Tingling skin

[Hetty56]

Hi all, can I have views on this please? I suffer with a sharp, tingling on the skin on my arms. I used to describe it as an itch but it’s very sharp almost to the point of pain. It’s not all the time and I can go years without it but then it’ll start up again. I first had it just before I went through my lengthy lupus diagnosis and the opinion from he GPS I saw was ‘I don’t know’. They gave me antihistamine - that may have helped but I’m not sure if it was coincidence. It’s started again and wakes me most nights. It only just occurred to me that it may be a lupus thing - my symptoms were very diverse before it was dragged under control, but I’ve never mentioned it to my rheumatologist and I keep avoiding mentioning to my GP because I’m sure they’ll say the same thing - that they don’t know. Opinions please?

[Spanielmadlady]

Hi.mention it to your rheumatology it could mean something to them ...gps arnt much good at anything lupus related and you could be putting up with it unnecessarily.Do you take anything like pregabalin or gabapentin for nerve pain ? I get phases where my forearms itch like mad ...its like a sharp itch that can make my jump but a chlorphenamine tablet usually does the trick for me.i hope you get some relief soon x

[Hidden in reply to Spanielmadlady]

Hi it could be nerve pain. I get it like this but also neuropathy to feet / hands since had the guillain Barre syndrome in January. It’s like been wired up the the electrical box and involuntary movement of limbs with it!

Autoimmune can affect the nervous system so could be likely ? X

[Spanielmadlady in reply to Hidden]

I'm prescribed pregabalin for the pain I get in my hands and feet .I also have b12 deficiency anaemia which causes nerve issues if left untreated so its its definitely worth mentioning x

[Clairedown]

Hello Hetty. It sounds just like my problem. It is mostly on my lower arms but sometimes on the back of my neck and feet. It is the arms that really cause the problem. I have had it for years and when it happens I can think of nothing else and it is impossible to sleep. My skin also goes bright red. I have no idea if it is part of my lupus which is SCLE. I used to put ice on it but was advised not to as it could permanently damage the skin. I agree you describe it as intense tingling and itching but actually it is very painful. I try hard not to rub my skin or wear scratchy clothes as friction can set it off. The only thing that I believe helped was a prescription for amitriptyline. I took it for some time and I only had occasional mild problems. But I was advised not to take it long term so thought I had better stop.

Since having the SCLE diagnosis and taking hydroxychloriquine I think it has been better and I know not to scratch my arm, however much it itches, as it will turn into intense pain. I also always keep my arms covered up with soft cotton so I don't react to sun or indoor lights. I send my sympathy to you. Clairedown

[Hetty56 in reply to Clairedown]

Thank you

[KellyInTexas]

It can be seen when b 12 levels are low.

That’s an easy thing to check.

Then it’s advised by my rheumatologist to check to APS, to make sure blood is flowing properly to little capillaries that supply nerves. ( dysautonomia can result- and cause pins and needles sensations.)