Random Itching With No Visible Cause

Over the past few weeks I have been experiencing an intense itching sensation that has no visible cause. It occurs primarily on my thighs and the back of my legs right behind my knees, and sometimes on the back of my hands and arms. The best way I can describe is it feels like a rash mixed with neurological sensations (almost like my nerves itch underneath the rash like sensations). It gets worse with movement, and improves with rest. It is a bit worse in the sun than it is indoors, but occurs in both areas. These sensations are more likely to happen at rest in my arms, but very noticeably improve in my legs when I sit down. There are no visible changes to my skin usually, although I have experienced very small, rash like appearances on my forearms that fade very quickly. Has anyone ever experienced this? Any advice? It’s quite painful. Thank you to all who have commented on my previous posts. I am learning so much from this community and am so grateful.

[Wolf_1]

Hello BrooklyneDeanne,

I too experience these itches although I describe them like little creatures crawling about under my skin. When I get these itching feeling it also makes me very angry inside to the point of I have to walk around in my house till the itching subsides. I hate the itching but I hate the really angry feeling I get more! My only advice is to try to take your mind off the feeling by talking to someone until it subsides or like I do just literally walk about, get something to drink or eat, have a look outside, do the washing up, you get the picture, anything until the horrendous itching eventually goes. If it gets unbearable I have oxynorm in liquid form, which is a strong opiate and I have a spoon full of that because it is a quick releasing drug which helps me settle down and the itching goes. I’m sorry I’m not much help but I feel your pain and frustration!

All the best, try and keep well and keep safe,

Wolf_1 🐺🦋😴💤💖

[Hidden in reply to Wolf_1]

Hi! It is quite painful and so frustrating too! I love the idea of using distractions. Thank you =)

[MonicaT]

Hi.

I get this too. Distraction are the best. But its worse for me when im in bed. I wake up sometimes with scratches all over and sometimes draw blood....I hate it. Sometimes an antihistamine helps. I also put a wet cloth on me. That soothes it alot. Good luck finding what works for you xx

[cathie]

I have something similar. Its worse at night when I dont have distractions. Tried various anti-itch creams but nothing really stops it. I was advised to stick to loose fitting clothing and nothing hot - so basic cotton. Hope it goes...

[jmfcjf]

hi I too got this on my arms hands thinking it was sun rash I got to the point of wanting to slice arms to take that electrical tingling away ,I tried antihistamines they didn’t work I was up in the night putting freezing cold clothes on arms that was only thing that calmed it down enough to sleep , I rang doc ands he prescribed strong antihistamines they are fexofenadine hydrochloride 120mg I take two a day been on them a month they keep it at bay for now 🤞hope you get it sorted x

[KayHimm]

Hi Brooklyne-

Would you consider running your new symptoms by your GP - the fevers and itching - so that they can consider a referral to dermatologist or neurologist? It isn’t always obvious what causes the itch. They might want you to start with the dermatologist or eliminate products, especially shampoos, soaps, hair conditioners, substituting hypoallergenic ones. In fact, why don’t you immediately switch out all products to hypoallergenic? I have had itch after bath which turned out not to be allergy related. They have to rule that out first. In the US they don’t like to do allergy testing (insurance companies won’t pay) without taking simple measures first like changing products. I know it’s a nuisance. It will give your doctor important information, though.

Itching is awful. I able to control it now that they know what it is. You need to know too.

Xx K

[Krock1]

I have had recent issues with itching skin that may be due to multiple causes. I have been to a dermatologist who said that the redness and itching in my hands was a result of increased driving and exposure of my hands to the sun. Over the previous 6 months I was driving 1500 more miles per month. Wearing driving gloves and using a prescribed cream brought the issue under control.

Recently, due to a visit by Hurricane Ian I have had to be outside cleaning up the mess and the hand issue has returned. I am currently trying to get back in front of the itching and other flare up issues.

A number of years ago we changed laundry detergents from one name brand to another due to itching issues. That cleared up the issues. Given post COVID supply issues composition of laundry and dish detergents may have changed and made the detergents more caustic. We are currently changing to a brand of baby laundry detergent that may help with itching issues that my wife and I are having.

[Hamptons]

head, face, chest, neck and arms. Comes and goes.

[Hidden in reply to Hamptons]

Yup, same here