Brachioradial Pruritus-Severe arm itching

[bruneyes]

My arm itching started several weeks ago, I thought I was having an allergic reaction. Turns out it got worse last few days and never went away. I went to urgent care to my dismay, the doc could not diagnose what I had and wrote me a script for Triamcinolone. I've been using this ointment religiously, however last couple of nights I woke up with extreme discomfort from the itch and sat there scratched out my arms all nite-until i started googling info on what might be going on with me. I went to my chiropractor today as I am committed to taking care of this sickness- he said he's not familiar with this type of ailment; however adjusted my neck and right shoulder where I'm usually out of place. I am going to see a neurologist later in the week. I just want to find out if there are others dealing with this out there, as it seems this what they call a rare thing-since its not a skin disease-scratching never helps nor did the itching creams. My husband's going to get some x-strenght lanacane for me as i've heard it works well. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[delta808]

I've had this condition for 5 years, since the pregnancy of my 3rd child...drs thought it was a liver condition but was only in the arms.It's the same as everyone else...from shldr to wrist, worse at night, ice only relieves it, and yes I've tried lots of creams too. I'm now trying a homeopathy oil which is OK and I make my own minty analgesic cream that cools it off if the itching is at it's early stage. I'm just hoping to make it through this Aug-Nov period and I'll live in polar fleece until I can manage to wear other clothes again as I'm sooo sensitive to fabric and heat. I too have had too much sun exposure over my 39 yrs and have a straight neck with some disc compression. Maybe next year I'll stay out of the sun ( hard when you have 3 kids and live on the Okanagon Lk in British Columbia) we'll see if it's a little less bothersome next fall. Good luck to everyone else I feel for what you're going through. I'm a yoga teacher who works in rehab and still can't help myself...it brings me to tears some nights because nobody understands but my kids know the protocol and grab me ice when they see me start to itch. I hate that they experience my outbursts from being so fatigued...I hope one day they will understand what I've gone through and forgive me for being moody and having to dismiss myself from reading their bedtime stories because the INSANE itch takes over and I have to lay ice on myself and sit still...may us find relief and peace soon.  

[Dr Rajgopal]

Hi,
Your symptoms are definitely suggestive of Brachioradial Pruritis .Though there is no definite treatment , ice application and topical anesthetics (eg lidocaine cream or gel) or  5% topical doxepin may help sometimes . Numerous oral medications can be used but the results vary from  person to person . Symptomatic relief  can be provided by  gabapentin , lamotrigine  ,amitriptyline  , pimozide , Oxcarbemazepine  or Risperidone .Cervical spine stimulation and restricting outdoor activity or wearing full sleeved clothes relieve the symptoms .  Please consult a physician for the management  . Hope this helps you . Take care and regards !

[steamboattracey]

Yep, it's BRP, I am sorry to say. I have had it for 10 years now and am losing hope of finding a cure...however, there are thousands of people, men and women, all over the world (diff climates) that suffer with this. I have tried every topical cream (including triamcinalone) and benadryl and steroid creams, etc, to no avail. The only relief is ice. People say it is related to one of two (and in some cases both) things--1. the cervical spine as you mentioned, and 2-prolonged exposure to sunlight/prior sun damage. It's awful...I wish you luck in finding a solution, and will try my best to maintain some hope that we can all find some relief. Keep us posted if you have any luck!