Unbearable itch!

[pmcc63]

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! ♥️

[Hidden]

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]

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.

[Marionfromhappydays]

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 in reply to Marionfromhappydays]

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]

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]

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.,