super Itchy arm rash will not go away, going on a year now....

[katiekc]

Ok im about to lose my mind. About a year ago..I got this one wound. I am not sure what I got it from but it was about the size of a quarter on my right forearm. I covered it, and started using triple antibiotic ointment. The large wound went away, but then became little SEVERELY itchy rash. Little bumps all over this area. So I then preceeded to try EVERY ointment and cream on the market to no avail. A little after two months into it, I got a rash on the other arm in the same exact position but not as bad.

I then went to patient first. The doctor there prescribed a Steroid cream and gave me some pills to stave off the itch ( i have never experienced an itch this severe) So I used the cream....and the rash went away. After it went away I stopped using the cream. Then...it came back. went back to patient first, he perscribed more cream ( fluocinonide USP,0.05%) So I started using it again, it went away, stopped using it, then it came back. About the fourth time through this frustrating cycle I just used it even thought it was gone, until I was completely done with my 5th tube of this steriod cream. Now its back.

Has anyone had this happen or know what is going on? I am really getting irritated with this, and my arms are starting to scar from the bumps!!!

Please help!!!!!!

[Geekgirlfinds]

Katie I went and looked at the pictures you posted and I have the same exact thing! Our arms could be idenitcal. Have you had any luck or did you find out what it is?

[Delriork]

Any updates? I think I have this too. I'm on my second tube of Triamcinolone Acetate. I stopped using it and it came back. It's annoying as $&$(!!!

[Brorash]

I have the same thing.  bumpy dry rash that doesn't go away on my left forearm.  it started on my wrist and my brother sprayed me with dust off on my forearm which froze my skin.  it spread to that area over the next few days.  been going on now for about 8 months and just like you said nothing works. and it can be unbearable at times.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

One possibility that needs to be evaluated is 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.

Pls discuss this possibility and these options of treatment with your dermatologist

I hope that helps. Please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries. Kind regards.

[katiekc]

still have it.....help please...

[katiekc]

I have posted pictures on my profile of my arms.  It is in the same spot on both arms.  Now the itching feeling is to the point where it wakes me up at night and keeps me awake.  I have tried every antihistimine on the market,

[katiekc]

Ok well the itching is to the point where its keeping me up at night.  I am not itching it at all...but have to rub ice cubes on it to numb it, tried dousing with paroxide to see if it would stop the itching.  Its really painful now air and any contact make it super itchy and hurt at the same time and elbow joint is sore.

I posted pics on my profile.  You should be able to click my name and go to my photos.  

Also I read that a Gluten alergy could cause a rash like this called dermititus hepiformitus (sp?)  does this look like that?

thanks again, this is really frustrating for me.  

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

You could post us a picture here.

Nothing can be said with surety without having a look at the lesions. You would need to consult your doctor for a confirmed diagnosis.

Do keep us posted about how you are doing and consult your doctor for a clinical examination if the symptoms persist.

Let us know if you need any other information.

Regards.

[katiekc]

Tried antihistimines, still itches incredibly, tried calomine lotion, does not work.  I have not scratched it but instead rubbed ice over it to numb the area.  Nothing is working.  Ive gone trhough another two 80g tubes of Fluocinide and Triamcinolone Acetonide.  NOTHING is working still here and seems to be getting worse.  Shall I take a picture?

[katiekc]

I have tried all these things like I said. And I have exhausted all available resources over the counter and all steriod creams that are perscribable.  It seems to be getting worse.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

This could be eczema, dermatitis, allergic reaction etc. You need to wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites.

Apply calamine lotion at the site of the lesions and see if it helps. You could take some oral antihistamine medications like cetrizine or loratadine. You need to maintain a good personal hygiene .

Anti-itch drugs, often antihistamine, may reduce the itch during a flare up of eczema, and the reduced scratching in turn reduces damage and irritation to the skin.

For mild-moderate eczema a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone or desonide), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).

Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Moisturizing is one of the most important self-care treatments for sufferers of eczema. Keeping the affected area moistened can promote skin healing and relief of symptoms.

Post us if you need any further information.

Regards.