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…”
I have to say that I am convinced that sun is not an issue with me… My itching has been worse the past 2 months. I’m in the Chicago area…and it’s surely not warm! (seeing as we’re getting snow dumped on us as I type this)
I have got sores on my arms from scratching. It’s even gotten to my left forearm this time around. It’s awful!
I’m noticing a lot of people who think sugar or other stuff they put into their bodies cause it… I think we should all start a journal or something…because I think we’d find many of those things are coincidental.
I was off work for 5 days over Christmas. I had itching, but not as bad as when I returned to work…where, I’m on the computer all day (like now). I definitely think it’s nerve impingement causing this. I also think that since I got stuck in a cubicle, my itching progressed…in fact, it MAY have started since I was put in there…I don’t have exact dates…but I know that it was pretty darn close.
I honestly don’t have an answer about the sun being a trigger for my BRP, but I can tell you until I was out of it for 3 months I didn’t notice any healing. I tried going to the tanning bed again after I wasn’t itching and after a couple of months in the bed I started again and then knew it was one of my worst triggers even though it took so long for my arms to quiet down after I stayed out of the sun or beds.
Today my cat was sleeping on my arm while I was reading in my chair and the heat or whatever immediately started a full fledged itch.
It is so weird. Will we ever have an answer??
I have tried tea tree oil to no avail. Also, if it were a particular chair or position it would bother we year round. Re: the sun; my theory is that it is an after affect sort of thing. Maybe damaged tissue that reacts to healing process as it gets better. However, I didn’t begin the itch episode until Dec. this year. Usually it is Sept. or Oct. I, too have back problems. Pinched nerve in right shoulder and lower back sciatica. Again though, if it were related to this wouldn’t it be a year round problem??? People think I’m crazy and suggest that I go to a doctor. I get frustrated with the whole thing and just try to laugh it off with them. I even sent this website to people so they would see I’m not alone in this!!
ICE is my only soother. Last night was horrid!
I have been reading this board for several years while I battle this mysterious ailment. After 4 dermatologists, I finally found one who uttered the acronym “BRP” to me, and the pieces began to fall into place. I am 54, white, female, sun lover, with degenerative disc disease in my spine, and most of the damage is in my cervical (neck) area. This BRP makes perfect sense, but I also believe there has to be other factors at play than just the cervical disease and sun…I also believe it may have something to do with diminishing hormone levels. When I was on hormone replacement therapy, it didn’t blow up as much. I am off the hormones now, but take over-the-counter Estroven. I also believe that exercise that affects the cervical area – such as yoga stretches, helps prevent the attacks. Heat is also a factor, as I live in Florida in the winter and had no attack at all until I came to the cold north for Christmas…I’m in RI now, and have been suffering with mild attacks since I’ve been in the cold weather. When I work out, which up here means long runs or hot yoga – the common element being heavy sweating and exercise of my neck area, loosening up the compactness that results after too much time watching TV or sitting at the computer (both bad neck placements). The sweating during exercise keeps the hot flashes related to menopause at bay, and I found that the attacks of BRP come many times during body temperature fluctuations. I can’t wait to get back to Florida to see if the warm weather helps the situation. I had x-rays done of my cervical spine yesterday to determine if there is more deterioration which may be furthering the progression of the condition. If so, I may be looking for a surgical intervention. I had back surgery on my L-4;L5 area in ’97, and my surgeon is wonderful – it was foraminal stenosis, just a fancy term for deteriorating disc material that was occluding the nerve channel to my right leg – the sciatic nerve. I’m sure BRP is just the upper version of the same thing, and they might be able to work the same surgical magic on my neck as they did my lower back–cleaning out the channel of the debris, and opening up the space between the discs. It requires that I stay in shape and exercise, for any weight gain will send my lower back into reminding me to do my abdominal exercises. Yoga is all about spinal alignment as well, and I’ve found it to be very helpful in both areas of my spine. Other things I have found is : I sleep on my back, as I found if I put pressure on one shoulder or another when turned on my side, it triggers a BRP attack. I also have an adjustable bed, so that when I read in bed, my neck isn’t thrust forward at a right angle from my body, creating compression of the brachial nerve and triggering the itch. Same with my position at the computer – the screen is at eye level, so my neck is not strained either down or up, again causing compression of the nerve. Try it, I hope it helps!
Regarding the query about acupuncture. My doctor puts four or five needles across my upper back. Earlier this year, I went to an acupuncturist overseas who put needles in my arms and I just about went crazy with the itch – the worst ever. It activated all sorts of spots that hadn’t itched before. So, for me, across the upper back muscles whch move out to the shoulders works very well. I haven’t needed any for quite a long time now.
Also, putting Tiger Balm down the upper spine seems to loosen up the area too and the effect stays.
judith….thanks for the info about where to put the acupuncture needles…i am itching as i write.
I’m the Garth Wood that’s been referenced in earlier posts on this subject. I first started posting to skincell.org on this topic over three years ago.
Many of the posters here (I just skimmed — there’s over 1,000 comments!) sound like they have variations on Brachioradial Pruritus, or BRP as it’s also known. While the condition is surprisingly common, it’s not well-known amongst GPs, so many family doctors simply think you “have to live with it.”
For those of you who *haven’t* seen a doctor yet, read up on BRP and then GET TO A DOCTOR. Only a physician can prescribe Neurontin (generic: gabapentin) or Lyrica (generic: pregabalin) for the treatment of neuropathic itching.
It can be caused by many things, but exposure to solar radiation and mechanical damage to the nerve exits at the neck discs labeled C5 or C6 are the two most common supposed reasons for it. In general, ANY nerve damage can result in itching or other altered skin sensations such as burning or tingling. Recent research has also discovered that many older people, who were previously told to use moisturizing lotions because their itching was due to “dry skin,” may in fact be suffering from minor nerve damage due to the effects of aging on their nervous systems. In other words, their itching is also neuropathic in origin.
I’ve tried various homeopathic / naturopathic / “natural” treatments for this condition, including dietary changes, acupuncture and so forth. None of them did me any significant good. This does not mean that they *won’t* work for any of you, but I’ve been there, and for me, these alternative forms of treatment were mostly a waste of money. The one exception: I was shown a series of nerve stretches and “glides” by a very talented physiotherapist which have helped, but by themselves they are not the total answer. For rapid, short-term relief, gabapentin or pregabalin (Neurontin or Lyrica) are probably your best bet. If nothing else, many of you definitely sound like you could use the sleep (both of them make you somewhat drowsy in the short-term, but for most people, this side-effect clears up anywhere from a few days to a few weeks after commencement of the drug).
Good luck to you all. I’m off gabapentin after almost three years of taking it, and am now doing nerve glides and stretches to try and keep my peripheral arm nerves from being mechanically entrapped. Of course, I’m getting older, and with that unfortunately comes accumulated nerve damage. For me, it seems to express itself as itching.
Garth Wood
I HAVE HAD THIS TWO YEARS NOW. TRIED EVERYTHING. ISOPROPHYL ALCOHOL (70 0/0) WAS THE FIRST THING THAT BROUGHT TEMPORARY RELIEF. [ I TRIED EVERYTHING ON THE SKIN SURFACE ( ACETONE, MINERAL SPIRITS, AMMONIA, DILUTED BLEACH, DILUTED MURIATIC ACID, ETC., ETC., ETC. ) ] ALTHOUGH THE ALCOHOL WAS HELPFUL, THE RELIEF DIDN’T LAST VERY LONG. THEN, FINALLY I FOUND AND TRIED SOMETHING THAT GIVES ME LONG-LASTING RELIEF. IT ALLOWS ME TO GET THROUGH EACH DAY (AND EACH NIGHT) ALMOST LIKE A NORMAL PERSON, NOT PLAGUED BY THIS AFFLICTION. THIS COMMODITY IS WITCH HAZEL. YOU CAN GET IT IN ANY SUPERMARKET OR HEALTHFOOD STORE. TRY IT. I THINK MANY OF YOU WILL BE PLEASANTLY SUPRISED AND RLIEVED BY THIS NATURALLY DERIVED PRODUCT (AND IT IS INEXPENSIVE). ——- SORRY ABOUT THE PREVIOUS ENTRY (#1057). I AM AT A COMPUTER AT A UNIVERSITY LIBRARY, AND BEFORE I TYPED ALL THIS OUT I WANTED TO MAKE A TEST TO SEE IF IT WOULD GO THROUGH. ——- SINCE ALL THIS (“THE CONDITION”) SEEMS TO BE A RECENT PHENOMENON, FOR THE MOST PART (THE LAST DECADE, OR SO), I’D HATE TO THINK THAT OUR GOVERNMENTS (THE SECRETIVE SIDE OF THEM) HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH THIS “CONDITION” — YOU KNOW, PUTTING FOREIGN CHEMICALS SOMEHOW INTO OUR ENVIRONMENT, FOR GOD ONLY KNOWS WHAT PURPOSE. ALSO, MANY TIMES I HAVE WONDERED IF GENETICALLY MODIFIED ANIMAL, VEGETABLE, FRUIT, ETC., PRODUCTS COULD SOMEHOW BE RELATED TO THIS. ——- WELL, ANYWAY, EVERYONE, HAVE A WONDERFUL (AS POSSIBLE) 2008, AND MAY GOD BE WITH YOU ALL. TERRY
Use witch hazel. Apply topically for much relief.
Witch hazel…have to try that one. Cheap enough for sure. Ice is the best though…
HOWEVER, I must share that on NYE I fell and broke 2 ribs. I suffer from steroid induced osteoporosis at age 35…since the accident, I’ve been on vicodin, norco, and also valium for the muscle spasms. I’ve not itched much, if at all since it happened!
Not sure if it’s the meds…but I think it might be the valium. I know the itching is partially stress related…and honestly don’t believe in taking the drugs like lyrica or neurontin (sp?) because they are only a band-aid, and not SOLVING anything. Before the fall and injury…I was itching like MAD…I have so many sores on my arms…it’s sickening!
I am curious to see what happens once I’m off the meds…and will let you know. I tell ya, if this fall and broken ribs ends up causing this itching hell to stop, the pain and miserable time will ALMOST be worth it!
I hope you will all try taking a supplement of magnesium. I have been itch free for 2 months. It works on the nerve endings. This is your answer. Please try it.
Toni
garth…where do you find out how to do these nerve glides? i have been on neurontin for about 1 year. thank God for it, but i would prefer to not take meds, and it is not as effective as it once was. my arms are tingling as i type.
thanks. lynne
Garth:
Thank you so much for contributing. I remember your posts from some time ago and on skincell.org. At the time I was suffering and desperate and you gave me hope. I was able to go forward with the infomation and received help from one of the many doctors I was seeing.
Gabapentin helped me very little, but the absence of sun helped tremendously.
As far as I am concerned, you are correct with the cause.
Thank you again.
I have had itchy arms for 9 years!!! – today I saw 2nd skin specialist – he diagnosed Brachioradial pruritus – talk to your dr. – good luck!!!!
Hi Anne, most of us know that already but thanks, check through the previous postings on this page.
The first dermatologist I went to told me it was nerve impingement…but didn’t use ‘BRP.’ Then my PCP sent me to another specialist that wanted to give me Lyrica….I showed him what I’d found on BRP, and he’d never heard of it. I never filled the RX.
Went to a chiropractor, who thought they could help, but it wasn’t covered by my insurance (HMO)…so I had my primary find me one…who kept blaming the itching on my medication (prednisone) that I’ve been on for almost 6 years now….I KNOW he was wrong, cuz if THAT was the case, I would have itched worse when on more…and itched EVERYWHERE.
Of course, since the prednisone caused terrible osteoporosis…it could be causing the BRP also…
Nothing but ICE helps…and SARNA…but we’ll see…maybe the broken rib incident has actually helped, since I am barely itching still since it happened….although my nerves are focused on PAIN now instead! LOL!
Just a couple of comments in the for what its worth dept. I follow the posts and from my perspective and experience, Garth’s information best fits my situation. I also tried all the alternative options only to return to western drugs to best handle the problem. Nothing has truly helped me but the Lyrica ($$$) or the neurontin ($). I definitely have neck issues and go to the chiropractor regularly, but that is for neck pain and the chiro hasn’t helped the itch.
As for the sun, well I think that is a wild card that may be patient specific. I have been in the sun (years near the equator, out of the sun (years in the northern latitudes) and for me it doesn’t make a difference. We just returned from 13 days in Hawaii and as long as I took my neurontin at regular intervals, it was a non-issue. It did make me a little tired at first, but so does alot of other stuff and as long as I wasn’t itching, it is worth it.
As to the people who don’t want to take drugs, more power to you if you can find something non-RX that can help. But the comment that the drugs are only a bandaid–well, yeah. But so is everything else we all are trying until such time a “cure” is found. Which in my mind is relatively unlikely unless more of us aging boomers get this and an army starts driving the Drs. crazy. But in the overall scheme of life, our itching is a priority to us, but not very high on the critical list of things when taken in perspective to all the other life-threatening medical issues confronting us as we age.
So, do what you feel comfortable with and what works for you. And if someone comes up with a magic bullit, hopefully they’ll pass it on. In the meantime, I’m itch-free, but chemically dependant, and am OK with that for the timebeing…
Oh, forgot. Garth, if you can pass on the “nerve glide” exercises, I’m sure we’d all benefit.
This site is INCREDIBLE ! I found this site only last week, and was at my wits end with the horrible itch, off and on for the last 11 years. This has been the worst year ever, and has lasted the longest, since August of 07….and yes, I have also tried everything to no avail. Well….RELIEF AT LAST, at least for me, for the last 4 nites. I picked up a bottle of extra strength Scalpicin…. found in the shampoo section..I had IMMEDIATE relief, and it lasts from evening till lunch the next day!!!! I then smooth Eucerin Calming Itch Refief on my arms till after my evening shower (no soap on my arms), when I then apply the Scalpicin again. This has truly been the ONLY thing that has stopped this itch for longer than a few minutes…and I have tried it ALL. Would like to hear if this helps anyone else! Oh, by the way, the only reason I don’t apply the Scalpicin during the day is I am afraid of it possibly drying my skin too much, thus adding more reason to itch. The Scalpicin is nothing more than a Hydrocortison, but it is a complete liquid, looks just like water. Maybe it can get deeper into the pores???? Who knows, but I finally have relief for the first time in almost 5 months!!
after three years of suffering i finally found relief a few months ago after damanding help from my allergy doctor. after seeing how nad i got after being stress, it clicked to him that i have something called anxiety converstion disorder and prescribed me with elavil, an antidepressant, and to my amazement, with the combination of that and atarax, i finally can get a full nights sleep without itching.
I have *one* stretch / glide which I did up as a series of images with some brief text description. It’s at:
http://www.telusplanet.net/~garth/stretch/stretch.html
This was in response to a woman who e-mailed me and asked if I could tell her what the stretches / glides were that helped me.
A word of caution: the above URL’s descriptions will *not* help you if the problem is something else besides the entrapment of your radial nerve (the major peripheral nerve branching off from your neck and running down your arm). No one “thing” works for everyone who has BRP because BRP is “multi-factorial,” that is, many problems can lead to the same symptom: itchy forearms. *If* you have nerve entrapment issues, the exercise and glide described at the above URL *may* help.
This is why you need to stop self-treating and find yourself a good GP who can also refer you to a good dermatologist and neurologist, because while the symptoms of BRP are obvious, the cause is probably not.
Don’t be goofs — see a doctor. If your doctor has never heard of BRP (or isn’t even willing to look up the latest research), FIND ANOTHER DOCTOR!
Good luck, everyone.
Garth
By the way, I just went and looked up the article on BRP on Wikipedia. It’s both too general and contains information that’s wildly out-of-date, and the contributor(s) has/have not done nearly enough information synthesis to be of real value. If you’re getting your BRP info from Wikipedia, *don’t*.
I’d update it, but frankly I haven’t got the time — I’d probably have to spend the next week plowing through everything I’ve learned and accumulated over the last three and a half years to do a re-synthesis.
Maybe someday…
garth…i tried the slides and i swear, i feel better already. i have seen a neuorolgist and dermatologist, but neither had ever heard of BRP…they have prescribed neurontin though, but, for some reason, after a year, it is no longer working as well. thank you and i will try another doc here in florida.
*Neither* a derm nor a neuro has ever *heard* of BRP?
Good God, where’d they get their med degrees from? The back of a Cheerios box? Win ’em in a poker game? Maybe a few courses online?
When I went for a consult to a derm the first time, she zeroed in on BRP in under five minutes, handed me an article on the subject and had me booked into a local neuro by the time I’d left her office. She also prescribed my first doses of Neurontin (gabapentin) that same visit.
Get new docs. NOW. It is *inexcusable* that a dermatologist and a neurologist have never HEARD of Brachioradial Pruritus!
Garth
My PCP sent me to a derm at first, she said it was ‘nerve impingement’ and that I should have an orthopedic look at me…so, that’s what we did…between the 2 visits, I found BRP online, and the ortho didn’t have a CLUE what it was, but wanted to give me Lyrica…I didn’t go for that AT ALL…my theory is that drugs are a ‘band aid,’ and not FIXING the situation…
I’m STILL suffering…HOWEVER, I fell and broke 2 ribs on NYE (slipped down some stairs). I have osteoporosis (from being on prednisone for over 5 years-I’m only 35)… I’ve been on Norco since, and was given valium…and I think one or both have eliminated the itch…unless, of course…the fall did it…which would make the SEVERE pain and limitations ALMOST worth it! Will keep ya posted as I heal and take less meds…however, I’m avoiding the valium as much as I can….don’t want to depend on that…plus the muscle spasms have stopped…and I don’t really NEED it now. Thank goodness!
My Dermatologist and Neurologist had no answers for me either, the Neurologist had never even heard of it but put me on Lyrica, Where are you from? I’m from Calgary Alberta and I’ve been to 4 GPs Derm and Neur no one knows what it is.
Not sure if you’re asking ME where I’m from, but I’m from the Chicago area…
Susan:
I’m also from Calgary. However, I was initially diagnosed at the Dermatology Clinic at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton, back when I lived there (4 years ago). The neuro I went to see was also in Edmonton, and the MRI I received I paid for privately (I waited three days, as opposed to a nine-month wait in the public system). Best $450.00 I ever spent.
By the by, Neurontin and Lyrica have one important difference besides the fact that Lyrica is the second-generation drug: Neurontin prescriptions are covered by most medical/drug insurance plans in Canada, whereas Lyrica is not.
Is the Lyrica helping you?
Garth
Sorry my previous post asking “where are you from” was directed to Garth. My mistake :}
yes, i would like to know the same thing. where does Garth live that he has such knowledgeable doctors? i would like to contact one. in south florida, palm beach county, they are all unaware of brp.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Doesn’t much help people living in Florida, I’m afraid…
And I would’ve thought that, combined with info I’d already provided, simple use of Google Maps would have answered that question…
Garth…i have no idea what you are talking about having simple use of google maps, etc. I am a flight attendant, so I have free access to doctors all over the world…your sarcasm about where some of us live does not help with the problem with which we are all suffering.
Sorry to bother you.
o.k. Cut Garth some slack! He has provided this site with great info. I think his comment about google maps was said tounge in cheek!
I have survived this condition with Neurontin for the past 3 years. Right now all is well although I had a small flare up last evening. I did the arm rotations (suggested a while ago by someone) and that seemed to help. I plan to try the glides Garth forwarded the next time.
Let’s lighten up and get as much info as you can from this site!
carmel in northern ca
Well, just wanted to let anyone who is interested in a possible (cure) (relief) that has worked for me….it has been TWO WEEKS since I started using Scapicin, as I posted back on Jan 12th, and NO ITCHING !! No, I do not work for or have stock in that company, I was at my wits end with the horrible itch for the last 5 months, in tears, when a commercial came on for itchy scalps. My husband piped up with, Hey, have you tried that yet?” Well, off to the store we went, and all I can say is, WOW…no kidding, no itch since!! I used it a total of 5 nites, and used nothing since! Please email if this has helped anyone else….I truly feel for all of you. As I mentioned before, I have been getting this for the past 11 years! Good luck!
Did you mean scalpacin? Isn’t that shampoo? What do you do with it? spread it on your arms?
Margot?…Yes, it is in the shampoo section, but it isn’t a shampoo, it is to put on your scalp for itchy scalps! I just squirted it onto my itchy area on my arms, it looks just like water, and has no oder) rubbed it in a little and I had IMMEDIATE relief. I slept like a baby with NO sleeping pills, etc, just used the Scalpicin. When I woke up, I put on that Calming Relief cream ( Eucerin), because I was afraid that the Scalpicin might dry my skin out if I used it too often, and I wanted to be able to use it at nite again, since that was always when the itch would drive me insane. Well, that evening I put the Scalpicin on my arms again after my shower, and I swear, it really worked for me. The itch was GONE, but i continued using it for a total of 5 nites just to be sure that when I stopped, that hopefully it would have “killed” whatever was making me itch! I don’t use anythin since after the 5th nite,, and I am just fine!!! This last episode of itching lasted 5 months….and was the worst I have had since this started 11 years ago. Hope you have access to this stuff….I know how miserable this can make your life. Good luck!
I’ve been given cream and tablets, having worked my way through so many this one has worked – Atopiclair, three times a day on both arms and tablets pregabalin, one twicw a day – after 9+ years I have had 6 itch free days – and nights!- give it a try, I got to the stage I’d try anything!! – good luck.
Hello, I too, seem to have Brachioradial pruritis and it’s only after reading this and other web info that I can put a name on it. I am female, 53 and first had itching on back of my neck. Around Nov. of last year I started having intense itching episodes on my right forearm. I have them off and on during the day, but the worst ones are in the evening and middle of the night. Went to dr and accupuncturist, with little result. I live in Calif and swim in an outdoor pool yearround, but if it’s sun related, why doesn’t it affect my left arm, which is more exposed to sun when I drive? I do believe condition is worsened by stress.
Here’s the strangest part. I just discovered my 64 year old sister has suffered from it for 10 years, and my father and his sister seemed to have it too. Anyone else with family history?
Hi Nancita: yes, I come from a large family and there is many of us explaining the same thing, I’ve had it for years and I’m the youngest in the family, and my older siblings have either the itch or its grown into something much worse.
Different’t forms of Arthritis,scericisos (spelt wrong)and hives. Yes, yeah something to look forward to I guess. Even my 30 year old daughter now has it too, this is her second year. We only seem to suffer from it anywhere from Aug to Nov and then it goes away. Sun related, I don’t know, because I go away for vacation somewhere hot (I live in Ontario Canada)in the winter for a week or two and even go in the tanning booth and I don’t get the itch then. I think its some kind of inflammatory, toxin related, alergy related thing. Thats just my opinion. I don’t sleep well best of times,already having some aches and pains from a siactic nerve that bothers me every so once in a while. I take 300mg of gabapentin and 15mg of Oxaeapam. This keeps my sanity. Hope this helps a little.
I am absolutely fascinated! I am so happy to have found this site. I, too, am a blue-eyed Caucasian female. I spent many many years sunbathing, and still do. (I know, I know)
But like most of you, my itchy symptoms only begin AFTER I am out of the sun for the year…..around October. I live in Columbus, Ohio and our sun is very weak, and non-existent in winter months. Wondering if the Vitamin D is a real factor….almost as if we have a Vitamin D deficiency/withdrawal syndrome in the winter months? I also eat way too much sugar, and I also have always had neck issues. I get regular massages, and also monthly chiropractic treatment. My itchy arms are not nearly as severe as many of you describe, but they do keep/wake me up at night, and the symptoms seem to worsen each winter. (I have had the symptoms for about three winters) It is definitely a much deeper, internal, burning itch–not topical. My itch area started as just a small spot or two, now it is on both arms, from shoulders about halfway down to elbows. I am DEFINITELY going to try the milk thistle (altho I did not do drugs in my youth, sugar is my drug of choice! 🙂
and I am going to try a Vit. D supplement.
THIS IS WEIRD BUT: I do think there is somthing to be said for the magnesium deficiency theory and only because I suffer from chronic constipation (have for years). And magnesium has been suggested to help that issue. I have tried just about everything for the constipation, and most things just don’t work for me, altho I am healthy otherwise (colonoscopy showed no problems. So I was wondering if any of you also suffer with that issue? Just perhaps another piece in the big puzzle…..
The fact that the majority of us are in are 40s when it manifests, also suggests it could be hormonally triggered, or again, maybe just a function of the hassle of getting older. I am in good shape, in good health for the most part, and have not had any other major health issues in my life. Thanks for all of your hints and tips…..and I am going to further research BRP. I am hoping to control my symptoms without prescription drugs, and will try the vitamin supplements immediately. I will also return to this site regularly! Isn’t the internet the greatest? Thanks all!
scalpicin did not work for me, but it worked for my itchy dog. thanks
Hi, Ten years it has taken to diagnose my itchy arms, I now take pregabalin twice a day and use atopiclair 3 times a day – I have been itch free now for 3+ weeks – worth a try!!!
I received tea tree oil that I ordered yesterday…does one just rub this directly on the skin?
HOWEVER…as I mentioned before, since I fell down the stairs and broke 2 ribs…the itching seems to have disappeared! STILL after a month, I’m barely experiencing the same itching… I can’t believe it…! I hope it’s gone forever… it could be 2 other possible things though…I eliminated caffeine and also switched body soap…
Will keep ya posted (even though I don’t know if anyone cares…lol)…
Hi Ann, glad you found relief with pregabalin but are you having side effects? I just looked up the med and it comes with a very long list of side effects. Increased appetite and weight gain are a big concern but there are also many others which seem quite scary to me.
Hi Patty, no side effects with pregabalin, another not so strong is gabapentin – most tablets come with side effects warning but few people experience them – don’t work though without the cream – what have you got to lose except your itch? – good luck – Anne
Ok folks, here is a new remedy to try for itch. After trying dozens of things including cortisone, scalpicin, aveeno, bactine, poison oak remedies, witch hazel, tea tree oil, ice, accupuncture, etc., etc. I tried a common Chinese analgesic liniment call Zheng Gu Shui. It’s a quick drying liquid containing herbs, but I think the main ingredients are camphor and menthol. I put it on my arm at the first tingle of itch before I start scratching. In a few minutes it starts to heat up like Ben Gay or Tiger Balm. The relief lasts for hours. This has been a godsend to me because I’m one of those who was clawing my arm into scabs because of the itch. If you don’t have an Asian market nearby, you can find it on Amazon.com for about $5 a bottle.
The heating effect of the Chinese balm fits in with my theory about increasing blood flow. If you can find the right muscles across your back, massaging them releases more blood flow down your arms. The effect will last for days and weeks. I really think that, for a lot of us, constriction of the blood vessels by tight back muscles causes the itching.
I discussed BRP with my masseuse who specializes in Pain Release Management. Her opinion is that it is mostly nerve damage, and the reason it is worse in the fall/winter is that we tend to hunch (I know I do) our shoulders more, in the colder months. When the weather is warm, our muscles are more relaxed, better blood flow, etc. She really worked me over in my massage—thought she was going to break something! but concentrated on shoulders, neck, really deep into an area just inside of the shoulder blade….places I did not know I had. She promised me the itching would be better. And guess what? IT IS! Not totally gone, but 85% better. My massage was about three weeks ago. I am going monthly, and she is going to continue to work on this area. She also showed me a great stretch which is very easy. I have also been doing Garth’s stretch, from the website link he provided. I think the massage, combined with my follow-up daily stretches, has really helped. Most general masseuses will not have all of this medical knowledge… I recommend finding one who is trained specifically in pain release techniques and explain the BRP problem.
My itching starts in June and goes until February. It’s very warm up until October/November so I don’t think the hunching thing applies to most, cuz alot of us suffers start itching June July.