Itching Arms

My husband has severe itcing on his forearms. We have tried every over the counter med that they sell. Went to see a Dermatologist and he didn't help at all just said take benadryl because he couldn't see anything wrong. He has had this for over 15 years and nothing seems to help. He tried, Neurontin, Lyrica, adarax, cortizone elavil and every cream, gel or spray you could imagine. He is at his ropes end. Never sleeping and miserable. Does anyone have any suggestions that might help him.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Well,your husband’s symptoms are typically suggestive of brachioradial pruritis. Brachioradial pruritis 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 main cause of BRP is not known but there is evidence to suggest that BRP may arise in the nervous system. BRP may be attributed to a neuropathy, such as chronic cervical radiculopathy.

No cure has been found.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 on how your husband is doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.