Itchy skin symptom?

[kangaroojohn]

I usually sleep well (fatigued) but last night I could not fall asleep because of intense itching, mostly on my hands and wrists. I thought it must be mosquito bites and I tried scratching, steroid creams repeatedly, then loratidine and melatonin (which I buy from the USA) to no effect. This morning there are no skin symptoms at all but I feel shaky and brain fogged, which I hope will improve as I get over last night. I take 4.5mg pred daily. Last night's symptoms were so dramatic I wonder if they might be a part of the PMR package, or are they indeed unrelated.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Are your hands very dry? Adrenal insufficiency can lead to dry skin and itching and that is a possibility at this dose of pred.

Another possible cause is a carpal tunnel problem - was it only itching? No pins and needles or tingling? It tends to be worse at night and position can make a big difference.

The poor sleep has almost certainly caused this morning's problems so hopefully they will improve.

[random901]

Hi kangaroojohn. How strange I should be reading your post after a night of broken sleep and incredible itching! Backs of hands the worst. I'm on 20mg pred atm, no recent change in medication. Think I'll have a lukewarm shower and get the magnesium cream out!

[Daffodilia]

I had antihistamine tabs and betnovate for itchy skin- from GP - worth a try?

[random901 in reply to Daffodilia]

Ah, got some antihistamine tabs. Will try if it recurs

[Daffodilia in reply to random901]

GP stronger than chemist I think

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Daffodilia]

You can get several antihistamines at the recommended doses OTC and the usual line is they should be tried first and only resort to prescribed stuff if they don't work. And DON'T double up the dose!

nhs.uk/conditions/antihista...

[krillemy]

I have from the beginning had issues with itching skin on the top of my feet and ankles. It is horrible but goes away after an hour. Antihistamine works well and for some months I had to take one everyday regularly as it came on severel times a day. The only thing I have found a connection to is walking and standing too much. Then for months it goes away.

[Poshcards]

Hi, lately I have been itching profusely especially on my hands and wrists, I use the alcohol sanitising lotion on them and it really helps x

[LIVEORDIEHEREIAM in reply to Poshcards]

I would never have even given a though to the use of alcohol sanitizing lotion! Live and learn.

[Poshcards in reply to LIVEORDIEHEREIAM]

It was because it was all had to hand, works for me anyway, give it a g x

[kangaroojohn]

Thanks all. In fact I had another "attack" at 2.00 am two nights ago on the back of my left hand/wrist. I smothered the area with Aqueous Cream and that did the trick for me