Itchy

[Birman4]

Hi I have recently been diagnosed with RA but the one thing that is really irritating me is itchy skin near my joints. Creams and piriton seem to have no effect and during my last flare I ended up putting gloves on as I was damaging my skin. Any suggestions that might help?

[AgedCrone]

You say you have tried creams.....dry skin is very often the cause of itching...not necessarily the dry flaking one associates with "dry skin" just dry skin that doesn't show.

Have you tried something like Aloe Vera lotion, Just a thought ...also cocoa butter sometimes helps...but try on just one area at a time in case it irritates.

[Birman4 in reply to AgedCrone]

Thank you for the ideas, I did try aloe Vera gel but with no relief but it did help my feet which burn when I get into bed at night.

[AnneField]

I know exactly what you mean. There are joints in my hands and feet which swell up and go all hot, red and shiny. They also itch like crazy. According to the doc, this is part of the inflammation. What works for me is Deep Freeze spray, it cools everything right down and I keep it in the fridge for extra oomph. If you can't tolerate this stuff then Lanacane might help. Do shop around for both of these though, they are at least a quid cheaper at Home Bargains and Savers than they are at Boots, Tesco etc.

[Birman4 in reply to AnneField]

Definitely going to try that! Thank you

[pauluk60]

hi birman i take anti histamine for the itches

[Peep44]

I get itchy joints but not the skin - it seems like from the inside. There is no redness or swelling though. Just aching and itching. My rheumatologist just looked at me like I was weird.

[Downtime in reply to Peep44]

I know exactly what you mean. It drives me nuts and once you start scratching and rubbing the joints it just gets worse! It’s not the skin, but inside. My RA has settled at the moment so it seems to have gone, but I’m sure it’ll be back!

[dbestdeb in reply to Peep44]

It’s the inflammation that causes the itching. I get it too.

[Zip1]

Hi, I know you have tried piriton but there are 2 types of anti-histermine so maybe the other would help. Look at the ingredients to see the difference. I hope you get some relief itching is a nightmare!

[TheresaMi]

Curious, are you taking anything for the RA? I was diagnosed in March and started taking hydroxychloriquine (Plaquenel) 400 mg per day. Noticed the itching on my arms this summer and guessed it was perhaps sun sensitivity caused by the Rx. This fall (no longer in the sun) the itching continued to get worse and in more locations (neck, shoulders, elbows, etc) Almost unbearable especially at night. Have seen my rheumatologist and have decided to stop taking the rx to see if it clears up, but reading your post got me thinking, is the itching from the RA or from the med. I guess I'll know in a couple of months when the rx is out of my system.

[Peep44 in reply to TheresaMi]

It could be the Plaquenil. I had to stop taking it because of itching. I was on it for 4 months. The itching was unbearable especially after a shower.

[Bailybiscuit]

I get itching and I find Witchdoctor gel very good.

[Tizzyliz67]

Hi, I found that I was allergic to a biologic drug twice. I would tak it and then wake up digging at my forearms. Didn’t realize it was an allergy til I went on a new drug because it wasn’t working. I also have itching when out in the sun too much only at joints

[Birman4]

Hi I am now on hydroxchloriquine but the itching started when I had a major flare which ended up with my diagnosis.

[Uzor]

Like you, I have been there. Severe itching on my arms, then a rash. I was given, by my Gp, just about every available cream- steroids, menthol, and antihistamines, with no positive results.

I felt it must be the drug I was on for my rheumatoid that was causing it. I discussed it with my rheumatologist who was reluctant to take me off the drug as it helped my arthritis.She insisted that I continue to take it, along with the antihistamine - I declined, and to my surprise, The following day the itching stopped.

I’m now on hydroxychloroquine and ibuprofen with good effect. Hope you get it sorted soon.

[Mandalou]

Hi Birman,

Try another brand of antihistamine. Not all of them are the same.

I take Certrazine Hydrochloride which keeps my allergy/itch from Hydroxychloroquine under control.

Good luck Mx