Itchy! Help!

[Smithycat]

I am on a number of meds for R.A. and pain. Methotrexate, Amytriptyline, Imraldi and Zapain. I have spots over parts of my body, thankfully under the skin as it is particularly on my face. I also have a weird itchy feeling like I have bugs under my skin. Sometimes it is over my whole body especially my face and head and I am unable to sleep, partly because I keep scratching and I am so itchy but also because I am worried that I will scratch my face to pieces.

Does anyone else have this and if so any ideas about the cause or how to deal with it. My GP says it is down to medication but doesn’t say which and doesn’t have any answers.

I will be grateful for any feedback as this drives me crazy.

Thanks 😘

[springcross]

Have you contacted your GP or rheumy nurse for advice? Are you aware of side effects such as this from the medications that you are on? You probably need professional advice but someone who may have experienced similar will be along here although it may not be until the morning. Hang in there. x

[bubblyalex]

Sounds like hives or an allergic reaction to me.

[Hidden]

I have had this . I get allergic reactions now never use to. I’ve suddenly became allergic to ibuprofen and then started get itchy face and body for no known reason. After a while I realised when my body is under stress .. the disease is very active and I push myself too hard payback is an allergic reaction. I now carry an epipen ( thankfully never used it) but I have 4 different antihistamines on a bad day. I know the warning signs now and can normally nip it in the bud with antihistamines. I was referred to an immunologist he called it a storm body under far too much stress

[Dobcross1]

Yes, I've developed a rash on my forehead, rosacea and hot sweats/flushes on my head and chest. I'm putting my problems down to methotrexate as that's all I take (my GP thought so too) so will mention it at my next review on August. However yours could be an allergic reaction so best to check with your GP and Rheumatology team (difficult at the moment I know). Good luck and hope you get sorted.

[teresa2711]

Hi. I get itching all over my body for about two days after taking methotrexate which is the only med the same as you, so possibly reaction to mtx. My pharmacist friend suggested taking antihistamine which has helped immensely. I suggest you give rheumy nurse and gp a call. Hope you get it sorted. It’s not nice itching all the time especially when it stops you sleeping 🌈

[jbzm]

I use MTX and had an increased itching but no visible rash since starting it. We have held back on increasing the dose (which I really need) on a number of occasions to try and work out what is going on. There is nothing visible (perhaps a nurse would spot something?), however, I've started using Epaderm cream after my shower (I use the very think, gunky ointment version in the shower on bits of me but not all over) and, within a few applications the itch had gone. I now make a point of using the cream at least twice a week. In my case it must have been dry skin that just wasn't obvious. It was driving me totally potty . . . as if I'm not far enough down that road as it is!!

[Hidden]

Have you been tested for Rheumatoid Vasculitis? I have holes in my legs from scratching.

vasculitis.org.uk/about-vas...

[Leics]

Sounds like hives to me. Antihistamines should perhaps help with the itching but I do think you should get it checked out by a professional not necessarily your GP failing that ask a chemist they’re pretty good about drug interactions and their effects on the body. I was fine on Sulphasalazine for many years then suddenly became allergic to it for no apparent reason and I ended up with hives too no fun at all so go and get it sorted don’t put up with it.

[Pulfs]

I take antihistamines every day and Dr prescribes a dermatology cream wash to use instead of soaps and shower gel. Mine us mainly across my back and shoulders but also my skin is very dry especially on my legs which I cream every day. Go see your Dr again there is things that he can give to help x