Itching

Hi all, has anyone started really bad itching all of a sudden? My arms and legs are the worse it feels like a really deep itch I just cant get to. Put moisturing cream on thinking they might have been dry. No rash, not red only where I been scratching. No pain. Been sat with cold flannels on for hrs.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Have you started any new drugs recently? Or ones you have been taking but now from a different manufacturer. Or changed washing products recently - or got your usual which is saying it is "new improved" - they never are!

Perhaps not practical just now but get some antihistamine tablets and see if they help. And get some Doublebase or Diprobase emollient - better than more commercial products and use them while your skin is still damp to keep the moisture in.

[Renark in reply to PMRpro]

Could it be due to histamines? I suffer from histamine intolerance... It causes me extremely itchy skin that gets worse of an evening..

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Renark]

If I hadn't thought there was a chance I wouldn't have suggested antihistamines. It is a simple trial and might work. The hospital gave me antihistamines when I developed a rash and itching - so obviously it is their first thought too.

[Coffeebeans]

In addition to the other ideas, have you considered perimenopause? It's a well known symptom called formication. like beetles crawling under the skin. I was scratching constantly before HRT.

Lots of ladies take antihistamine for it if this is something you can discuss with a pharmacy? Or consider HRT.

[Viv54]

Hi,i went through this a few weeks back. One evening i started to itch allover , even the bottom of my feet and my head ! Awful feeling i rang my DR, She had no idea , went through all id eaten etc, but no luck, she gave me some tablets and a few days later they worked . Good luck . hope you sort it , not a nice feeling ! Best wishes Viv.

[Daffodilia]

Had antihistamine and betnovate from GP for this - use Avenocream everyday now to keep under control

[bussell]

Eurax is an antihistamine cream available over the counter. Very good for localised itching (not just PMR related but insect bites etc) Maybe worth a try. Do hope it all subsides soon.

[Seekingasolution]

I get itchy skin that gets worse in the evening. Even worse if I take a shower in the evening. I used diprobase as a barrier - ie put it on BEFORE I got on the shower when things were really bad. These days it’s calmer. I wondered at the time if it was a stress response.. dehydration .. but I have a packet of antihistamines on me at all times. Sometimes half is enough. And it’s rather good for getting a full nights sleep too ! Good luck as I know it’s maddening !

[suzy1959]

I have to use anti-histamines whenever I get a bruise, even a very slight one. I put it down to either the Pred. or PMR- never had sensitive skin before. The itching is really fierce, but much worse if I scratch it. Anti-histamines that have a drowse component like Phenergan also help me to sleep when I really itchy.

[Artandpoetry]

My skin was badly affected by steroids. Worst episode was when a large patch of skin fell off my shoulder. Now have permanent scar. Been off med for 9 months. Still get itchy skin. The one thing that soothes it is body shop Shea body butter. Hope this helps.

[Suffererc]

Yes. Started a few weeks ago. My legs and all the way down my spine. Have been putting cream on which helps a bit. Can’t ask Dr cos there is nothing to see

[Hidden]

Thanks everyone. Have spoke to dr have been cream to wash in and to use as moisture cream. Diprobase