ITCHES

[RA2002]

I apologise if this has been discussed before but I just wondered if anyone else suffers from intense itching - mine starts mostly at night in my upper arms and usually goes away in time. There is nothing to see, I’ve tried E45 and other skin creams but I don’t think they are very effective. Probably my biologics, or other meds which cause it. Not intolerable but when it starts it’s a bit of a pain!

[springcross]

I get it on my back around my shoulder blade areas and it drives me made - E45 doesn't work for me either. I think it's something to do with the nerves as I have had it for a long time but only used to get it on one shoulder blade but since being diagnosed with RA, it happens on both and across my back in between.

[pauluk60 in reply to springcross]

hi spring i use anti histamine tablets you can get them otc aiso is it flaky/ scaby it will be psoriasis which doc will give ointment in my case all have helped can drive you nuts

[springcross in reply to pauluk60]

Hi pauluk. Thanks for that but I'm pretty sure it's the nerves which have become aggravated by the RA. It's not flaky or scabby but does feel dry.

[RA2002 in reply to pauluk60]

Mine is not flaky or dry, it feels like something is biting me!

[springcross in reply to RA2002]

That's sounds quite unpleasant, have you asked your GP or rheumy about it?

[RA2002 in reply to springcross]

It’s irritating but not unbearable!

[Jillyanne in reply to springcross]

Yes i get it on my back and drives me insane , the best thing I have found it sudocrem , seems to calm it down a bit

[springcross in reply to Jillyanne]

I've heard it's quite good, thanks.

[ruth_p]

Since being on biologics I get itchy, I take a daily prescribed antihistamine called fexofenadine hydrochloride. I also had to change from bio washing to non bio and I can only use sanex in the shower.

[springcross in reply to ruth_p]

I've always used non-bio as we found when I did try it years ago that it affected our skin.

[RA2002 in reply to springcross]

So don’t you think it’s related to biologic drugs?

[springcross in reply to RA2002]

I haven't a clue - I'm on MTX. It could well be due to the drugs but only your GP or rheumy can tell you that. I hope you can get it sorted as it's quite unpleasant isn't it.

[RA2002 in reply to springcross]

Yes, it is when it randomly starts, and thanks for your suggestions.

[essexgirl]

I get it top of my arm underneath it comes up white lumps ... the best thing I found is I bought a aloe Vera plant and you snap the stalks off and split it and it pure aloe Vera works wonders and cheap because it regrows

[nomoreheels in reply to essexgirl]

I keep one on the kitchen windowsill. Works wonders on burns too (from the oven/stream oven). Grows for fun, I’ve transplanted it's babies & given them to friends.

[RA2002 in reply to essexgirl]

Thanks, definitely worth a try!

[RA2002 in reply to RA2002]

Thanks!

[springcross in reply to essexgirl]

Yes, I've heard that before, it's really good for a few things - I've bought the juice in the past for my stomach. x

[Green230461]

I have an itchy skin patch on my nose ! Like you I can’t see anything but it is driving me loopy. Did not like to worry docs as they are busy but it has gone on for a couple of weeks now

[essexgirl in reply to Green230461]

Try sudocream also

[springcross in reply to essexgirl]

That's a good idea, it's one thing I haven't yet tried. Thanks. x

[RA2002]

Thanks - I think I’ll mention it next time I am at rheumatology because it hasn’t gone away and it might be important. I don’t find my GP particularly knowledgeable about RA but that doesn’t matter because we also have a RA advice line at the hospital for any one-off questions/issues.

[Snackjack]

I get really itchy down my shins and round the back of my legs, Keep forgetting to mention it to my doctor and I don't want to call them at the moment as they are busy with more serious issues than my itchy legs but it has been going on for a couple of years now. I have tried several creams and I am now using Arnica Gel which does seem to calm it down but it is obviously not a cure, I also use E45 Itch Cream some of the time. I agree with you when it starts it is annoying. Like you there is nothing to see, no rash or anything, so I do sympathise with you.

Hope you can find something to get some relief from it.

Best Wishes xx

[RA2002 in reply to Snackjack]

Thanks!

[Spikeycat in reply to Snackjack]

my legs itch randomly down my shins and round my ankles. I have put it down to thread veins itching. I don't know whether they do or not!?

[rabbits65]

I get itchy skin too , I find using a moisture cream after bathing is a must . Some days are better than others . If you take a antihistamine tablet like someone else said on here, it really stops the itch. I have been pleased to read everyone’s comments on here because it makes us all not feel so alone with it.