itching arms

HELP... I have read hundreds of posts but do not know if anyone in 2010 has come up with anything to help.   I have severe itching on my left forearm to the elbow and occasionally above the elbow by about 1".  I have been to 3 dermatologists who have given me a total of 10 cream/ointments.. to NO avail.  I began to see a neurologist who prescribed Lyrica 300 mg. per day... and lidoderm patches both of which provide NO relief.    I have used a cream called Capsaizen that worked one time, but never again.   I am going to be starting (neurontin?) on Monday, but do not have high hopes.    The ONLY relief EVER is fresh ice on the arm until I can fall asleep.    Any others with this problem???


This discussion is related to Sever arm itching.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it looks like neurodermatitis only. 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.

Please discuss this possibility and these options of treatment with your dermatologist.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.