Itchy Arm

[SuseQWiz]

I know I will sound like all the other people who have sent in this question, but my itching is OUT OF CONTROL.  For years I have been living through bouts of itching from the inside out on my arm and shoulder.  I have been know to dig at my arm with a fork.......but there is NO relief.  The only thing that seems to help is an ice pack, but I have bought those over the counter cold packs and keep refreezing them only to give myself frostbite.......it just doesn't get cold enough.  My four sisters have the same thing, as did my Dad.  What is it and how can I get it to stop?  When we are out, I often ask for a glass of ice to run up and down my arms........it is worse at night....but I have it all the time.  Please help...........I need to get some sleep!!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Well,your 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 you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Warm regards.