Can excess swelling cause itching

I have cronic (chronic) swelling at, below, and above my elbows(my left is really swelled) from cubital tunnel syndrome, (just like carpal tunnel sydrome in the wrist)tennis elbow,and golfers elbow.
A few weeks ago for weeks previosly I had a terrible itch around my right elbow. Sometimes it would be just red and other times I would get red bumps or the two together.I put on Sarna it cuts the itch but it didn't go away for quite a while.Now I have it on my left elbow and it goes almost to my wrist and part way up between my elbow and shoulder.Can this be caused from the excell swelling or something else.Its driving me nuts expecially at night. Sometimes I wake up itching it un till it bleeds.
Thanks in advance

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I'm not familiar with cubital tunnel syndrome.  I haven't seen itch from swelling alone in carpal tunnel syndrome either.

While I'm not sure what's causing your itch, it doesn't sound as though you have eczema or some other primary skin condition that would be visible.

I suggest continued use of Sarna, keeping the elbows covered at night to minimize scratching, and seeing a doctor if the matter persists.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff