itchy arms

[kwagent]

I have the exact same problems.  Like everyone else is saying, comes in August, leaves around December.  I am from Georgia so it seems not to have a geographic nature unless it's just east coast.  Please if anyone comes up with something that works please let us all know.  I have tried peppermint oil and lavedar oil and it helps for a little while but i want a CURE!!  


This discussion is related to Itchy Arms.

[bdaonion]

I have had the same issue describes on these 'itchy arm' posts for five years. It is interesting to see that we have all tried the same common cures with only moderate success. I will look into the meds and the vitamins that have been suggested. I am pretty sure this is a sun related condition in my case - It starts in the summer and ends in the fall. I think the UV posts are correct. In my case I do not think it ios stress related or a nerve issue, for a variety of reasons. This year I have bought some long sleeve sleeve sun SPF 50 shirts and have experience some reduction in the itchiness, though not a complete absence of the condition. Having said that I have not been using the clothing all the time. My guess is that even small exposures to high intensity sun trigger the condition and then it takes awhile following exposure to go away. I need to purchase more of this clothing line, but even SPF 50 may not be completely effective. Someone asked about SPF sun creams - those seem to have no affect for me. I will check back into these forums and hopefully someone will find a solution. Thanks.

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, welcome to the forum, as this is generalized symptoms, it needs detailed evaluation. The possibilities needed to be ruled out are Xerosis (dryness of skin), Atopic dermatitis, Contact dermatitis and Lichen simplex chronicus.

Xerosis can be seen due to frequent bathing (particularly hot baths and showers), and high temperatures with relatively low humidity such as the environment produced by home heating in the winter. Other causes are allergic dermatitis secondary to exposure to allergen or irritant. You need to look for particular allergens which would be responsible for such symptoms. You need to avoid further exposure.

You also need to rule out systemic conditions like renal disease, Cholestasis etc. which is associated with itching.

You need to use emollients regularly, anti histaminic against prescription will help to reduce the itching, and Topical steroid is helpful if Lichen simplex chronicus is suspected.

I suggest you to consult dermatologist. Take care and regards.

[Mattso]

I have heard of this being related to neck pain/injury.  I have had this condition since moving back to the upstate NY area, seven years ago. To be more specific, it is at the elbow joint area, on the top of my arm, most severe on the right side.  Sometimes I will get it on the ball of my shoulder on the right side also, and every so often, I'll get it on the back of my neck, right side.  I also had two years when it did not come at all.

I have not had x-rays, and have been surviving with ice packs.  I'll let you all know what happens after I have x-rays.

[cjrf]

I too am in GA. I have had this arm tingling, prickly, itchy feeling in now both arms for 4 years now. It comes May-Sept. I attribute it too heat and humidity. The only relief i get is ice packs. I guess it is time to see about my neck. Anyone else have relief suggestions that have worked?

[Desrtdove]

Hello everyone! There used to be an 'itchy arm' forum started in 2000 on PiA, but was disbanned today. Anyway, I was a member there since 2008 and have had itchy arms for 8 years myself. Thank goodness I found out what was causing mine after 7 years. I did ALOT of research and found out about brachioradial pruritus and it's various causes. Many of the "Deep" itches talked about are actually nerve related which is why neurontin helps. It's also why ice helps...ice over-rides the nerve impulse being fired (the itch sensation)...often the icy hots, topical pain ointments etc do similar things.....and sometimes for many of us, actual pain will interrupt this itch signal. I suggest getting xrays of the cervical spine...followed by MRI's of the same and EMG's if necessary. Typically brachioradial pruritus will have some kind of nerve compression, damage, lesion etc. on C5-C6 levels. Should a disc or something else be compressing the nerve roots at this level, you could get this false itch sensation instead of pain, tingling, numbness most often associated. Look into everyone and good luck!!!