painful itchy forearms without rash - Skin Problems Message Board

Marchmadness11 · 10-08-2008, 11:14 AM

I have been afflicted with this painful arm burning and itching for 7 years. It seems to be seasonal - starting in September after summer and lasting 2-3 months. The pain and itching is worse at night and only relieved by ice packs. I have seen physicians and been prescribed topical creams, taken steroids and antihistamines but nothing relieves this debilitating problem. I believe it is triggered by sun exposure but only during this time of year. It seems to be nerve pain as it travels year to year from shoulders to forearms - possibly following a nerve. It affects both arms at the same spot each time. It is a burning, tingling, prickling type of pain and is only relieved by ice. I found others on this site who are afflicted with this pain - but ice seems to be the only remedy and I have found no real cause. I wonder if it affects females more than males and if others have found this to be seasonal. Because it causes sleepless nights, it has become debilitating over the years. At times I think that I am crazy because there is no rash or marks unless I claw myself during the night. I hope that one day I can find a cause and cure.

willy8512 · 10-09-2008, 04:21 PM

I have the same thing on my inner thighs. It doesn't itch but stings and throbs. I went to five different dermatologists to no avail. They seem to put it in the eczema camp. But even though it's possible for older people to get this. It's hard to believe that so many adult are suddenly being afflicted with this horrible disease. I rarely wake up with the feeling and it bothers me the worst at mid day. I tried all kinds of steroids and nothing worked.
No rash no dryness just stinging.

jsimertz1 · 10-11-2008, 02:59 AM

Did you get any responses back that were helpful? I have been going through this for two years. No rash but extremely itching, burning sensation on both forearms. In fact it work me up tonight it was so bad. I will scratch in my sleep.

It does seem to help to put on a topical counter irritant such as joint creams with menthol.

I would love to find out what is causing this.

Pottsey1 · 10-11-2008, 11:11 AM

Have U had UR doctor do a complete blood work up on U? I had itching on the inside of my foreamrs and the a terrible itch developed in my lower legs (from knees to ankles) and if I got hot and sweaty itching came on me. After a talk with the family doctor; he did a full blood testing on me and I was immediately refered to a hematologist. Turned out I was polycythemic! Sure hope this is not UR case! THere are many more symtoms to polycythemia!
Good Luck and God Bless.
Randy

drs · 10-11-2008, 07:28 PM

Potts, I've recently heard of something in the enzyme therepy area that is quite new to the U.S. but has been in about 5 other countries for up to 30yrs. There are all kinds of studies done.

There are name brands out there, but the base product is from the 'silk worm', this is what you want to look into further.

One of the fantastic things they found is that it cleans dead proteins from the blood. Like a blood purifiyer.

It's the substance that the silk worm makes that comes from the siliva that disovles their cocoon when their ready to hatch.

It does it great job of eating up fibers that we have in the body, scar tissues, inflammation(that is huge to get rid of any inflammation!)

I was just thinking it may be an excellent thing for you to check into, it's not suppose to interact with medications at all, even in high doses.

The warning is that if your a bleeder and on Vit K to treat it, You'll have to work with your doctor closely and watch for thinner blood or bleeds that don't stop easy.

Any one that takes this stops taking it 2 days before and after a surgery, then began taking it again and it helps inflammation.

There are post in some of the natural and vitamin boards to check out too. You know I'm thinking this is something that most people would benifit from. Good luck to you.
Diana