Itching

[Tinkerjack1912]

Hi, can anyone advise me on what to use for the itching on my arms? I can't have anything covering them at the minute as it is so bad and it's getting colder. Thank-you

[Chanpreet_Walia LUPUS UK]

Hi Tinkerjack1912,

Have you spoken to your GP or rheumatologist about this?

There are a number of steroid creams and ointments that can be used to treat rashes that range from mild to strong which you can discuss with your GP or Rheumatologist. Also, he/she may refer you to a dermatologist if required.

Skin involvement is common in lupus, with 60-70% of people with lupus reporting some skin problem. You may like to have a read of our guide on lupus and the skin which here: lupusuk.org.uk/wp-content/u... .

We published an article on our blog about coping with itchy rashes; the article contains helpful tips and information which you can read here lupusuk.org.uk/coping-with-... .

Please keep us updated, wishing you all the best.

[Tinkerjack1912 in reply to Chanpreet_Walia]

Thank-you

[Ianrussell69]

If I'm in a lot of pain and take tramadol 3/4 times a day I itch like mad I've started to take some piriton and this helps me

[Tinkerjack1912 in reply to Ianrussell69]

I already take antihistamine daily, they don't help unfortunately.

[Ianrussell69]

I've typed a cold shower but the itching comes back after about 15 minutes hope it passes very soon

[Tinkerjack1912 in reply to Ianrussell69]

Thanks.

[Celestine71 in reply to Ianrussell69]

Ask the doctor for stronger anti histamines and steroid cream. I also use tea tree cream x good luck I know how you feel x

[Celestine71 in reply to Celestine71]

Witch hazel, not tea tree🤦‍♀️.Ice cubes, running the cold water on it , cold compress all help.My arms woke me up this morning. I thought I was going to rip them to shreds. Soon as you scratch you know your in trouble, I try to ignore it but it feels like electric shocks in my arms and the only relief for a few seconds is to scratch .

[Tinkerjack1912 in reply to Celestine71]

I know the feeling, I hate being itchy, it drives me mad.

[Phillipw0999]

My wife takes antihistamine a well known brand like operation not a supermarket brand and it helps but it does say that u did not take antihistamines if ur on warfarin my wife is on 12mg daily but the operation seems to work ok hope this helps

[Tinkerjack1912 in reply to Phillipw0999]

Thank-you

[Phillipw0999 in reply to Phillipw0999]

Sorry that said b pirraton not operation

[Tinkerjack1912 in reply to Phillipw0999]

Thank-you

[willybear]

My GP has given me 3 steroid creams and 2 antihistamines but they don't help at all. I have been waiting for 4 months for an appointment with a dermatologist. I have itchy rashes all over my back and legs and neck. The itch is unbearable. i hope you get something to help you.

[Tinkerjack1912 in reply to willybear]

Thank-you. I hope you find some relief too.

[willybear]

Thanks

[leslieliesel]

My itching drove me out of bed at 4 AM, so I wouldn't wake up my husband...I will be looking in to what is helping others Thanks

Thanks Tinkerjack1912 for asking the question!!

[Tinkerjack1912 in reply to leslieliesel]

Hi it's horrible isn't it. It's pretty chilly here today and I'm in a t-shirt as I can't stand the itching.

[leslieliesel in reply to Tinkerjack1912]

It IS horrible...and my Lupus rash seems to be clearing up with the Prednizone and Hydro(Malria drug) BUT now I have horrible itchy rash over the rest of my body........allergic to Hydro...?I have been on it for about 3-4 weeks...I'm new in to Lupus life

[Tinkerjack1912 in reply to leslieliesel]

It's getting used to it all and learning to live with it that takes the time d by you think? Xx

[leslieliesel in reply to Tinkerjack1912]

Yes.. Yet it seems to me that so much about this ( Lupus /Autoimmune) is so vague...hard to know what the right thing to do is.... like how often to pester the DR!!

[Tinkerjack1912 in reply to leslieliesel]

I feel the same almost like now I've got a diagnosis should I keep going back complaining. I am lucky through me dr is really good.

[Sophiekara]

E45 with a steroid you can buy over the counter that helped me, it maybe worth a try. I have had lupus for 15 years now and my arms are very scared from itchy rashes over the years. I have tried numerous creams but I used this one 3 weeks ago and it cleared it up in a few days. Hope you find some relief soon .

[Tinkerjack1912 in reply to Sophiekara]

Thank-you

[leslieliesel]

Yes Thank You

[Marley]

I use a Piz Buin after sun product. It comes in a bright blue bottle. Seems a bit random but It really is effective. Works on insect bites better than Anthisan for example, but has been a life saver on my itchy arms.

[Tinkerjack1912 in reply to Marley]

Thank-you. I will keep my eye out for some.

[Marley in reply to Tinkerjack1912]

And you know it won't do you any harm. Nice to avoid steroid creams, drugs etc when possible v

[gwoz1297]

You did not say whether the itching was associated with a rash or not. That could be an important difference. Itching not associated with a rash or hives does not respond to topical treatments usually. Antihistamines don't help either. Also, you should notice if hot or cold water triggers the itching or sudden changes in air temperature. Your dermatologist is a good starting point for this problem. Sometimes, meds used to treat shingles related itching can be helpful. Good luck and keep searching for an answer.

[imrightbell]

Benadryl or Doxipen help.