Unbearable itch! : Hope everyone is having an OK day... - NRAS

NRAS

37,279 members46,142 posts

Unbearable itch!

pmcc63 profile image
6 Replies

Hope everyone is having an OK day. I have RA and take 25mg Metoject weekly plus I've also been diagnosed with fibromyalgia a couple of months ago. I get regular blood tests done. If I don't carefully pace myself I can end up stuck in bed for days at a time due to bone crushing fatigue. Over the past couple of weeks I've developed a horrible itch affecting my palms, my feet, ankles and legs and the front and back of my thighs. It just comes on out of nowhere and utterly consumes me! I end up with bruising on my thighs, ankles and legs through scratching it even through my clothes. It feels like my blood is itching under my skin and there is no rash or hives etc on the skin surface. I do not sunbathe. Does anyone else experience this? Any advice/tips would be much appreciated! ♥️

Written by
pmcc63 profile image
pmcc63
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
6 Replies

Yes unfortunately fibro is the problem for me. I also get a feeling like water dripping under my skin . Tried amitriptyline but it made me sleepy now on pregablin which has been a Godsend. Talk to your Gp or rheumatologist they can help.

Deeb1764 profile image
Deeb1764

Yes itchy is the issue with me and fibro. Pregablin has helped plus anti histamines plus my consultant said try to pressure points to see if this helps. Sometimes if hubby gets it right the pressure point does work on the itches as well as the pain.My GP sorted the pregablin I am now on 100mg morning and one at night as trying to keep it low but also helps with the sleep too.

Just a random thought but raised bile acids can cause intense itching.

It's probably unlikely if you liver function tests are ok (raised bile acids "normally" come with a raised ALT level) but just thought I'd mention it.

Raised bile acids can happen more commonly in pregnancy (definitely not saying you are pregnant) and patients would describe their intense itching to the point they would bleed because they want to scratch alot and it was really noticeable in their palms and soles of feet and also at night. This is what made me think of it, its a condition called cholestasis and it happens not just in pregnancy.

Of course I am not a Dr and im not giving medical advice, I would definitely tell your Drs about it at your next appointment, might be something really commonn with fybro or something.

pmcc63 profile image
pmcc63 in reply toMarionfromhappydays

Thank you for your kind reply. I'll definitely speak to my rheumy team about getting some treatment for it. I had an early menopause 17 years ago due to ovarian surgery so can definitely rule out pregnancy!

Libluce8 profile image
Libluce8

Yes husband had this and dermatologist linked it to methotrexate - only thing that’s helped has been a combination of Fexofenodine and gabapentin - he had 2 years of it and RA specialist no help - he’s now off all Dmards and RA much better (not active) plus itching has gone - hope you get it sorted

smilelines profile image
smilelines

I would think if this is a side effect of the methotrexate then you hopefully will be offered an alternative. It is not fun being itchy. On sulfasaluzine I was itchy and scratched so hard I bruised too. I am off of it now. I have fibromyalgia but never have I been itchy.,

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Bad itch on Embrel

I have always been prone to occasional itching dry skin , over the the last couple of weeks been...
AbbieJ55 profile image

The 7 year itch!!

After 7 years of marriage i noticed a bit of spot excema under my eternity ring. Also my wedding...
Ronnie63 profile image

Itching at night mostly occurs getting little spots also, my legs are the worse my palms of my hands arms sometimes my stomach help!

Hey Guys, I'm Totally New Here But I Really Need Some Heads Up Advice Please ... I've been getting...

Injecting Benepail

Hi everyone! I was on Enbrel for many years and now I've been switched to Benepali pre-filled pen...
_Luna profile image

RA, Fibromyalgia or something else? Leg pain

Hi everyone. So I have these pains, usually in my legs, often lower legs but sometimes thighs too....
IndigoDingo profile image

Moderation team

See all
KateL-NRAS profile image
KateL-NRASAdministrator
Donagh-NRAS profile image
Donagh-NRASAdministrator
Nicola-NRAS profile image
Nicola-NRASAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.