Itchy Arms

Has anyone found a solution to this arm itching problem that plagues so many of us?! I have had shingles in the past. so, when I describe it to  doctors as that is how it feels I still don't get anywhere! Intense surface itching but pin pricking pain coming from inside my arm.I do get eruptions that end up as small blisters and pop and scar. This is my 8th year of this. I hate August coming as that is when it starts. It usually ends around Janurary but this year went on into March. Ice  and Sarna are my two only defenses. I have seen numerous doctors, dermatologist and allergists.....to no avail! I have been on so may medications with none helping and many making it worse. I do know that I have cervical nerve impingement as that came out on MRI and I feel it BUT why do the arms itch seasonally in the last part of the year. It starts to effect me psychologically as when i go somewhere at night I worry about it coming on and I don't have access to ice. I have found that there is a fair amount of people that have this and we all have gone through the process of doctors and medications and still don't have a solution!

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, welcome to the forum. There can be possible allergy but usually it is seen if there is a past history of allergy. The usual manifestations of allergy are rash formation with itching but blisters are quite rare. If allergy, it can be either due to atopic dermatitis or it can be due to irritant dermatitis. The allergic manifestations respond well to anti histamines and corticosteroids. If not responding then other causes needs to be ruled out. Are you exposed to poison oak during that time?

Recurrent herpes is another possibility and is associated with pain. Hidradenitis suppurativa is another possibility which is associated with itching, rash, and local sweating. Even folliculitis and bullous impetigo should be ruled out, which seen secondary to bacterial infection. You need to undergo blood IgE levels.

I suggest you to consult dermatologist. Take care and regards.

[deerofthedawn]

I have suffered from this condition, known as brachioradial pruritis (which is simply latinish for itchy arms) for several years. I have found a few things that help.

1. DON'T ITCH. Develop a habit of not scratching your itching arms. (Yes, I know it is hard but you can do it!)
2. Remove all other sources of possible irritation-- treat dry skin, avoid bug bites and sunburn and itchy clothing and bedclothes.
3. Take B-complex vitamins every day.
4. (I take blessed thistle aka milk thistle everyday and it may or may not help.)
5. Know that it will come and go. Last year I was in remission for several blessed months, now it's back.

Above all, you will have to set your mind to not itch and not think about it. That has helped more than anything. I have communicated with people online who let it take over their lives, and I am not interested in that happening to me. God bless!!