Finally! I found others

Wow! I am for the first time realizing that others truly know what I am going through!  Itchy arms!! For the past seven years I have been going at this.  The itching for me begins in early Sept and  I have never realized when it stops.  I itch from my elbow to my shoulder on both arms until I am bleeding sometimes.  I have been to an allergist and dermatologist and have left with no answers.  HELP!  I use Tea Tree Oil which helps a little but I can still feel the sensations under my skin.  It's hard to understand how there is not an answer for this or a treatment to help relive this.  I am not one to take any medication but there has to be something out there.  


This discussion is related to Itchy Arms.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Your symptoms are suggestive of brachioradial pruritis.It is an intense itching sensation of the arm usually between the shoulder and elbow of either or both arms. The itch can be so intense that sufferers will scratch their own skin to a bleeding condition.

The cause is not known, although there are a few lines of thought on what causes it.The only thing that seems to help most sufferers is the application of ice to the area until the itch is diminished.Other treatments include cooling lotions like those containing camphor or menthol,capsacain or local anesthetic creams,amitriptyline and gabapentin tablets and
electrical cutaneous nerve field stimulation.

Pls discuss this possibility and these options of treatment with your dermatologist.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted if you have any additional queries.

[maggid]

I also have had the itchy arm syndrome for a few years and have become pretty well convinced that it is an issue related to a liver deficiency or inability to cleanse the system of toxins, most likely wine or other alcohols.  I recently did a two week "liver cleanse" diet program, which included no alcohol at all, and within a few days the itching disappeared.  As soon as i went off the program it started again.  I don't know which is worse, the itching at night or eliminating my evening wine!

[ktm824]

wow, thank you all so much. I am about to go crazy. This is the first time I have had my arms itch from wrist to elbow. It has been going on for the last couple of week. I literally scratched my arms to bleeding. I have gone out and bought hydrocortisone, calamine lotion, and benadryl topical lotion. In reading the other posts, I can't imagine this going on from Aug. to January. I literally put this up there with fingernails scratching on the chalkboard, it is unbelievably irritating.

I do have some stomach issues and so the liver cleanse may work for me, I do agree with the "itch" or "no wine"  :)

[FurballsMom]

It's possible that you have a sulfite allergy.  I am definitely allergic to all alcohol myself.  So, I've never been able to have the occasional glass of wine or wine cooler.  I never did like beer anyway.  I was introduced to cooking with wine.  It tastes really good, too.  Most people realize that cooking evaporates the alcohol, so there is no alcohol left in what you're cooking.  So, it's fine to prepare food with wine and even give a little to kids--if you don't have to worry about allergies with your kids.

Well, if there is no alcohol left in the food and the food is the kind that I know I am otherwise not allergic to, then if I'm feeling sick all over I can only conclude that it's the sulfites that are in wine.  There are natural sulfites in the stuff from the grapes, but sulfites are also added to wine.

Now that I think about it, I was itchy all over the place from the sulfites, too.

I'm just saying that it might not be just the alcohol, it may also be the sulfites.  With me, I know for sure that it's both.

[marq229]

This may be Menopause setting in...check this...
http://www.34-menopause-symptoms.com/itchy-skin.htm

[margypops]

I have chronic Urticaria (Hives) I find Aloe Vera Gel from Trader Joes soothes it best it wont cure it but it stops the burn and itch, coulsd be an allergy to something you have used or are using .Incidently mine came on in May after a trauma and Penicillin . I still dont know what the allergen is.

[cefergus]

I believe I have Brachioradial Puritius.  It does drive a person crazy.  Some have said it is associated with being in the sun too much.  It is also helped by taking plenty of Vitamin B-12.  It has helped me to take this and to stay away from the sun when it really is hot.
However, there is no sure answer.  It is down to near freezing this evening and I have a place on my neck that is driving me crazy.  My routine is to freeze it with an ice pack,
spray it with Lanacaine and hope it will calm down.  Try not to scratch it...that stimulates
the area to cause more itching.  This probably related to some type of neuropathy-it is a nerve problem.

Carol

[birdwood]

I have been suffering from the "insane" itch for 8 years now and have only found out in the last month that many others do also, it was a relief as I really did think I was the only one.After reading and comparing I also think I have Brachioradial Pruritus , so now at least I have a name to take to my doctor to prove I'm not nutty and to tell people when they stare at my scared and scabby arms.

[Murbert]

Shawl Itch?  Is this brachialradial puritus?  My dermatologist called it as women developed it in the past when it got colder and they began to wrap up and itch!!  He suggested the use of Zostrix and I have upped the dosage to Zostrix HP as this is year 6 - the itch starts in Aug/Sep to year end - for me.  High humidity makes it worse, especially at night.  I also have been using capsaicin cream when I have not been able to get Zostrix.  It helps and I was told by the doctor that the burning sensation dulls the itch which it does.  This is no fun, and I wonder if it will ever stop bothering me?  Hang in there all you itchers!  You are not alone!  

[larryrowe]

i have the solution and only  cure, these doctors have no idea what they are talking about, the cure is to allow no sun exposure to your arm, i too have had this problem and yes ice does take it away if it starts to irritate but the only way to avoid the irritation is keep the top side of your arm out of the sun completely,the sun is more potent now than it was years ago and i beleve that the sun is the direct cause of this ungodly itch,i have driven alot of the years and played sports so my arms have always been exposed,i realized fast this must have to do with the sun and then i cut exposure and sure enough NO MORE ITCH,please people dont listen to these stupid doctors and go to all these dermatologists and waste tons of money when the solution is to just avoid the sun on the areas that itch.Its as simple as that people, no charge just help because i know it can drive you insane so dont let it,you dont have to keep out of the sun but your arms do so be creative on ways to cover your arms and still be comfortable.

[Mistyang]

Hi, I am from the UK and joined today.  After being up most of the night and not for the first time with this terrible prickling and spreading itch from my wrist to my elbow.  Its good to know I am not alone and I hope by joining with you on this forum I can at least find some help.
I used cold water to take out the heat and find some relief.  It drives me insane knowing that God I have to be up at 6.15 am for work and Ive been awake most of the night.  Why is it this happens only at night there must be some reason.
Yes, I am menopausal could it be that?
We dont have an awful lot of sun in the UK so its not exposure to that.
I dont drink alcohol at all.
It feels to me that this comes from within, its not an on the skin problem that can be solved with creams or hydrocortisone treatment.    Antihistamines dont stop it!
My doctor thinks Im nuts..
My husband sympathises.
I understand what you are all going through...by the way nice to meet fellow suffers.
Regards Mistyang

[dougf]

hi.
  My wife has been dealing with the itching and stinging arms for about 5
years. Started on the right arm as just an itch. Went to a Dermatologist
and was told to only use dove soap but no help. Went to another
Dermatologist and was given a shot. Seemed to help for a while but
came back worse and on both arms. Has had xrays and MRI. Found
two bulged disc. Has been to 2 chiropractors still no help. Family DR.
subscibed Gabapentin helps but not a cure. The only thang that works
is ice. Went to a Neurologist had her arms probed found no problems.
She has had an uncurlable bacteria Pseudomonas most of her life.
Takes lots of medications for this. Was woundering if any one else had this same bacteria. Just serching for any help.Would love to see her get
some relief and all others having this problem.

                                                        thanks Doug

[jannz77]

Just want to introduce myself as a unwilling member of this 'itchy arm...drives you insane...club".

I'm looking for solutions...but also want to understand "WHY".  

- Why does it flare up in the Aug - Nov/Dec time frame (for me anyways).  ???
If it's UV related then it seems to me that the folks down-under in NZ and Aus would have a different time period.  

-  Yes... I've got some cervical issues -- disc degeneration, osteophytes...but again why would this only bother us in certain months ..??  

-  Yes... I'm a female with changing hormones -- so the night-time frequency sort of makes sense if hormones are at the root...but again...why just certain months ..???...

Ice seems to work best...but who wants to be woken up...have to go to the freezer to get an ice pack...then try to go back to sleep. UGH.  

I tried 'capsasian' cream --  wow...not sure if I got too strong of concentration but it BURNED.  Tried washing it off in the shower and it burned MORE.  

I tried some Rx strength steroid creams --  no luck.  

I tried acupuncture --- but the needles were put on my arm.  Maybe they should have been put on my cervical spine area ...???

ANYWAY.... just wanted to share my thoughts.

Jann

[Not2Loud]

I am so glad to have found all of you, you have no idea!  I have had this "mystery itch" for my 9th year now.  I am 46.  I look forward to it (NOT!!) every year from September to December.  I have been to my GP, who sent me for allergy tests ... negative!  I've had a dermatologist tell me I was stressed out and in denial about it, like most women!  Don't worry, I gave him a piece of my mind for all of us!  (What a jerk!)  The truth is, the only thing that stresses me out is this effing insane itching sensation!  I haven't slept for over a month now(halfway there, woohoo!) and it's driving me crazy.  
I find it really hard to describe to people.  A regular itch is merely annoying ... you scratch, you're good to go.
This feels like little volcanoes are climbing up through my nerves and exploding hot lava underneath the skin.  Although my friends and family sympathise, they just don't understand that this is not just an annoyance, it is extremely, extremely painful.  (I normally have a high tolerance for pain, but this is unreal!)
Some nights are so bad, I wake up wanting to scream my head off.  One time, I was actually biting at my arm.  I think I was trying to gnaw it off in my dream, lol.  The only temporary relief I get is naked ice packs, but I wonder what harm I could cause by numbing my arms to death.  And I lose them in the bed.  Don't laugh!  You know it's happened to you too!  lol
Like some of you, I have drawn blood from scratching, and have numerous scars to show for it.  I wake up with blood under my finger nails almost every day.  Other than that there is no visible sign of any problem ... no rash, welts, dryness, redness, etc.  My arms look perfectly normal ... except they aren't :(
After finally getting some answers from these itchy arm forums(I thought it was just me!), I've decided to go with the perimenopause story!  At least my age indicates the possibility.
I was tempted to write to Dr. Oz or even The Doctors to see if they would be helpful.  It seems there is no cure.
Next week, I'm trying acupuncture.  If he can't help, I don't know where else to go.  Maybe I can try a hypnotist and "forget" that I have this condition.

Thanks for reading, because I know you girls understand.
And you are not crazy!  And you are not exaggerating!  And you are not delusional!  I know!!  Because I'm not either.  :)

[Sharryshoo]

I'm so glad we have a place to vent.  I've had this "condition" for two years now.  I've been in FLorida for 4 years and I'm 65.  I can't believe that with all of the complaints the doctors have been hit with that they can't come up with a better solution than "it's stress!".  The only stress I have is THIS ITCH!  I have tried ALL the over the counter creams and none of them work for more than a few minutes and most of them say to only use two or three times a day.  I think I'll go crawl in the freezer (and bring my hypnotist with me!).  At lease we know we're not ALL crazy.  I HAVE found that taking an antahistimine (sp?) before going to bed at least knocks me out enough to sleep - altho I feel really lethargic the next day.  Praying for the day we don't itch.  God bless you all!  

[Simpleman74]

This is likely an allergic reaction to polyester. Which in all cotton shirts is still in the threads. So the wrist has contact.

[dpthots]

Just a thought here, does everyone seem to notice this happens in the fall/winter? I notice that some did. Has anyone checked on Fungal Allergic reactions, or seasonal allergens present during that time? What about IFS? (Google it)

My family has a history of intolerance (or something) with funguses. I am throwing my 2 cents in because I remember my Grandmother itching and scratching her arms a lot, (so much that she bled) , especially in the winter. My cousin had to wear a protective suit for a while for about the same thing that you all (I think) are describing, it was horrible.

[nancbabemam]

Sun block with an SPF greater than 40 works about as well as any ointment or cream and is relatively inexpensive.    I've also discovered that runing hot water over the arms and then rubbing in a cream or ointment seems to help.  Perhaps because it opens the pours.  The ice packs get me through the night.  I keep them under my pillow.  Being in the sun all summer doesn't seem to have an affect.I was fine all summer, but   I've been in itch-land since October.  I don't drink at all, so that's not it.  I've had it since i was about 35--almost 30 years.  Not stress related.  My sister has it and we think our mother probably did, too..
Does anyone know if repeated exposure to the ice will harm the skin?
  .

[scobi16]

wow! glad i googled itchy arms after all of these years. u think u r the only one until....sorry so many others have this problem but in a way it is comforting. ice is the only cure for me. although just the opposite feels good too. meaning i get in the shower and turn the water on as hot as i can stand and then stand there with my arms under the water. this feels good but normally does not make the itching go away. i am a 42 year old male and have dealt with this for probably 20 years. work at a hospital and none of the id docs have answers either. anyway, i did see one post that it is possibly exposure to the sun. i think this year i will try and keep my arms covered and see if this helps. my arms are ithcing as i type and it is february. it just comes and goes throughout the year but has been persistant for the last two months. good luck to all.

[LuvCelticThunder]

Can't believe I found this site!
I have had this problem for TOO long to remember. Been to every type doctor, had ALL the tests possible. Tried every cream lotion, etc. you can use. No help either! One time I even lathered my itch arm up with antibacterial soap and scrubbed with a very hard bristle scrub brush and very hot water.. Nah - didn't work
For the last several years I have used 50 mg. tabs of Atarax to control the itch. Makes you sleepy but who cares, right?
Only problem is if you let the itch go for a couple of days without starting on the pills, you will not get ahead of the itch!. Duh-huh, I just did that and now can't get itch under control.  Nah - didn't work.
I try anything that pops into my mind - whether it makes since or not!  Can't you tell?
Anywho, thought I'd share my "thought of the day". Maybe it will work on you. Has worked for me so far today. ( Also, just started on the pills while the itch is gone)
I use a heating pad after my daily walks (just in case). Today I thought = umm-let's try this.
I put the heating pad on the highest setting, placed it over the itch and pressed it tight until I couldn't stand the heat anymore. Arm was totally RED when I removed the heating pad but I don't care!
Has been working so far today.  YYYYEEEEAAAA
Good lucks guys.

[kls102481]

To: I think I have found the answer for me.
I was like many people on here that itch after a shower. I have been itching for about 6 months and lately it has been real irritating and dont even want to shower or bathe. I showed no visible marks just felt like 100's of ant randomly biting at my legs and butt mostly. I tried many of the things that others say like use room temp water and pat dry the body and put on clothes right away, they all helped a little.
But one day I put BABY OIL into the bath water and then washed up normally and I had zero itching on any part of my body afterwards and it was a relief. I still felt clean and actually enjoyed getting cleaned up. I dont know how much i used but it wasnt very much. It almost seemed like the water ran off of me so fast i didnt need to dry afterwards. In the next day I tried to bathe and put it just on my legs while in it and washed up normally and I feel good again.
I have yet to try to apply the baby oil before or even after the bath or shower cause i havent needed to.  I would like for everyone who thinks this might help to try it. Then try it many different ways and let everyone know what you think. It should at least help many people who have had this problem. SO IF THIS WORKS FOR YOU PLEASE REPOST THIS TRICK TO OTHERS IN THIS FORUM AND OTHER DISCUSSIONS AND LET OTHERS KNOW IF THIS MAKES A DIFFERENCE> THANKS

[deerofthedawn]

I posted this already but I wanted to reproduce it here.
I was suffering just like you for years. From about age 42 to 47. Since November 2009 I have been taking Milk Thistle every day and I only occasionally itch. No more scabby arms!! No more wishing I could just sandpaper the skin off my arms and be done with it!!

I came across the idea for Milk Thistle in my reading that associated nerve itching with liver function. However I don't care how or why it works, just that Praise the Lord I hardly ever think about itchy arms and it used to be such a constant stress.

I take Milk Thistle extract, 200 mg each tab, 2 tabs a day. It says it is standardized to have 160 mg of Silymarin.

Also occasionally I need to use Capsaicin cream, which uses cayenne pepper extract to "use up" the nerve receptors so the itch is masked. Sounds like it would burn and occasionally it does a little, but that's better than THE ITCH.

Both remedies are natural, too. No side effects. Thanks be to God.

Here is wishing you healing and rest.

[kaybur]

hi,  just found this forum trying to get some answers.I'm glad to know It's not just me or all in my head, as the medical profession seem to keep telling me. a little bit about me. I'm a 47 year old male, i drive a taxi 10 hours a day and  live in th U.K. I suffer with severe back pain, arthritis, have depressed c5 and c6 discs and receive U.V heat and light treatment for psoriasis. my dermatologist mentioned BRP, but when i mentioned my symptoms first started after PUVA treatment, which is UVA light plus a plant extract called psuralens which sensitises the skin to the uva light, she seem to think i was nuts and said it was more likely to be nerve damage. I mentioned this to my neurologist when i had an MRI scan on my c5and c6 and guess what, he thought i was nuts and said it was a skin problem. I have been on anti histamines for years anti inflamatorys for arthritis and lyrica , a pregabilyn pain killer, for my back pain. i moisturise 3or4 times a day for the psoriasis and still the itch persists only ice or soaking in coldwater seem to do any good. my G.P cannot suggest any more drugs or treatment and gives me the impression that I am wasting her time and to come back when i have a proper problem. for me at least heat seems to have been the trigger and it is definitely worse during the summer but from what i have read there are some common factors for quite a few sufferrers. ie neck or back trauma arthitis psoriasis shingles. if anybody out there is collating all this info hope this is useful it don't stop the itch but it helps to know it's not just me and maybe someone will come up with a miracle.

[jannz77]

OK-  so it's summer and AGAIN my arms are itching and look like I have mosquito bites from the scratching I've done.

I went to a new dermatologist yesterday and brought in the info on Brachioradial Pruritus.  She asked if I had any weakness in my arm -- to which I said 'no'.  She said that if I had weakness in my arm then the itching 'may' be due to a cervical spine issue.   But the fact that I don't have any weakness then I have this OTHER form of skin nerve issue -- called "________" (sorry but I can't remember the name exactly...should have had her write it down).  But the essence of this form is that the nerves in the skin in THIS area are for some reason suffering from "inflammation".  It could be from UV radiation (which is probably the case for me given the time of year it happens)...but she said it could also be a genetic thing...they don't really know WHY it happens or WHAT causes it.  

What she did say is that I could try this topical prescription drug cream called "Zonalon".  She said that in pill form folks take it for anxiety to calm their nerves.  And in a cream form it does the same thing to the skin nerves -- it calms the inflammation.  You have to use it at night because it causes 'sedation' -- so you have to be cautious until you know how it will affect you.  

So...I've only used it one night -- and seemed to help -- but obviously NOT enough time to say definitively whether this is SYMPTOM RELIEF therapy a lot of us are looking for.  It's definitely NOT a cure...for that we'd need to know what causes it.  However, if it is 'inflammation of skin nerves' ...then I'm going to make sure I take my fish oil, and all my antioxidants that help internal inflammation.

What I want to know is if anyone else has tried the Zonalon 5% cream...and to share  their experience.  

Best wishes,
Jann

[jannz77]

I called the derms office and asked what the diagnosis was that the doctor had mentioned at my appointment yesterday as a possibility for the 'itchy arms' that we're all dealing with;  

Neuroderatitis

[thedatagirl]

hi!
I just wanted to say brachio-radial pruritis is a REAL condition.  so many of us are suffering with it.  I have suffered w/ it for 6 years.  It started when I was pregnant ~ and has been off and on since.  I thought it was just hormone-related; but now I think, as research says, it's nerve damage and compression from the cervical area of the spine (neck).  I believe this bc my x-rays of my neck show lots of compression of C1 and C2 and there is a huge lack of arch in my neck.  and, the arm that has the MOST itching is slightly subluxed at the shoulder, and has markedly MORE space between the humerus and the shoulder socket. hmmmm......is it nerves?  is it the sun?  is it hormones?  could it be all 3?  I don't think it's wine though.  I quit drinking 1.5 yrs ago and I'm still getting the horrible, relentless itching.  The things that work for me are:

* wrapping arms up in cold wash-cloths, and then again in tight towels.
* taking Benadryl at night to sleep.
* running or working out, and lathering up the arms with jergens ultra healing moisturizer
  before working out (it seems to work!)
* heard that thieves oil works to rub it in on the arm
* basil leaves mixed into water as a tea and put the wash-cloths in the tea, then put on your arms.

I will try the milk thistle!  I take this orally I guess?

thanks!!
I feel for ALL OF YOU.  this is a maddening condition that makes me irritable when it pops up.  it is next to impossible not to snap at people when you have a huge burning itching on your arms.  ugh!  no wonder!  

Bless you
C

[thedatagirl]

would prednisone help with the inflammation of the nerves?  I had a terrible itch one time too, not on the arms, and the Dr. gave me prednisone.  it cleared it up lickity split.  side-effects aren't great from steroids (weight-gain in particular) but it does help....

just thinking out loud....

thanks!

[thedatagirl]

hi,
I wonder how many of us had itchy arms during pregnancy, for all you females out there?  this is when it started for me.  and, I did research, as a good self-diagnoser dose on google and webmd, and found the CHOLESTASIS is a dangerous obstetrical condition that is caused by liver dysfunction (bile acid goes really high); and, the kicker here is the only symptom is incredibly itchy arms!!!!!!!  i had this pretty much all through my pregnancy, and it has been off and on for years.  I wonder if we can get a bile acid test to see if our livers are to blame for the itchy arms?  just thinking out loud here.....there has to be a reason for this madness!!!

-C

[jgold723]

I've had the same problem for more than 20 years, off and on, but worse lately in the past five years. I never realized it could be seasonal, but after reading your posts, I now realize that the problem does seem to be worse in the fall! I'm itching like crazy as I write.
I use either a menthol cream like icy hot (which my wife hates because of the smell) or a capsaicin cream (which burns like crazy) to distract the itch. I find that a combination of Aspercreme on my arm and a couple of aspirin also help, although it takes a while for the combination to kick in. Ice also works, but it's messy and hard to apply at work.  I'll also try to see if I can get some lidocaine prescribed.

[olpupi]

I had arm itching for about 10 years off and on. Usually at a joint... wrist, elbow or shoulder; one arm or the other; lasted for months; worse at night. PROBLEM SOLVED BY GOING TO MY CHIROPRACTOR who adjusted my atlas one week, my cervical discs (c6 and c7 primarily if I remember correctly) the two following weeks. It took several weeks, but the itching slowly subsided and then went away for about a year. Came back the following year around the same time, so went to the chiropractor right away. One adjustment and the itching stopped slowly subsided in 2 weeks. It takes a while for the nerves to calm down so don't expect immediate results. Hasn't returned in the past 2 years. Had a friend with same symptoms try same chiropractor and she got some relief but not as much as I got. So try the chiropractor. Mine thought it was primarily the atlas adjustment that helped me so perhaps find one who does atlas adjustments.

[margypops]

I have had this for 2 years but mine may be more hives than just an itch, as if I touch or scratch the areas ,my neck right side, and tops of arms big white wealts appear the burning/stinging  is really bad, this year has been worse ..any ideas,I thought 3 things may cause it sulphites, or cactus in my garden, toxcity from dental work 2 years ago .

[ItchyAussie]

Hi everyone, I  am in AUSTRALIA, and have decided for me it is the sun! After reading this forum around March (end of our summer) last year after going crazy with my itching, I decided to take note of the months that I suffer. Not long after that it went away (through winter) and has only just started again now - January, our summer. So it sounds exactly like a lot of you in the states, but the reverse months. Last night I put on some after sun gel, meant for sunburn, and actually found some relief. I will now be putting on sunscreen everyday, which I have never done before, that will be the real test.... Thanks to all you other sufferers out there for sharing your ideas, what a huge relief it will be if this works!

[lifesanitch]

Well I am stunned! I truly thought I was the only person on earth with this itchy arm problem. I've suffered for many many years and discussed it with many doctors who all told me it was either stress, allergies, sensitivities or other things and just told me to take cortizone cream. My problem used to be just seasonal (only in the winter, oddly) but now it is all year long. I am somewhat dismayed to find out that sun makes it worse as I've recently moved to the Caribbean! I am very interested in trying out some of the 'cures' others have used and also in finding out if I may have a c5-c6 problem. This will be no easy task in an almost 3rd world country but at least I have an idea of what the problem may be now. One tip I can give to other women who itch is to get fake nails. Sounds weird, but the acrylic or gel tips are thicker so won't break your skin when you scratch. I didn't like wearing them but got them for years just to help prevent the vicous scratch/itch circle.
Anyone have advice as to what solution I should attempt first?

[carrcarr]

I have been putting up with this burning itch on my arms for 13 years now. nobody can explain it.  It usually starts in the middle of the summer after my arms are exposed to a lot of sun and already tanned.  It starts in one place on my arm and after a long while goes to another spot. when it gets inflammed it gets red and has a lot of heat in it. I have used everything over the years topical and oral, but it still comes back.  MY suggestions on easing it is ice, whenever it gets inflammed. I also found that dermasil original lotion helps a lot. I spread it on thick and rub it in good. just here lately i found that sunblock spf 50 or higher also calms it down a lot. I learned that it was the zinc oxide in the sunblock that takes out the heat. so i purchased plain zinc oxide 200 mg. and going to use it also. At night I put on the zinc and then after it soaks in I put on the dermasil. I use to use benedryl but it raised my blood pressure too much. I also find that putting the sunblock on when I go outside keeps it from flaring up so bad. You might want to try these out also. I hope you get some relief. I know what your all going through. I seem to think it has something to do with my thyroid medicine and the sun in the summertime because it goes away in the winter.  Let me hear from you if anyone else has thyroid problems also.  I will pray for all of you to find a cure and you pray for me. I find prayer helps a lot of things.

[roynut]

I've been suffering from itchy arms for about 15 years now.  I too believe that it has something to do with the sun for the following reasons:
1.  For me it started suddenly one summer after my arms got sunburned.
2.  It was worse on my left arm, which gets more sun because I'm in the US (driver side window).  One doctor that I saw about this problem told me that he was familiar with it, and he said that people in the US normally get it more on their left arm while people in the UK normally get it more on their right arm because of the unequal exposure to sun from the design of cars.  He also gave it a name but I've since forgotten what it was, although I remember it containing the word "fibro".
3.  It almost always starts in late summer after my arms have received enough sun to get burned or tanned, and then eases up in winter after the tan has disappeared.
4.  It really kicks in when my arms get sunburned.
5.  As larryrowe noted a couple years ago, it DOES NOT APPEAR if I avoid the sun and/or I'm careful about always applying >30spf sunscreen to prevent tanning.  I was able to avoid this problem for several years just by reducing exposure to the sun and being diligent about using sunscreen.  
6.  This year it did not appear until I forgot to use sunscreen when going out in the sun, and in this case it was my right arm that got more sun, and this time it is my right arm that is itching.
7.  As ItchyAussie noted, he gets it during the opposite time of the year from people in the northern hemisphere so it is in some way related to the seasons rather than just the time of year.

I'm sure there are other factors as well, but considering that just about everyone says the itch starts in late summer (when they're more likely to be tanned) and goes away in winter (when suntans go away), it seems pretty likely that exposure to the sun plays a key role.

Of course knowing that it's related to the sun doesn't make it any easier to find a treatment once the itching starts, but as larryrowe and I both have experienced, if we plan ahead and limit the sun exposure we can prevent the itch from happening.

[roynut]

Hello, it's me again.  After an especially miserable night where my arm itched so bad that it kept me up all night, I went to see my doctor, who prescribed a drug to take once a day and Lidocaine patches to see if either would help the itch.  

I tried the Lidocaine patches (brand name Lidoderm) the first night, and to my infinite relief it worked!  Within an hour or so of applying the patch it numbed the skin on my arm and completely quelled the itching.  I did experience a side effect of minor swelling of my throat, but that was nothing compared to the relief I experienced, plus it went away as soon as I took off the patch.

The patches can only be used for 12 hours each day, so I use them when I go to bed so I can sleep.  The itching is worse then anyway.

If you haven't yet found a way to stop the itching, please give the Lidocaine patches a shot.  It won't cure the condition but it will provide relief from the itch.

I'm supposed to give the drug a week to take effect, so I guess its effectiveness is still to be determined.

[suzyh47]

Hey everyone who is suffering this.  Have you ever thought it just might be coming from your computer?  My sister and I both have this complaint - and yes it is enough to drive you crazy, but because another sister is allergic to mobile phone towers, electricity radiation of many kinds and is having all sorts of other health problems we began to wonder.  If I am on the computer for a good length of time, the itching starts.  If I am away from home and not near the computer it stops or is barely noticable.  Think about it - electrical radiation can cause all sorts of health problems, this is one of the easier ones to fix.  Limit your time on the computer and turn it off when not using it.  Just try it.

[suzyh47]

Hey everyone who is suffering this.  Have you ever thought it just might be coming from your computer?  My sister and I both have this complaint - and yes it is enough to drive you crazy, but because another sister is allergic to mobile phone towers, electricity radiation of many kinds and is having all sorts of other health problems we began to wonder.  If I am on the computer for a good length of time, the itching starts.  If I am away from home and not near the computer it stops or is barely noticable.  Think about it - electrical radiation can cause all sorts of health problems, this is one of the easier ones to fix.  Limit your time on the computer and turn it off when not using it.  Just try it.