itching

[Bedwell]

awful night itching all over. Had some itching cream which I used. Then took painkiller. Is it a flare? Should I up the pred to 5 or something? And see what happens?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Itching is not something that is associated with PMR - it isn't always the PMR that causes problems.

[Bedwell in reply to PMRpro]

Thankyou. I did think that. Wonder who to contact. See how it goes over weekend.

[piglette]

I get terrible itching all over sometimes. My mother did as well, she said it was old age!

[Bedwell in reply to piglette]

Oh thanks!!!!!!! Only 86!!!!!!

[piglette in reply to Bedwell]

You are a bit young to be called old!!

[Bedwell in reply to piglette]

mmmmmmmm!!!!!’

[piglette in reply to Bedwell]

🤩🤩🤩

[Susan1705]

I get itchy feet and legs and just assumed it was the steroids. I use E45 itch cream and it really helps

[Bedwell in reply to Susan1705]

Thanks.

[Esradral in reply to Susan1705]

I too suffer with foot and lower leg itching... rampant at night. I use a telescopic scratcher as I can't reach otherwise and it drives me nuts. Also I have to be very careful not to break the skin. I use a peppermint spray (body shop) to help calm it down plus I have Epimax prescribed by my doc to use both as a cream and a shower soap replacement, I have always suffered with dry skin, but this night time itching is debilitating.

[hurryupharry]

I have experienced itchiness at nighttime. I have found a cream called zeroderm works really well if you have dry skin.

[Bedwell in reply to hurryupharry]

Thanks

[Greenlife]

I also had very itchy skin, mainly on arms and legs. Doctor said it was due to excessively dry skin (even though I moisturise with Aveeno every day) and prescribed Eumovate cream for a few days and then Zeroderm. This was effective, and I continue to use Zeroderm daily after my shower.

[w00dstock]

I have also had itchy skin and even deep tissue itching while tapering.

The 9 months before I had PMR symptoms I had a sudden onset of inflamed itchy skin, especially on fore arms, back, chest and neck but also deep tissue itching on legs and body in patches, it was difficult to diagnose, maybe urticaria or an allergy or triggered by something unknown or stress. It was treated with steroid creams and antihistamine tablets. During this period my moles and Seborrheic Keratoses also flared up, I have a lot of 'Seb K's'. Whatever it was it is also an autoimmune condition and very debilitating.

I was only 4 weeks clear of the itching when the first bilateral symptoms of PMR began in February 2024, finally diagnosed and stated treatment in May 2024. I have also found that during tapering I have had increased itching of the Seb K's and some deep tissue itching in my calves. I think it must be inflammation of the blood vessels there as I had varicose veins removed in those areas decades ago.

Either I have 2 auto-immune conditions running concurrently,

Or, the vascular inflammation in the skin is part of the PMR,

Or, the skin condition triggered the PMR,

Or, none of the above!

I am now on 5mg dose and this has been the worst for itchiness as well as arm/shoulder stiffness in the morning. Going to stay at 5mg for a few weeks before tapering to 4mg.

I am also intrigued if anyone else has had similar experiences.

[Alchemy8]

Itching is linked to the liver for some reason. Toxic overload?

[Bedwell in reply to Alchemy8]

Don’t think in my case.?!?!

[Blearyeyed]

Epaderm 3 in 1 fragrance free is the most effective general daily face and body cream used and recommended by Dermatologists. It can also be used as a make up remover and shower wash.The purple topped pump bottle is the best.

You can get it from Amazon or most chemists.

But there are so many reasons for excessive itching.

Are you drinking enough water each day?

Also important in Winter because wearing lots of layers and heating dries out the skin even if you aren't thirsty?

Are you eating enough foods containing B vitamins , Vitamin C and D , iron and soluble fibre?

Various nutrient Insufficiencies cause itchy skin.

What dose are you on at the moment?

How long have you been on steroids , and do you take other medications?

Have you got any other symptoms? Could it be Shingles ?

Have you used or eaten something new or been in a walk outdoors?

Contact Dermatitis and Allergy/ Intolerance of something new causes all over itching.

A night time antihistamines may help for hypersensitivity dermatitis, just check that it's ok to take with your current medications.

But you really need things like this assessed by the GP blood tests and if necessary a Dermatologist even if a skin issue you get ends up being contributed to by taking steroids or other medicine you take , so you can make the right simple changes to get the side effects under control.

I'm sure we are all a bit nosey so do update us when you know what's going on , take care , Bee

[Bedwell in reply to Blearyeyed]

Goodness!!! Yes I drink lots of water. Blood tests have been normal . Cortisol that is. Am on 1 mg . Bought some dermol 500 recommended on this site. But had a camomile bath last night!!! Been on steroids since 2022 I think. Have to check. Going to bed .. exhausted. Will answer anymore of your questions tomorriw. Thanjs for your concern!

[Blearyeyed in reply to Bedwell]

It's the nutrient, blood and liver function blood tests that you require to rule out the things that cause mixed symptoms like itching , hair thinning , muscle weakness etc. Changes in Liver and Kidney function commonly have itching as an early symptom.Tests that rule out Anaemia , B12 , Folate and Vitamin D deficiency are important if you take steroids , PPis , antacids , statins , NSAIDs and the medications that are used for nerve pain. Very low levels not just abnormal levels of Ferritin/ Iron , B12 , Folate and Vitamin D are classed as Insufficiency issues , and some of the earliest symptoms they cause are skin problems , itching , dryness and general aches and pains . They are simple to prevent or improve but usually overlooked by GPs in testing.

Be careful about using aromatherapy products and oils , although relaxing and initially soothing if you already have itching problems they will often make them worse , usually a few hours after use.

Fragrance free products , preferably with magnesium and zinc in the ingredients, that use mostly natural ingredients are better for general use and beauty and clothes washing products.

[Bedwell]

I’m generally an alternative therapy person! Apart from the 1 mg steroid.. I take supplements.. magnesium. turmeric. Multivitamins. Ayurvedic digestive mix. That sort of stuff. I have to be reminded to drink enough water but am very aware of the need.good night!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bedwell]

Have you ever checked all your supplements and their ingredients? Often a multivitamin already has the RDA of something and then you add something else without realising that it contains another dollop of something so you end up with loads more - plus what you get in your diet if it is decent too. Just because a little of something does you good, more of it may not be any better and SOMETIMES too much can cause problems and even make you ill.

[krillemy]

I I get itchy top of feet and legs it was bad when PMR began, is is worce after walking and stading more than I should, still follows the PMR symptoms. I take antohistamin, it works efter an hour. Interchanging cold and very water also helped me