PMR - Prednisone and random itching patches of skin

PS, for 3 months (didn't know it was PMR) my scalp ITCHED. Not dandruff. did not hurt at all, just itched. Didn't even mention to my rheumatologist as the CGA symptoms do not seem to be itching but pain, headache.

Hi @microbe1943, You will notice that we changed the title of your discussion to better describe your question and hopefully bring members with experience into the discussion. I have had 2 occurrences of PMR but it is currently in remission. I have occasionally had itchy skin but not sure I could say that prednisone is the cause. Prednisone does have some long term side effects, including thinning skin and weight gain. There is an allergic reaction warning on prednisone that it can cause trouble breathing, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat
red, and itchy rash that affects one or more patches of skin.

"Allergic reaction warning. Prednisone oral tablet can cause a serious allergic reaction in some people. This reaction can cause a skin rash, which can include:." -- Prednisone: Side effects, dosage, uses, and more: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/prednisone-oral-tablet#other-warnings

Have you discussed the itching and red inflammed skin patched with your rheumatologist?

I have written my Rheumatologist a note in the system but it was the weekend. We'll see. I ended up taking Zantac as it is a histamine blocker. I had to do that years ago with chronic urticaria from so much Flagyl which I am very allergic to. So I thought I'd try a histamine blocker. So far so good. I will check back in after the doctor. Thanks for responses! Sharon

Hi@microbe1943, @johnbishop and all, Before I was diagnosed with GCA, after my PMR had calmed down, I had severe itching on my torso and scalp. There was no associated redness or rash. When I started on 40 mg of Prednisone, it went away. I used to watch "Mystery Diagnosis". Someone did present with severe itching and the treating doctor said that itching can be a sign of inflammation. We know that PMR and GCA are inflammatory disorders. My experience with itching, microbe1943, seems different from yours, but thought I would share it anyway. Good luck, I hope you get to the bottom of this.

@microbe1943 I posted the above comment to you as well, but messed it up. Sorry!

Thanks. Just made an telemedicine appt with my allergist. Rheumatologist does not think it is connected with the PMR but I am an allergic person, so I am to start there. I KNOW that H2 blockers help idiopathic urticaria which is probably what I have again. I took that and it helped plus Allegra 180. Good to know it is not connected with the PMR. Thanks for your reply! Sharon

Good morning all. I have been off predisone for one month. I have had a itch under my arms with no rash or swollen lip nodes ? Has anyone e else experienced this. Does it mean my inflammation is up?

Hi @123suew, I haven't experienced the itch without a rash (or mosquito bite 🙂). Harvard Health has a page that walks you through some questions and list possibilities of itching without a rash - https://www.health.harvard.edu/decision_guide/itching-without-rash

Thanks John. Appreciate your quick response. Will look up what they have to say! Have a great day.

I have had PMR since February of 2019. Started on 10 mgs Prednisone and swung back and forth between 4 mgs and backup to 8 mgs. I am now on 2 mgs. with the help of hydroxychloroquine - so far so good. However, I have had an itchy scalp and small amount of hair loss since on Prednisone and also random itching by my right shoulder blade. My skin has dried and thinned quite a bit, but then I am 78 so who knows if that is not normal for my age. I have been on Calcium D3 for a while now and will have a bone scan later this month. My nails are strong and when I go to the dentist he always says "good bones" as my teeth are strong. However, don't know if that means my bones are good or not. Will find out after the bone scan.