Itching Legs

[birdwatcher]

Almost certainly not related to PMR, but I just thought I would ask if any of you good people could help.

Does anybody have any useful advice about the cause or what I can do about my itchy legs. The itching drives me mad, particularly at night. I’ve tried several creams of all kinds but nothing seems to work. I read this morning online that a VIT D supplement may help.

Do any of you good folks have any suggestions or advice.

Thanks, Ron.

[CT-5012]

Me too, put Prednisone itchy skin into the search thing at the top of this page lots of information there. What works for me is a very mild unperfumed shower gel and lots of moisturiser you could also try an antihistamine pill so long as it doesn’t affect anything else you’re taking. Good luck.

[birdwatcher in reply to CT-5012]

Thanks CT.

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Ron, I have experienced something similar on a few occasions - not much fun when it keeps you awake in the middle of the night! On one occasion, when it was affecting me all over, a skin biopsy pointed to it being an allergic reaction to a blood pressure drug. But I also have kidney disease so an added possible culprit for me. Have you started any new medication lately? Or even added anything different to your diet?

In the legs, a possible cause can me connected to veins, especially varicose ones.

Have you had your blood sugar levels checked recently? Diabetes can be a possible cause.

In the past, we have even heard of people experiencing itching after starting Pred. Washing off the coating in the case of enteric-coated Pred has resolved the problem.

Showering with Dermol was my GP’s suggestion plus applying it to the skin afterwards has helped.

A few things there for you to consider, Ron, and to get checked out with your GP. Hope you get to the bottom of it soon.

[birdwatcher in reply to Celtic]

Thankyou Celtic for all your suggestions. It’s strange I’ve had the condition for some years and it can occur at any time of year. About 10 years ago I went to see a consultant he took a biopsy and diagnosed a form of eczema or dermatitis and gave me a strong steroid cream. A cold shower also helps but that is drastic at 3 in the morning. If it doesn’t clear in the next few days I will go to the GP again. Without confidence though.

Thanks again. Ron.

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to birdwatcher]

Then if it has been a long term, on-and-off condition and a skin biopsy has resulted in a diagnosis of eczema. you already have your answer as to what it is. In my search for lotions and potions that work before my skin biopsy revealed the culprit, I came across a product called Child's Farm baby moisturiser for sensitive, eczema-prone skin. Boots and Superdrug stock it although Boots were out-of-stock at the time and ordered it in for me. Whilst doing the transaction, a lady overheard the conversation and said it was the only product that worked for her daughter's eczema. I also saw this moisturiser highly recommended in an article in the press. There is also a non-baby formula, I believe, but I stuck to the baby one as that was the one I had read about. Worth a try for you perhaps, Ron.

[birdwatcher in reply to Celtic]

Thanks Celtic I’ll try the moisturiser you mention.

[Hidden in reply to birdwatcher]

Bucket of cold water and a towel near the bed? Obviously not too near the bed...dont want to hear you ended up headfirst into it. I have done this myself as I have neuropathy and hanging feet over tbe side of the bed into water helps when it gets bad.

[birdwatcher in reply to Hidden]

Hi Poopadoop,

Funny you should say that, I did read somewhere, a couple of years ago I’m the web that cold water can relieve the real bad itching, and I have to say that it has worked from time to time. I nearly jumped in the shower last night as it was really driving me nuts, but I didn’t want to wake my wife. I just used a cold flannel.

Thanks for your concern and info. R.

[yogabonnie]

Probably could use Vit D if you are not taking it already.. and I find an epsom salts bath helps.. and when showering turn down the hot water. When you get out immediately put on cream of some kind.

[birdwatcher]

Thanks Bonnie, I’m taking vit D, I’ll look into the Epsom salts in the bath though. Thanks. R.

[SheffieldJane]

I wondered if you were on any painkillers? I was prescribed Tramadol before I got my PMR diagnosis and experienced deep itching, even on my face - no rash.

[Zofitmogelijk]

Hi Ron, and on top of all the Good advices you already got; I have those itches from time to time and found out that it helps to wash my clothes and Bedlinen with the detergent Neutral worth a try?

[birdwatcher in reply to Zofitmogelijk]

Hi Zofitmogelijk,

Certainly is worth thinking about. Thanks.

[CT-5012 in reply to birdwatcher]

One of my sons has eczema and washing his clothes in any of the biological detergents make it much worse.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to CT-5012]

Yes - most of my family needs the non-bio stuff. Luckily it doesn't bother me but I have only ever used Persil liquid since the girls were born - but even then the "new improved" stuff can cause a wobble now and again...

Fabric conditioner is a no-no too. Saves a fortune mind!!!

[Celebrant in reply to PMRpro]

Big no to any fabric softner--use felt balls

[stellafmdm]

Hi Birdwatcher, I have buzzing legs rather than itching and find that taking a magnesium supplement helps this. Maybe it would work for itching too?

[birdwatcher in reply to stellafmdm]

Thanks Stella, Thanks for that. Was you magnesium defficient before.

[stellafmdm in reply to birdwatcher]

I think I must have been but without realizing it! The buzzing legs drew my attention so I looked for remedies.

[Maggieluff]

I get the burning in legs then the itching starts scratch them till they bleed some times think it is something to do with the nerve endings x

[birdwatcher in reply to Maggieluff]

Ooh Maggie that sounds nasty. If my legs itch the absolute worse thing for me to do is scratch them, even to touch them raises a rash. The only thing that sorts that out is a strong prescribed steroid cream.

I know it’s hard not to scratch, but try to avoid it and be careful to avoid infection. Thanks Maggie.

[Polywotsit PMRGCAuk team member]

I have an itch problem in a very private place. It can keep me awake at night. I don't normally say anything about commercial products on this forum. But. I have found BioOil to be a lifesaver. I smoothe it into the skin after washing, and reduce the steroid cream from once a day to once a week.

[birdwatcher in reply to Polywotsit]

Thanks for that Kate, is that available from Boots and such?

I used aloe Vera last night and managed a good nights sleep.

I hope you get some good sleep now. I know it’s so annoying.

Thanks for you info. Ron.

[Polywotsit PMRGCAuk team member]

Yes it is. Costs around £11 but you only need a drop. Aloe vera gel is good stuff too!

[1brian]

Hi there, I have lots of itches which move around from place to place but particularly crotch and lower legs.I have found recently that vaseline has more or less done the trick.

[Topps]

Hi. I have burning toes and heels that are spreading up the leg, but it all started with the type of itching you mentioned. The dermatologist said I should moisturise and after half an hour put a cream on she prescribed called CAPSAICIN and this keeps it fairly well under control.

Not the same as yours now but it was, so good luck, I a. Going to take up some of Celtics suggestions.

[birdwatcher in reply to Topps]

I do listen to all the suggestions and I have tried some of the ones mentioned here. The condition does seem to come and go though.

For an immediate relief though the only thing that has worked for me ( and I know this is tough) is to shower the immediate area with cold cold water. Then to apply the creams and moisturiser of choice. If I caused a rash by rubbing or scratching I was prescribed a steroid cream. However I would strongly advise not scratching as this always makes things 10 times worse.

Good luck. R.

[gtate1914]

My legs have recently started to burn and itch, I rubbed in coconut oil laced with eucalyptus, lavender, and lemongrass oil. Seems to work.