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itchy forearms

ice is the only solution for my itchy forearms at night. what is this condition



This discussion is related to Itchy Arms.
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Avatar universal
This is the second summer I've developed this itchy forearm problem. I'm in the landscape business, and thought it was something I was coming in contact with, but there's no swelling blistering or redness. Topical antihistamines and steroids did nothing to alleviate the problem. I'd be up in the middle of the night scratching away til I broke the skin.My wife and I put or heads together and came up with this theory: It may be a fugal problem like yeast or something. I'm already one of those lucky guys who prespires a lot to begin with, but by the time late summer comes around, I'm constantly sweating with the work I do. I have been applying miconozole nitrate 2%, which is cream for athlete's foot, to my forearms, and I believe it really has been helping with the problem. The itch was noteably reduced within 24 hrs. Maybe folks in humid environments, or who sweat a lot like me, will get relief. Good luck.
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Avatar universal
This is the second summer I've developed this itchy forearm problem. I'm in the landscape business, and thought it was something I was coming in contact with, but there's no swelling blistering or redness. Topical antihistamines and steroids did nothing to alleviate the problem. I'd be up in the middle of the night scratching away til I broke the skin.My wife and I put or heads together and came up with this theory: It may be a fugal problem like yeast or something. I'm already one of those lucky guys who prespires a lot to begin with, but by the time late summer comes around, I'm constantly sweating with the work I do. I have been applying miconozole nitrate 2%, which is cream for athlete's foot, to my forearms, and I believe it really has been helping with the problem. The itch was noteably reduced within 24 hrs. Maybe folks in humid environments, or who sweat a lot like me, will get relief. Good luck.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
This is the second summer I've developed this itchy forearm problem. I'm in the landscape business, and thought it was something I was coming in contact with, but there's no swelling blistering or redness. Topical antihistamines and steroids did nothing to alleviate the problem. I'd be up in the middle of the night scratching away til I broke the skin.My wife and I put or heads together and came up with this theory: It may be a fugal problem like yeast or something. I'm already one of those lucky guys who prespires a lot to begin with, but by the time late summer comes around, I'm constantly sweating with the work I do. I have been applying miconozole nitrate 2%, which is cream for athlete's foot, to my forearms, and I believe it really has been helping with the problem. The itch was noteably reduced within 24 hrs. Maybe folks in humid environments, or who sweat a lot like me, will get relief. Good luck.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I think I have been on every cream and medication out there for this and have seen countless Drs. and dermatologists that just wasted my time and money!  I am doing my own experimenting food-wise even though my GP tells me it wouldn't be anything ingested.  I am questioning chocolate and orange juice.  When I stopped using dryer sheets, it cleared up nicely but it was about this time of year that it started again.  I have been battling this problem for many years on and off and I can't wait to not have such a horrible problem.  It only affects my right arm and when it gets really bad I wash my arm, dry it and apply either Sarna cream or Gold Bond Medicated body lotion, and take 2 tablets (8 mg - 4 mg each) containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate every 4 hours.  The area is red, hot, puffy, blochy, and gets scaley with open sores when itched and consumes most of the arm.
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Avatar universal
I have had really painful itchy forearms on and off for a few months now (47 yr old male) - today was so bad I decided to google it and as a result have read a lot of comments. Key things that seem to be worth investigating are: creams, cool water, baby lotion prior to showering, parasite cleanse, kidney cleanse then liver cleanse (Hulda Clarke), covering up with long sleeved shirts against the sun, calcium deficiency, dehydration, sulfite allergies (alcohol, certain foods), spinal adjustments to stop pinched nerves, medical drugs (everyone seems to speak to side effects such as fatigue,etc.). Not one person mentioned their family Dr. being useful. Most complain their Dr. says it is only in their mind (what rubbish and ignorance). Specialists noted have not come up with anything useful. I think we are on our own - left to trial and error. Personally, I believe in the old adage about building a strong foundation... so I am going to follow Hulda Clarke's parasite cleanse, kidney cleanse then liver cleanse (like a tune up on a car) along with proper hydration levels, pranayama (breathing exercises) forgo alcohol (normally just wine) do some juicing (slowly as it can release too many toxins too fast) and exercise (which I do several times a week). For immediate relief I will use cold water and I will use meditation techniques to separate my mind from my pain, so I don't scratch.This may sound like the ultimate non quick fix, but perhaps a total mind body cleanse will result in a healthier body and less itchiness! I really don't know the answer, but no one else seems to... that's for sure!
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Avatar universal
Hi All,
this condition is brachio-radial pruritis.  It is mostly caused by nerve damage, either by the sun, which is why it's on our forearms (top); or by cervical spine compresson.  I don't know the best way to treat it though.  I have been suffering with this for 6 years now.  It started when I was pregnant.  VERY itchy arms that kept me up at night - it was always worse at night when I was less mobile.  The best thing I have found is to wrap your arms up tight in cold wash cloths, and then again in a towel, very tight.  Then - I take a benadryl at night to sleep when I have a "phase". It does come & go.  At first I thought, well if it's the nerve damage, why does it come and go?  that I can't explain yet.  all I know is this is a MADDENING condition.  It is NOT just an itch.  It will NOT go away w/ topical cremes.  Some folks can use neurontin and have found relief.  Also try thieves oil.  Benadryl, although it makes me drowsy.   good luck.  this is NOT in our heads, it's not eczema or dry skin, it is a neurological condition, in my opinion.  there are clinical studies now on BRP that have shown the correlation btw nerve damage and our condition...

God Bless,
C in VA
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Avatar universal
Hi, I'm from the UK and my itchy forearms have just started again, always around this time of year.  I agree with you, and I think it has something to do with sun exposure as mine always starts as my tan starts to fade!
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Avatar universal
hi there when i had itchy arms turned out to be scabies
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Avatar universal
Hi everyone!  I live in Hawaii and I have had this problem for about 7 years!  Each year it goes further up my arms.  I have been to all kinds of doctors also, but to no avail.  I do notice that mine starts earlier in the year than yours on the US mainland.  Mine starts around April or May.  Never paid attention to how long it lasts..........but it's happening now.  I'll try and take note and let you all know.  Could it have anything to do with heat?  Sun exposure?  I golf almost every weekend year-round.  Perhaps it has something to do with the orbit of the earth.  Has anyone from any other country posted comments about the same issue?  What time of year does it happen to them?  I am so frustrated and disappointed that there are no concrete explanations!  I am 49 years old, so it started around when I was 42.  How old are others?  Could it be hormones?  It definitely feels like it's nerve-related.  Under the skin.  But the intense itching causes sores and my skin is all rough now.  I sure hope someone can figure this out and find some relief soon.  Ice is the only thing that helps me, too................
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Avatar universal
Hi,

This could be allergic reactions to unknown substances, skin hypersensitivity, eczema, dermatitis .

Do you notice the lesions trigerred in response to a specific stimulus like sun exposure, some substance related to your work place or some bugs etc at home? do you have the symptoms only at night?

You should try to keep the area dry and clean. Try some powder to absorb the sweat.

Apply calamine lotion at the site and take some oral antihistamine medications for your complaints.

If the symptoms are still persistent, consult your dermatologist and get a proper clinical evaluation done.

Let us know if you have any doubts and keep us posted on how you are doing.

Good luck.
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