Fibro itch

[Wraysbury]

Hi I have fibromyalgia and PMR and have been able over 4 yrs to reduce the Prednisolone for PMR to 3 mgs/day. But 5 weeks ago I started itching, there’s no rash, it feels deep and scratching simply makes it burn and bruise. Is this fibro itch. PLEASE tell me what you’ve found helps as I’m tearing my skin off. Thanks

[Dizzytwo Moderator]

Hi there, you never said if it was an all over body itch or in just certain areas of your body.

There are many reason apart from fibro that can make our bodies itch. Here are just a few of them.

Itching on the whole body might be a symptom of an underlying illness, such as liver disease, kidney disease, anemia, diabetes, thyroid problems, multiple myeloma or lymphoma. Nerve disorders. Examples include multiple sclerosis, pinched nerves and shingles (herpes zoster). Psychiatric conditions.

All I can suggest is try and have a word with your GP to get it checked out.

Failing that why not speak to your local pharmacist. Good luck I hope it settles down soon.

Momo

[Wraysbury in reply to Dizzytwo]

Thanks it’s at the base of my skull, base of spin, outside thighs and forearms. It’s very specific.

[Blearyeyed]

Hi. Wraysbury , It's Auntie Bee here.We used to have the odd chat on the PMR/ GCA UK forum.

Well done to you for reducing your Pred to 3 mg , let's hope your PMR has finally left the building.

First , like Dizzy said , just double check there are no other things causing itchiness and get your liver function and kidney function blood tests done by the GP.

If you haven't had your inflammation markers done for a while get that checked too. If all is normal you could be having a nerve based itch because of your Fibro , it sounds like it could be as the areas that itch are so specific.

When you have been on steroids for a long time and then you get down to a dose below 4 mg you will know from reading on the PMR forum that your Adrenals start to do their own work again and so that can sometimes increase the symptoms of other things you have like Fibro .

The sensitivity of your nerve endings wake up more .

Often , as you stop taking steroids you need to increase the medication or Self Care you need for your other Chronic conditions , like Fibro .

If you are on any medication for Fibro or Peripheral Neuropathy you may need to increase the dose for that if self care tips don't help. Ask your doctor about the dose of your Fibro drugs.

There are some Self Care tips you can try .

Take a daily vitamin and mineral supplement with your biggest meal of the day and drink the recommended daily water. Sometimes you also need extra Vitamin B12 , C , D and magnesium.

Try a magnesium based cream or lotion on itchy areas , it can soothe the nerves and tingling. Use soaps , creams , lotions and washing powders with no fragrance and less chemicals in case they are starting to irritate your skin.

Try clothes made of natural materials for the same reason.

Wear loose clothing on the areas that itch as the contact of tighter clothes can annoy the nerves.

Try using a damp cool cloth on the skin on and near the itch , if it is also a little inflamed because you itch it regularly it will cool the itch without making it worse by scratching. The coolness will make your nerves concentrate on your temperature and distract them from tingling .

Nerve Distraction Techniques are also very useful .

Lightly rub or massage an area of skin near but a little further away from your itch. So if it's in your thigh for example , rub the tops of your knees or the side of your hips.

This tells the nerves that there is a new thing to respond to that is more important than their tingly reaction to normal things . As they send messages elsewhere the tingling itch reduces .

Drinking a cool drink of water in sips also distracts the body from itching and other mild nerve symptoms associated with Fibro like palpitations , light dizziness and brain fuzziness. The brain concentrates on managing your temperature instead of over reacting to other things.

If you really feel the need to itch , do it through clothing , not with tips of fingers or nails so you don't break the skin and cause more damage . Rub it gently with the palm of fingers and the hand , just around the itch more than over it then rub away from the itching area , basically helping the nerve itch to travel away from the itch spot.

If Self Care is not enough , and you aren't on any medication for your Fibro or Neuropathy , now would be a good time to speak to the GP and ask about medication for your Fibro symptoms. It will help you continue to reduce the steroids with less difficulty because you are less likely to suffer from flares in Fibro and Pain that can happen as your body chemistry changes.

Take care , and well done again for doing so well with your steroid taper , you should be proud of how far you have come , Bee

[Wraysbury in reply to Blearyeyed]

Fantastic advice. So lovely to hear from you again! I think the PMR has gone and I’m now left with the fibro. I tried increasing the pred to 5 yday and the itching certainly died down and this morning I can resist the itch and have taken 4mgs. I think it is to do with my adrenals. Can the GP find out if they’re working and is there anything I can do to stimulate them pls? Xxxx

[Blearyeyed in reply to Wraysbury]

Check on the PMR forum that definitely has information about what test to ask the GP for to test adrenal function . Or ask that in a post and PMR Pro will definitely answer you.My brain fog is getting in the way of the name this morning.

I wouldn't up the steroids to reduce the itch though , you are better off getting some nerve or other Fibro meds to cope with Fibro symptoms.

I'd definitely discuss that with the GP and start regularly using the vitamins from now because as the Adrenals kick in you will start feeling more Fibro neuro pain.

Don't forget , Fibro sufferers can have a lot of the autonomic nerve dysfunction symptoms as part of the illness that you often got while taking steroids , or on doses between 10-5mg. Like the dizziness , insomnia , trouble with temperature , twitches and itches and especially Fatigue , headaches and muscle pain .

Another reason to start trying out the right Fibro medication for you if you aren't on anything already.

Take care , Bee