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 do not understand why you all do not try neurontin. several of us have said that it works with no side effects. please, help yourselves and get a prescription for it or the generic. don’t be foolish and continue to suffer!!!!!! i was a sufferer for over 20 years. thank goodness i read this site and found brp is the problem and neutontin is the treatment for those nerves/discs.
I’ve been reading all the posts on this site going back to 2005. What a relief that I’m not the only one! This crazy thing is life debilitating. People think I’m crazy walking around with ice packs all the time. That is currently the only thing that brings relief. I appreciate knowing what others have tried.
I have seen some trends on this and other sites (or maybe I’m just reading into it). Here’s my scoop: I’m 44, female and live in south Florida, moving here from Ohio 8 years ago. My symptoms started 3 years ago. They begin in late summer and last 2-3 months. I spend my summers in the sun, in the pool, going to the beach, vacations etc. Since I don’t itch, I (stupidly) don’t wear sunscreen. I don’t usually suffer any burns on my arms but they are always tanned and exposed. Here’s the thing: I am a teacher and my sun exposure abruptly stops in mid August when I go back to work. A couple of weeks later, boom, symptoms set in. Any thoughts on sun exposure withdrawal?
Found this while I was doing some searching. I think this could be the cause of my itch.
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/567426
Lori…. yes, seems to be sun withdrawal related for alot of us. Always happens the same for me and has for about 7 yrs. now. Though some say they don’t think it has anything to do with the sun.
Lynne, re: neurotin, sounds like a very powerful drug for psychotic behaviors. Not sure I want to get hooked up with that stuff….
I don’t mean to be mean or rude but why keep talking about theories none of us can prove? It’s been almost five years of the same conversation. Don’t get me wrong, I’m as frustrated and baffled as all of you but no one knows what the cause is and no one knows a cure and as far as I can figure, no one’s doing any studies or research. We need to get someone interested in seriously studying this topic. After all, we are an accessible, ready and willing study group, I assume. What can we do to find that someone who may be interested?
In the mean time, try what has been suggested by others. If you’re not comfortable with certain approaches, try what you are comfortable with. Myself, I tried many creams before I realized this is a nerve issue and then I had an X ray, an MRI, saw a neurologist, chiropractor, acupuncturist, basically spent a fortune for nothing. None of it has made much difference. I have always been and still am very healthy and active and fit. Other than this royal pain in the … I’ve never been sick. However I am 47 and have started experiencing some normal hormonal changes. I tried Lyrica one year which did take the itch away but I felt ‘wrong’ on it. Just wasn’t all here, didn’t like the feeling at all and I lost a lot of my hair. Switched to Neurontin last year and it did not produce the same bad feeling. Felt normal on that, no side effects. I didn’t want to take drugs either but there’s not much I could improve on diet-wise and I’d already tried some different supplement and herbal approaches. I know drugs are not the answer per say, but many ailments and diseases have no cure only treatments and until someone (likely not us) finds a cure it’s an option. I try to live with just the ice packs when it’s not too bad but if or when it gets to the point of torture I will resort to the Neurontin. I think it’s good to talk about your struggles and feelings on this blog as it’s very hard to find a sympathetic ear for those of us with “itchy arms”. Unless you have it, it sounds so pathetic. It’s good just knowing there are other people out there somewhere with the same frustration and pain.
Neurontin isn’t very potent. You can take up to 3200 miligrams daily. I only take 400 in the morning and 400 in the evening. If you want to go on itching for the rest of your life, go right ahead. But ask your doctor about it and they will say the same thing.
Use some common sense and actually read about the drug and don’t just form an opinion. If you don’t want to listen than I have no sympathy for any of you who are itching.
I agree.
MARTHA….DO YOU GO TO THE CHIROPRACTOR? Ii see where it has worked for the girls.. i did see also.. where it didnt work! that is my next move.. i have used everything… topical.. and when DR. started with this psych meds. i drew the line… he said i have neuro excoriation caused by stress. gave me atarax i missed 2 days of work… it knocked me out.. the only time i woke up was to scratch!!! like martha.. i used triamcinolone acetonide cream..last year and it worked.. is worse.. and doesnt always work…. i had tinea versicolor real bad one year.. and i thought the candida could still be in my body… but DR. says not… hum……sounds like i got the same thing as everyone else… NO DIAGNOSIS~~~~~~ 48 blood work all good. california sunworshiper/tanning bed light freckle skin blonde hair… no sign of a rash just rough skin from where i scratch… HELP!!!!!!!!! CHIROPRACTOR OR WASTE OF MONEy?
I MEANT TO WRITE THIS YEAR IS WORSE… EACH YEAR IT SEEMS TO START EARLIER AND THE ITCHING DOESNT GO AWAY AS EASY… I STILL USE THE RUBBER ICE BAGS?
i see the neurontin works for most..i wonder if the same virus that causes herpes/chickenpox/shingles could be surfacing ? i have read we harbor a form of the virus after we have chickenpox?
I meant no offense re: Neurotin. It is an anticonvulsant drug used for seizures. That is some powerful stuff. I am not one who “pops pills” for whatever. I don’t like anti-anxiety meds or anti-depression drugs. The whole world is on that stuff! Sorry, I would rather itch than drug myself out. Hey, but that is just me. And I agree w/Linda. I wouldn’t mind being part of a group that researches this deal. Like she says, “Here we are!!” I have tossed around the idea of accupuncture both for this and my herniated lower lumbar disc.
yeah, how many of you have mentioned this site to friends/family “Big Pink Cookie”…. people think I’m whacky, I’ve even forwarded the site to a few. I’m sure people think it is psychosomatic. NOT! Well, I for one find it comforting knowing we are not crazy! Thanks fellow-itchies 🙂
I have had this horrible, irritating, internal itch for about 7 yrs now. At one point it felt like an electrical itch deep down inside my (left arm only)It starts at the wrist and works it’s way up the arm. Currently driving me crazy at the upper arm! The more I scratch the more it itches. I have been to the family doc, to the dermatologist, to the chiropractor, to the allergist, to the neurologist and a physical therapist, all at least three to four times each. I have had two MRI’s and have used countless lotions, over the counter and perscription. I have used claritan, benedryl,Pramosone, Desoximetasone cream, clobex, sarna,only to mention a few…one cream that worked well for awhile was PLO-Keto/Bac/Cyclo/Lido only perscribed from the Apothecary. The dermatologist is convinced that it is Brachialradial Pruitus, aka a pinched nerve sending messages to the brain. My itching gets worse after a hot shower, I rinse my arm for a minute or two in cold water after shower. No more tanning beds always try to wear tops with sleeves. I am a sun bather from way back. Brunette, green eyes. I may have tried Brians pill, I’ll have to double ck.The family doc gave me a pill for what he said was a fungus under the skin. Funny thing is it worked for about three months then came back with a vengeance. Doc would’t give me any more pills says it can destroy the liver. Maybe not the same if Brian takes everyday.This pill was three pills at once then three more in a week. I’m going to try acupuncture (what else is left?)My only sleeping aid at this point is ICE! I sleep with it!
no, it is not the shingles virus, it is brp…darn, get yourself some neurontin from you doctor. all of us have problems with compressed discs in the neck, that lead to nerves in the arms…it will drive you crazy if you do not treat it…no sleep, anxiety, constant scratching like a monkey, etc., etc. also, it seemed to me to be worse when i was hot, i. e., perspiring, not necessarily in the sun. do you all feel that way, too? my drug of choice is the generic of neurontin, with no side effects. why in the world are so many of you resistant to using this??????? it worked for me after 20 years of suffering.
lynne what is brp? i like most of the girls have wore tanning beds out! and i am like martha.. i had rather itch then take the pills…the pills make me feel worse! i think i am going to see the chiropractor
debbie…(my spelling could not be correct) brp = brachial radial pruitis. it is caused by compressed nerves in neck..i had an mri, and sun or heat seems to exasperate the condition.
Just wondering… are things getting worse the past few days? Mine is getting really irritating!!
My experience with the chiropractor(helps my back) and acupuncture (painful and interesting) didn’t help my BRP at all even after many visits.
I too have wondered about the possibility of a herpes/chicken pox/ shingles connection. It has been brought-up before/earlier somewhere on this blog. I might try to do some research because I do believe they are nerve related conditions too.
I also think Neurontin is given to people with post-shingles “pain” (in the form of itching).
Wow!! I am glad that I found this site! Let me see if this makes some connections with any of you. I was just recently diagnosed with SLE (Systemic Lupus) and most of you either mentioned the sun, change of seasons, stress, the fact that you’re women (the vast majority of sufferers are women) and that you are between the ages of 18-45, most of you. Also, a few of you mentioned a possible kidney problem connection. I wonder if this is just one of the mysterious symptoms that a person with lupus might have. They are still learning about this autoimmune disease and this MAY be another clue?? If you are experiencing joint pain, fatigue or other possible symptoms, I would go get some blood tests done by a doctor and see. Maybe we will get to the bottom of this! 🙂
Just another thought……. has anyone ever looked into the connection w/ Vitamin C deficiency? I understand that a lack of vit. C can cause alot of skin issues. Itching, psoriasis, etc.
I work in a medical office and have access to a lot of drug samples, creams, lotions, pills, etc. I’ve tried everything and nothing worked……….until 4 weeks ago I tried a new allergy medicine that is out. I just happened to be reading the drug description sheet attached to it and it said that it has helped with pruitis (itching)……so I tried it. For the last 4 weeks I have not had an episode, none, zilch, nodda……..amazing. Not one sleepless night, no ice, can wear long sleeves again……
Its called “Xyzal”…..you take it before you go to bed because it can cause sleepiness……but so far I love it..
Not tired in the morning or during the day, no side effects so far. You will have to go to a physican to get a prescription for it, and being that its a new medicine it is not covered on most plans, but I’m sure your doctor can give you some samples to use……
I am up tonight tearful over this frustrating syndrome. I could literally scratch to the bone if it would help. I have had approx 16 yrs. I have had neck problems. (nurse x 30 yrs) plus I was hit by a truck while riding my bicycle that resulted in bulge C6-7 but it is my left upper arm & I do have hypothyroidism. It is definitely aggravated by stress but seems to be worse lately. I am 55 & have noticed that my neck pops & I can hear scrapping when I move my head side to side. I think it may be neck related (nerve compression) No one understands so I don’t talk about it anymore. I think it may be time for another MRI. What a relief to hear I’m not alone..
PS I just had a bout with shingles on my right side about C5-6-7. That may have exacerbated my arm. kathie
I was miserable by the end of August and went to the chiropractor for the first tme in my life and it worked!! After about 8 weeks of 2-3 times a week of traction it is at bay. I am also on nuerontin and have been able to slowly reduce the dosage (down to 500 mg a day from 800 mg a day). My theory – chaise lounges and beach chairs. In the summer I read at the beach or pool and I am convinced that the nerve gets crimped or disturbed. The sun aggravates the situation as the nerve endings are now sensitive. Although I live in NY, after the chiro treatments I can tolerate the sun (as I have been down south several times since). I was never a believer in chiropractors but it worked for me.
Kathie,
I have the same popping sounds and crunching in my neck, also from time to time I have bouts of veritgo on top of all the itching. I have seen the chiropractor and I have massages every Wednesday. My arms not only itch the go numb. But since I have started on the Xyzal I have not had an itch…….I have been on now for over a month……so far so good…..I’m keeping my fingers crossed that keeps working. Its a new allergy medicine but also helps with seasonal uticaria…..and since this thing seems to start in the fall and end in late spring it seems to be seasonal for most us…..
kathie…i just read your post…you have got to get a script for neurontin before you go nuts. i had the problem for years, and that is the only thing that works. i, too, have bulging neck disks…please, go to a neuronlogist and tell him/her that you have brp.
Hi all:
I’m a nurse for 44 years, but the same problem with BRP has perplexed my doctors for a long time. Finally, my derm Dr. made the relationship between the neck osteo and the itching, which is a form of neuropathic pain…only presenting as itching. Here’s what I found helps, after all the above creams, ice, heat, and arms that are raw. Loratidine usually helped a little, but the best has been Lidocaine patches 5%. As a hospice nurse and educator, I knew that that patches are used for hepes zoster (shingles) so I asked the derm people for them and they decided to let me try them. When the itch starts, I cut a patch to fit the spot and then it’s hard to scratch. But I leave it on for the 12 hours that it stats on the package and by God, it’s working for me. I am never without them in my purse, or suitcase, or wherever I go, plus a pair of scissors. I hope you can try them. Needs a script.
Judy
thank you. i will try this, too. lynne
judy…i will try it. thanks. lynne
Hi everyone; Not much activity these days. What does this mean? Just wanted to let you know what’s up with me lately. I’ve not been suffering too bad this year so far. Usually just a bit of itching in the evenings. I have been taking 400mg of Gabapenten before bed at night though. It helps me sleep like a baby through the night so I feel well-rested but I have no other side effects or daytime drowsiness. The pharmacist says this amount is just fine. I’ve also been going to this very interesting new chiropractic clinic here in Victoria, BC. called Backfit. I was devastated to find out by way of x-rays that I have some serious degenerative problems in my neck (moderate) and lower back (severe). I’ve always had back pain but not so much in the neck, just a lack of mobility. Anyway, I had a decompression treatment to each area and wouldn’t you know, my itchy arms (both this year) stopped itching immediately after the neck treatment. Still don’t understand though, why do I only get ‘itchy arm’ in the winter? Several days went by, I was so relieved and happy, I decided to have a glass of red wine last Saturday evening. After only 4 or 5 sips, ‘THE ITCH’ CAME BACK! A couple of days later, no decompression treatments but still seeing the chiropractor regularly and ‘the itch’ faded away again. Felt so good I decided to go to the tanning salon (7 minutes), that evening, ‘THE ITCH’ CAME BACK. I know you already suspect these things aggravate ‘the itch’ but this is just a little more evidence from my recent experience.
I’m a 37 year old female tennis pro in Florida. I first noticed the itching in my left arm two years ago in late summer but never noticed when it went away. In September of 2008 it came back but with a vengeance and in both arms! It’s 5:30 am 2 days after Thanksgiving and I am writing this post-ice treatment because I couldn’t sleep the itching was so bad! I thought I was crazy at first but after researching for a month and finding so many people with this condition it seems that most of us have Brachial Radial Pruritus and it is caused by nerve damage from over exposure to the sun or damage to the cervical spine. It appears to be seasonal and there is no cure. Ice seems to be the number one reliever (the rectangular blue gel packs work great. Wear a sweatshirt jacket or long sleeve hoodie and stuff a gel pack down each arm). I am wondering about the Neurontin though, and wonder if that will work for the people who have this condition from the sun. I guess my tennis days in short sleeves are over…does that mean no beach either? Since we’re almost in December I’m praying this seasonal flare up is almost over! I can’t wait! It seems I am younger than most to get this but I guess working sleeveless in the hot summer sun 30 hours/week can accelerate the damage. I am warning all my tennis friends and pros about this! I haven’t found anyone else who has it…odd. Good luck to everyone suffering. If anyone finds a cure please let us all know…until then, may the “ice” be with you!
Wow, I did a google search and found this site. Amazing. I’ve had this itch on my left arm for 2 months now! no rash or bite and no other place on my body. It truly is unbearable. Calamine lotion seems to help a bit but ony for about an hour and it keeps me up at night. I will try ice. I have an appointment with my dermatologist tommorow. I am blonde hair blue eyes and have had malignant melenoma years ago. I also have had low thyroid so this is interesting to me and I will mention it.
Anne Dixon; I’m a three-times-a-week tennis lover too. I play mostly doubles and know most players in my small city. I’ve never found anyone else in tennis with this. I have found one other person in my region, through this site, who has it but does not play tennis, nor does she spend a huge amount of time in the sun. Together we really haven’t found any common denominator other than that we’re both 50ish women.
Isn’t Xyzal just Zyrtec? I tried Zyrtec….. didn’t “scratch the surface”. Sorry, bad pun. My itch seems worse this year. I spent 4 and a half months in Hawaii this year. Yeah, it was nice, but I just wonder if all the extra sun caused more aggravation than ever.
Xyzal is a new seasonal allergy medicine. Believe me I never thought it would work but I decided to try in anyway, after all I tried everything else except the neurotin and I wont do that. I work in the medical field so I know a little about neurotin and I dont care to even try it. Anyway, so far so good……I have not had any itching in my arms and I just got back from 10 days in Mexico. Usually by this time of year Im going crazy with the itch. My arms have the scars to prove it.
If you read what most people write they say it starts in fall and usually goes to sometime in spring. So it sounds seasonal………….
All I know is that I am not itchy for the first time in 6 years……..
I do have neck problems with numbness down both arms thats why I never thought Xyzal would work, but fortunately for me it has so far…..
Barometric Pressure. I know this is what makes mine worse. I’ve kept a diary to try and figure this out. Had it for years, seen many different doctors. Every one has “Theories”.
Icy Patch works wonders, especially if you put it on as soon as the first tingle hits. You can wear it under clothes and is less embarrasing than carrying around a bag of ice! It’s with the muscle cream at the store, and has menthol, it’s a sticky patch that you put directly on the area.
Liver theory is good, but doesn’t explain seasonality. My greatest relief comes every summer when I spend a week IN THE SUN! But i’m in the ocean the whole time TOO. I will have a month long reprieve. I don’t believe the sun has anything to do with it. I do believe it could be hormonal as well.
All four of my sister’s suffer the same itchy nightmare.
i still do not know why so many are reluctant to try neurontin. it works…for cervical nerve damage and sun exposure. i know you all are going crazy with the itch. that was my past experience. PLEASE TRY IT!! I take the generic, gabapentin.
Mine is more a stinging sensation rather than an itch—like a bunch of bees sitting on my arm and stinging me. Last visit to Dr and he said it was Brachial Radial Pruritus. Looking this up it ireferrs more to a burning sensation. Mine is stinging and when it happens it drives me carzy. I got some relief from Vit B12 then it stopped working. I pulled off the B12 and for the last 4 days have not had the stinging———WHY?? I don’t know. Last Dr prescribed lidocaine patches. No effect for me.
Just wanted to share and if anyone has any ideas, I’d love to near them
Lynne;
Could you please outline the dosage of gabapentin you’ve been taking? I’m considering a change. Until now I’ve been taking 400mgs only/all before bed. It knocks me out and stops the itching all night without any side effects. Problem is that I still have the itch/burn/sting a little during the day and it does really restrict what I can wear (among other things…). I’ve always assumed taking it during the day would make me groggy, the Lyrica sure did – couldn’t function. Have you found that with the gabapentin?
Hi everyone, I’ve put a couple of posts on here in the past and I’ve suffered with this crazy arm itch for about 9 years now, mine goes from about August to January. The other day I went to bed with a long sleeved cotton tee shirt on and I couldn’t believe my arms did not itch, then I did it again the next night, no itching, tonight I am going to wear a tank top, I just want to see if this is a fluke or what. I was so excited when I layed in bed last night and my arms didn’t itch!!! Can you believe it lol! Give it a try, I’d love to know if anyone else has success with it.
Susan
linda…when i have the problem during the day, I take half of a pill (300mg) and it does the trick. also, it does not make me groggy. good luck
Susan, I’m confused. Just out of the blue no itch? Or do you think wearing the long sleeves was actually helpful? It’s been so long since I’ve worn sleeves to bed, I’d be terrified. I have been keeping my arms under my down duvet though so I guess it’s probably not that different. What normally happens during the day or evening? You must be wearing sleeves then? I find I’m OK during the day but I feel it building in the evening or maybe I’m just less distracted, while watching TV say. My itch/prickle is not as intense this year but when it does occur it’s on both arms which has not happened before in the 5 years I’ve had it. Not the usual activity here so I’m wondering if everyone is having a better go of it this year or if we’re all just tired of talking about it?
I have had the ithcy/pinching in my arms and across the back between shoulders for over 8 years and none of the Dr’s I visited knew what it was. A visit this past fall to a new Dermatologist immediately diagnosed it as Brachiaradial Pruitis and suggested a Chiropractor to work on my neck in the C-5-C6 area. If that doesn’t help, have an MRI to see if a nerve may be pinched. Well I have done all that, and the MRI does show a rotated disc pinching a nerve. I have been in Physical Therapy for over 6 weeks now. The itching has definetly subsided but not totally gone away. The Orthopedic Doctor can send me to another specialist who will, by injection and using an Xray machine, shrink the disc that is causing this problem. I am leaning toward that procedure. I don’t know if that will end the problem?? I have a red permanent rash across my shoulders and some on the upper arms. I am wondering if I should also see an allergist to rule out any foods that could also contribute to this condition. The only time I remember not itching is when we spent a month in Florida last March (I live in MI). So I do not believe the sun causes this. My P.T. suggested it could be related to both chicken pox and shingles of which I have had both! Yes, the cold or ice packs work but an over the counter lotion called Sarnia is mentholated and gives me some relief. I felt the need to share my experience too. It was a relief to see that I am not the only one suffering this condition. Please feel free to return your comments.
Thanks,
Sherry
sherry…..you really should try a medication from your doctor….neurontin (or gabapentin) solves the problem. all of us has problems in the disc areas you describe. the generic is gabapentin and you will not have any side effects but it will bring instant, much needed, relief.
sherry..try gabapentin or neurontin from your doc.
Ok all you itchers, crazy question here…anyone develop a rash and bumps to go with the itching in mid-January when it’s supposed to be going away????? Weird! This is my first season with BRP from Oct-until now (Mid-Jan.) Before it was the bee stings and burning itch under the skin all over the arms yet not a mark or blemish in sight. Now i can sleep at night, and don’t need the ice but have developed a bumpy, super-itchy rash at the crook of each elbow and the bicep area as well as spots on the front of each shoulder! It’s rough, scaly, ugly bumpy, itchy! My theory is that since this BR nerve is almost healed that it is saving the part closest to the skin at the bend of the arm, to heal last. That’s why it’s actually affecting my skin….anyone else have this problem when it’s supposed to be going away by now?
I wonder if it could be hormonal too…anyone else out there hitting peri-menopause, have 3 teens at home, and love red wine? Maybe it’s my liver!!! Hee Hee!
No sorry Anne, can’t confirm any rash ever. I too am having a little milder version this year compared to previous years though.
A little article in my local paper jumped out at me recently. It read, according to a Finnish study re. chronic pain “reactivation of genital herpes is linked in some cases with the rise of widespread neuropathic pain”. (BRP is a form of neuropathic pain.) They suspect the active virus might alter pain-processing at different levels of the central nervous system. Could this be significant?
BTW, congratulations (from Canada) on your wonderful new president all you Americans out there!
Ok, so I’m gonna throw some other things into the mix here. I’m 44, female with dark red hair and green eyes. I have the itching/tingling sensation in both upper arms but have no visual rash or bumps. I only have the itch at night when I lay down to sleep. When I’m on my back, the itching is mild, but being the stomach-sleeper that I am, when I flip over the itch becomes very intense! I end up burying my head in my pillow, gritting my teeth and wiggling my legs back and forth until the sensation subsides. Usually takes about 15 minutes or so. This has only been happening for a couple of months, and while I’m not suffering like many of you, I’m worried that this condition will continue to intensify. I haven’t had much exposure to the sun in over 20 years. When I am exposed, I use sunscreen. I have, however, had neck pain for years and suffered a broken tail bone during a fall 20 years ago. I guess I’m curious as to how this started for most of you and if the symptoms many of you have is what I will have to endure down the road.
Hi Lisa;
Sorry to say, sounds like you have IT. If you read through all the comments, OK not ALL, you’ll see you and your symptoms are pretty typical. For years we’ve been comparing notes and can’t seem to find a cause or a cure. I personally have trouble with both the possible causes, sun damage or back/neck problems. Read through as many as you can, it will save you a lot of time and money. Most people agree an ice pack (the gel ones are best) is the only relief. I take neurontin, it’s my first year, but I’m not really sure how well it’s working. The itch IS less severe this year and it definitely helps me sleep through most nights so I continue with it. I’m afraid to go off it to see what the difference is but come March when this usually goes away, until next Aug or Sept, I’ll start to wean myself off it. I hate taking drugs but luckily I’ve not experienced any side effects.
Sound like you really should try sleeping on your back more often. Good luck.
I’ll start to say, I haven’t commented on this website for a long time, reason, didn’t have anymore itch till this year. Yes, I’m one of the ones that have had it for well over a decade or two. Lots of theories out there, tried lots of medications,drugs, salves, ice etc. when it comes it seems nothing wants to work. I personally believe its caused by inflammation. The more I exercise the worse it gets, especially something like pushups in my left elbow, I can almost feel the heat coming through my skin and the itch begins, as well my left shouldblade. I looked up inflammation and itch and I came across Sjorgen’s syndrome. I’m not saying this is what it is but I sure had some of the symptoms. It says its hereditary (I have 6 family members with same itch and 3 with arthritis)dry eyes, dry mouth, and syndrome can cause itching. Not saying its this syndrome but I just think mine is some how connected to inflammation. Anyone else possibly think the same as I do?