Itching along with autoimmune disease

Hi Lisa (@techi) -- have you ever tried an epsom salts bath? I've heard from others it relieves itching but have not taken one myself. I did find my magic bullet for constipation though. Earlier this year my doctor wanted me to take 1200 mg of calcium daily for my osteopenia and every time I take it a few days it causes constipation big time. In one of my other groups members had mentioned using organic raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar. So now I mix 1 to 2 tsps in 8 oz of water and it does wonders for digestive health. I wished I would have found it sooner. I buy the Bragg's brand but I think there may be others that are just as good.

John

I’m so sorry you are going through this. Do you itch all over? My itch was just on my arms and somewhat relieved by ice. It’s due in my case from a cervical disc that is impinging and causing stenosis. Good luck to you!
Dianne

With fibro I also it itch sporadically all over. The last two days have been my hands like butterfly wings between my thumb and index fingers. Often tops of my feet. I also have rosacea , stage 3. I tested neg. for Chrone's so far.

Lisa, @techy, You are not alone. Here is a discussion about itchy skin as well as what other members have shared:-)
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/itchy-skin-2ee1a9/
Rosemary

I also have that problem with itchy fingers and top of feet with the fibromyalgia and psorisas. Sometimes so bad I scratch the area raw.

@johnbishop John I have been taking Epson salt baths and then I thought it might be my nerves but even at night, especially at night I will be itching. I have sores all over my back and some on my legs. I went to the dermatologist and she gave something and that didn't help. I went to my gp and he gave me something and that didn't help either. And I don't know if it's because my ana is real high. At the Mayo Clinic they ruled out everything but the liver doctor said it was my nervous system and I might just have to deal with it. I think it has to do with the autoimmune encephalitis which he said my ammonia levels can fluctuation but the elevated ammonia levels he said when l was in the hospital and the uh said it was 90. He said that really wasn't that high. So l don't know if it was the medicines they gave me because l am allergic to almost everything. And I might be still taking a medicine l am allergic too. I am suppose to see another rheumontologist I don't know if he can tell me something or not. But I will definitely try what you said but I am really trying to get off these meds because I think that might also be the problem. Thanks John. I been missing hearing from you

Lisa (@techi) -- I am really sorry anyone has to go through this. I hope the rheumatologist finds some answers for you and a treatment that helps. If you are able, can you update us after your next appointment with the rheumatologist?

John

@techi Hi, Lisa. Sorry you are still fighting this. I can suggest a few things, and one or more might work some. First, I believe you are right in suspecting that your high ANA is giving you the right signal. It signals autoimmune somethings, but then the problem becomes signals what? It can signal an autoimmune approach to any disorder you might have. But since itching is almost always a nerve issue, (very rarely a psyche issue, but occasionally a skin issue) that's the place to start. It can be either primary or secondary, inherited or one-off. Smoldering Myeloma?
Now, what autoimmune disorders affect the nerves in such a way that they signal itch when you don't really itch? I can tell you that many protein dyscrasias do, starting with Alzheimers. Even some meds, especially statins, etc. Also, some forms of AI that attack the myelin sheath around the nerves do. Are there any soaps that seem to make it better or worse? I sometimes itch terribly around my head, and get some relief from Grandpa's Pine Tar Soap, distributed from Cincinnati. It has less other chemicals than most Pine Tar Soaps. Makes a great traveler's dandruff shampoo. Sometimes being different from everyone else has advantages, but not when you itch like this.

@oldkart Thank you so much. I was diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis and encephalopathy I thought it was the same but found out one can affect your liver so it was easier for them to say both. I thought it could be the beginning of dementia but that was ruled out. So now I was told I have the residual of the encephalitis. I never had this kind of itching and I changed shower gel and soap. And I have been using the same laundry detergent since my children were born. So I will see if I can get that soap you recommend. It sound like it worked for you maybe it will do the same for me. I just want to try something before I have to make an appointment with my dermatologist. Thank you so much.

@techi Lisa, if it affects your liver, it should be no surprise that it affects the nerves, and thus your itching. I am not an expert on livers, except for liver and onions. But having the residual of encephalitis, My guess is some of the new meds coming out for autoimmune etc., might deal with this. There are several out in the last month or so. I have not been fortunate enough to get into the trials yet, but Martha Grogan or Angela Dispenzieri(?) at Mayo will have more info, I feel. Or LabRoots.com, etc.