I have exactly the same as everyone for over 10 years. It usually starts end of August or September and last until February. I tried everything but to no avail. The doctor gave me Gabapentin and I take one 2 hours before going to bed, it seems to help. Sometimes the episodes last for hours of itching.
I constantly try to figure out what cause this horrible thing. Today I am thinking could it be caused by the flu shot? Because it's a seasonal thing.
Next year I will not get the flu shot and see what happens.
it probably is due to allergies. Since arthitis cream is an anti-inflammatory it helps lowers the symptoms (itchiness) due to the allergic reaction occuring.
An antihistamine should help better or as well as the cream.