Do any of you that suffers with SSc/CREST find that you get really itchy shins, like so itchy that you can rip the skin on them when you give in and scratch the itch?
I had a break for a few months from this, but it's back with a vengeance this evening. The worst thing about it, is that when u do give in, the scratching feels so good! Even when I know I'm breaking through the skin, there's such relief from scratching... Oh and when I'm sleep I scratch without even knowing till the morning when I see I've broken through the skin again!
Even if there's no real answer that'll stop the itching, just knowing I'm not alone in this would help lol. If someone does know of a remedy I'd be really grateful if you'd share it.
Yours hopefully,
Charlie.
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gindy
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Hi Charlie - you are definitely not alone in this. Like you, they definitely weren't so itchy in the last couple of months but yesterday evening they were driving me mad so I thought perhaps, as the weather is changing and my circulation is getting worse, that is why it is starting to happen again. I also have very cracked feet so as I was putting the cream on my feet I also rubbed it into my shins and that seemed to relieve it slightly over night . I hope you find some relief. Xxx
I find that Doublebase Gel stops the itching I get from Scleroderma. Ask the doctor for a prescription and try it. It might work. I tried so many other creams and they were useless.
Hi Charlie....you really need to not scratch and break the skin if you can possibly help it...maybe wear something over your hands..cotton gloves perhaps..at night when sleeping because your immune system is compromised and the chances of getting infection through the broken skin is there. Ask your doctor for something to ease the itch and I wish you all the best going forward.
Thanks guys, Monika how odd our itchy shins reappeared on the same night. It's gotta be to do with circulation and the cold weather. I live on the coast and the last couple of days have been quite nippy!
Irene55 I'll ask the doc about that cream, if it works that'd be great.
marilynmcl of course you're right, I'd not actually considered that. I'll see if I can wear any gloves, but as my fingers are so very swollen, wearing any gloves is usually really uncomfortable. It's a nightmare with the Raynauds side of things as I can only wear fingerless gloves
Not shins, but otherwise experienced exactly what you describe on my thighs. The only thing that helped was sitting in a bath of water as hot as I could stand it.
In retrospect, I'm pretty sure my hormone levels had something to do with it. I was 34 and pregnant at the time. After the baby was born it never happened again. Might be worth getting your levels checked now while it's glaring and again after it stops.
I do empathize, and understand exactly what you're going through. Like many, this disease has made me tough (no pun intended!) about dealing with all kinds of sporadic or ongoing issues. My tolerance level has gotten fairly high But I clearly remember standing in my kitchen crying with frustration because I couldn't make it stop.
Whatever's causing your flare, I hope it gives up soon!
I have the same thing. My shins itch the most, but it happens all over. I think the approach of winter may have something to do with it. This summer I didn't itch nearly as much.
My rheumy told me to moisturize everyday even when I had no itch....the itch comes back when I get lazy and don't do it....I also now keep my fingernails very short to help me not do any damage at night...cotton gloves didn't work for me. I use Diprobase and get a big dispenser bottle of it from my GP on prescription....I've also bought the tubes of it to keep with me when out as my hands need it all the time. I hope this helps and you get some relief soon Charlie...
Diprobase Wengc ? Is that the same as the double base cream mentioned above? My GP has never prescribed any creams, but I've never requested them tbh as I've read so much about there being no creams that'll help with symptoms.
My nephew has double-base cream as he's got terrible eczema, and when I'm dressing him (he's still very young) I apply it on his back and legs, it feels quite greasy.
Anyhow I'll be onto my gp on Friday and ask if he'll prescribe one of these suggested creams.
Thanks to all who've commented, it's a strange thing but knowing others are in the same boat makes it less despairing.
I don't know if it is the same, I've not found the doublebase locally to check, but my GP Suggested it when I was struggling with the itch, and the aqueous cream that rheumatology nurse suggested wasn't working, I was scratching like mad! It is greasy but does rub in and works for me. I think it is used for eczema and you can wash with it, if needed.
I've also experienced terrible itchiness of the skin so completely get where you are coming from. A good soa in the bath and moisturising helps. For bathing I've used salt crystals and also oilatum or saner products. Tried E45 cream which really did not agree with my sensitive skin and specialist nurse suggested Dermol 500 cream which I now use to moisturise and as a soap substitute. Having read other replies think I might try Doublebase gel too.
Hi Gindy, I am suffering with itching all over my body today plus tingling, it is so annoying. It also can keep me awake at night, and I admit sometimes I do not put my cream on as often as I should!! Just something else not related to the itching if like me anybody is suffering with cold hands (raynauds) I stick my hands under my armpits it is amazing how warm armpits are!!
Ahhh the armpit stance I'd bet it's a common theme for us with Raynauds!
My partner sandwiches my hands between hers, almost like I'm praying and she is too, on top of my hands. She applies pressure and it actually really helps if you're having a attack. Lol I should patent it
My rheumatologist prescribes Atarax for the itching - it really helps. Its worth asking your doctor or pharmacist. Its used quite often for itchiness in scleroderma.
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I'd bet it's a common theme for us with Raynauds!
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