itchy upper arms

I too have itchy upper arms.  I read one of the persons comments in the forum stating that the doctor told them it was psychological.  IT IS NOT.  I think sometimes when doctors can't figure out what is causing something they throw that one out there,.  I have narrowed it down to sweating.  I too have this all summer long.  I notice it is much worse if I sweat or if I wear lotions that cause my upper arms to sweat.  Unfortunately, like every one else explained, scratching the skin only worsens the itching, and then the topicals we use don't work.  There is no rash, and I also think that is what contributes to doctors thinking it is psychological.  I have been using Gold Bond Lotion for itching, with menthol in it.  Unfortunately it is a lotion, which sometimes creates more sweat.  I am glad to see their are other options that this forum has created.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Such itching of arms is due to 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.
I hope that helps. Take care and regards.