar.
After I found this web site I went to my internist and presented her with all the information on brachioradial pruritis. She sent me for a cervical x ray (I have never had any neck issues that I knew of, but I do have degenerative arthritis in hands and knees). To my surprise the x ray showed moderate foraminal narrowing, moderate disc space narrowing and multiple osteophytes and C5-6, and C 6-7. I was shocked, but relieved to see that their is a reason for this misery.
She had me start on Naproxen (ALEVE) 2 tabs morning and night, Zantac 300mg at night(this is a histamine inhibitor) and a claritin in the A.M. I have been on this routine a week now and for the last 3 days I have had no episodes. I am also going to see a cervical physical therapist to see if there could be a postural or muscle imbalance component to this.
I believe hazel eyes would fall into the blue/green eye gene. There are only two genes that determine eye color, brown (dominant) or “blue”(recessive). I think it’s also safe to say, most people with the”blue” eye gene are fair skinned. I wish the survey was more specific about where sufferers live. If you live in Florida, I wouldn’t expect your itch to be seasonal as you don’t have strongly defined seasons as we do in the north.
Linda,
Yes, you’re right. We should have asked people to write specifically where they live. But we have everybody’s zip codes, so I promise to make a list of where the diferent zip codes belong, as soon as I have time and send it to you all.
🙂 Mari Anne
I live in Calgary Alberta,Canada and I have been suffering with this horrible affliction for 7 years now. Right now it is so bad it is at the nape of my neck, and the front of my shoulders to my collar bones and of course down my arms. I was doing acupuncture regularly until my insurance ran out, that was definitely helping but haven’t done it for about 2 months and it is back with a vengeance. Today is not a good day as it is wearing me down I wake up with it at least 2 times a night, and that is after falling asleep with ice packs on my arms. For the last 3 years I’ve noticed that my upper back hurts on a constant basis throughout October and November which I feel makes the itch in my arms worse, the only thing I find that helps is ice, the blue menthol ice and tiger balm but I’m not too sure if tiger balm is okay to use on a regular basis. I just went to the Chiropractor today, felt like an idiot because I’m kinda at my wits end these days so of course the tears were flowing, I know it’s because of frustration. Why does this only happen during certain times of the year!!! I too have blue eyes and I am in my mid forties Caucasian and female. I wonder if there are any doctors that come onto this website to try and figure this out. Right now I’d say it’s doubtful.
Itching in Calgary
Check out Grover’s Disease on the web and see if it sounds familiar. It is a sun-damage caused itch and there are some specific treatments.
I looked up Grover’s Disease…and this is nothing like this itch. In fact, I did a google search, and that was as far as I had to go…the one line description of it is absolutely not this problem. There are NO spots, and most here seem to be women of varying ages (Grovers says older men are most often afflicted).
The arm itch in my experience is quite different to that on my back up into my scalp. The arm itch is is quite screaming, a nerve itch and the one on my back etc. is more like a skin itch. I don’t have spots either but it that area is sure responding to the treatment for Grover’s Disease – Aristocorte Cream, sorbilene with glycerine and some drops for my scalp. My new doctor said that it is sun damage, not curable but manageable. I am doing therapeutic Pilates for my posture and that is improving the blood flow from my damaged spine, neck to waist through the muscles. The arm itch seems really under control. I don’t expect a cure because I have huge spine and sun damage but management after ten years of it is quite lovely.
Freeze-It roll on and vitamin D…… after 5-7 years of a chronic problem, I DO NOT have it this year… Praise the LORD! Amazing. It was a Sept-Feb. deal every year, but not this year. Very cool… the only difference was less sun exposure and vitamin D. Give it a try…. no doctor could figure it out for me. No skin tests, nada….
Hi Martha, what is Freeze-it, Do you buy it in the states? Also how much Vitamin D are you taking a day?
Thanks
Susan
I just found out so many people havethe same itchy arns I have. Has been going for about 3 months this year but started 6-7 years ago. Usually starts in sept. untill whenever. I am male not female like alot of you. but am blonde blue eyed fair skinned and have had a lot of sun exposure. I hope it stops soon and am going to try some suggestions from on here. This year seems to be worse then it’s been in about threee years and wonder if it’s because of the more sun exposere I got this year.
only creams and lots of sleeping pills help me at night
No itch for me this year. I have dealt with this for years through Oct Nov but it did not happen this year. Last year after finding this site and trying different techniques I settled on supporting my neck with a travel pillow while sleeping at night and especially while dozing on the bus. I am extremely careful on the commute (bus ride) to work to not let my big fat head flop around and jerk. The travel pillow keeps my neck supported and head stationary. For me, I think this whole affliction begins and ends in the nerves in my neck. Try the travel pillow at night you guys. Lie flat on your back with a snall pillow and a travel pillow propping up the neck.
In regard to Linda’s comment about living in Florida and the seasonal aspect of the itch, I lived in NJ for 40 some years before moving here to Florida which now I have been living here for 5 years. My itch started in NJ had it there for 6 years.Had it in the warm months as well as the cold months in winter. Here in Florida again there are those months of real heat and those months of cooler temperatures. Doesn’t matter. Just my opinion and again maybe just my particular experience. No matter what it still stinks to have it!
Hi Marie Anne, would you please e-mail me the results of the survey, I tried to e-mail you, but it came back to me, anyway if you could get it to me, my e-mail is mrbill1125@aol.com. Sleep softly JoAnn
To Susan LeBlanc; I lived in Calgary for 11 years, originally from Toronto, and now live in Victoria. Never had this troublesome itch in Calgary, developed it here around age 43, interesting.
Overall, I’m as confused as everyone else but I do feel kinda hopeful these days. Read my entry #925 to see what’s been working for me. The itch is not completely gone but subtle enough that I’m able to sleep and that’s the main thing, isn’t it? I haven’t been taking the ibuprofen regularly but continue the Dr. Ho Machine and the intense effort to relax before bed. Like John above, I lay on my back with a little pillow under the small of my neck. Another thing I started is the vitamin D about two weeks ago, why not?? I’m taking 1000 UI twice a day. I don’t know for sure but it may be contributing to my success. There’s been a lot of info in the media about vitamin D lately, apparently most of us are deprived because we’re so fearful of the sun. Not me, but can’t help but be sun deprived here in the NW come September!
Hey, I’m happy to see I’m not crazy. I don’t know if anyone regulars this site still but I’m wondering if fasting might be a good thing to do to flush out all the crap in your system. I don’t recall anyone talking about this subject. What do you guys think? Peace and Love =)
I haven’t done the flush out of your system Brian, but that was a suggestion at one health store i was at. They say its a build up of toxins that need to be released and causes itching, (I think thats what they meant. But I was wondering if anyone ever tried the ion cleanse? From what I understand its soaking your feet in some solution and toxins come out in different colours, each colour if any, means cleansing of that certain organ. Sounds gross but, I just spoke to a person that has it done and she feels alot better, but not sure if this would relate to itch, but it could if it is toxin related. Again its called Ion Cleanse, any feedback on this, anyone?
I have suffered for the last three years. I agree with the neck damage theory. I strain, pull the muscles in the base of my neck a few times a year just getting out of bed awkwardly. Last year I remember the itch was in my left arm and that year I had hurt the left side of my neck. This year I had a few episodes where I pulled the right side and it is the right arm that is driving me insane at night this year. I swear if I had an axe in the bedroom last night I would of chopped my arm off!! Again only happens from september ish onwards for a few months. At its peak at the moment though, at 3am this morning spent an hour with my arm plunged in a sink full of ice cold water!! My eyes are hazel by the way. Will try some of the methods on here before i have a “michael douglas falling down” moment!
I have been following this website since it started a couple of years ago. I have faithfully read every entry and have tried many of the treatments suggested including chiropractor, accupuncture, physical therapy, yoga, creams, etc. I also take handfuls of supplements daily including Omega 3’s, Vit D, etc. etc. This year I have finally come up with a treatment plan that works! Last year I tried taking Neurontin, but it made me so sleepy that I wasn’t able to function while taking it. I mentioned this to my Dr. and he suggested taking Tegretol. I don’t know if I’ve heard this drug mentioned on this website or not. It has been a lifesaver for me. I have to admit, I really tried hard to not have to take a drug for this condition, but after suffering many years, I finally gave into the need for it. I take 200 mg. of Tegretol in the evening and I sleep all night and only have a few itchy moments every now and then. 200 mg is a really low dose. When I tried taking it in the morning I struggled with dizziness a little bit, so I went to taking it in the evening and it has worked out great. I was very concerned about taking a drug that is normally used for seizures and I checked out the long term side effects of the drug too. But, my Dr. said that with such a low dose he feels I am ok taking it and I had to finally decide that my quality of life was really becoming poor and taking a low dose of the drug was worth it. I also ordered a cervical traction device off of Ebay. I paid only $3 for it. Check out this link.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Cervical-Neck-Traction-for-Headache-Back-Shoulder-Pain_W0QQitemZ160179659033QQihZ006QQcategoryZ28178QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I use this device when I’ve had to spend a lot of time at my computer and it really seems to help. My condition is definitely worsened by sitting at my computer even though I’ve tried many different ergonomical ways of setting my screen up. My long term goal is to not have to take drugs and I’ve been working on strengthening my core through gyrotonics and pilates exercise. But, in the meantime, the Tegretol has been a lifesaver for me and this is best “September through January” experience I have had in years. I hope this helps others! Don’t waste your sleep suffering and dreaming of chopping off your arms….go to your Dr. (I went to a Nuerologist because they are familiar with these types of drugs) and ask for Tegretol.
Hey I cured myself!! I now take nine omega-3 cod liver oil gel caps a day w/ food. Make sure you take them with food though. 9 tabs a day is way more than suggested but it’s just fish oil c’mon. Anyways no more itching for me, for me luckily it started making a difference almost immediately. Make sure you get tons of fiber to flush out your system to. I recommend Kashi Go Lean cereal as part of your daily food intake, some don’t like the taste at first but it grows on you trust me! BTW I’m only 18 and it started about 8 months ago around when the Summer began, I ‘m bipolar to and it started around the same time so I wonder if that correlates with this horrid affliction. Thoughts anyone? Peace and Love=)
My post #970, has anyone tried the Nutravite yet? I listed the ingredients as well. It truly brings alot of relief. I put it on everynight before I go to bed.
It’s so wild to read these stories day after day. People, who knows where, struggling through the night with the same mysterious, exasperating problem. As for the cleansing stuff, I did try a rather severe liver cleanse involving epsom salts last year. I got the recipe/technique from the internet which may not have been the best idea, but it worked exactly as told. It was a very gross process but I did feel really good afterwards. Bad news… the itch was not affected whatsoever!
I’d like to try the Nutravite if I can find it.
Like Martha #985, I’m believing in Vitamin D. It’s simple and cheap. I started taking it when the itch came on this fall (suggested by my husband after hearing a radio program about how we’re all deprived) and the itch hasn’t been too bad this year, so far. If it was a 10 previous years, it’s a 5 this year! I might even increase my dosage after reading/typing this. I also agree with neck support and relaxation. That’s my 10 cents worth.
I am a female 46 years old, live in New York and I have been suffering from this for 15 years. I have been to all doctors and no relief. I had a CT scan of my neck, I had something going on in C4 – c5. They put me on a psychotropic drug, but no relief. I really do not like taking meds cause it really does not cure the problem but masks it. I was on all meds, creams but no real relief. I started itching around the middle of August this year ( alittle earlier that usual) I decided to try acupucture. I also had a urine test done by a holistic lab. They told me I had alot of heavy metals in my intestine. I did a GI tox with whole food vitamins. I had 4 sessions of acupucture and with the GI tox I have not itched since. I have 2 more weeks left for the detox and I see the acuputurist now once a month. Hopefully this was the cure for me.