Brachioradial pruritus. (severe itching on forearms and neck, no rash).

Posted by Patrick Cotter @patrickcotter, Mar 19, 2012

Does anyone know of this. I think its rare but does exist. My neurologist does not know about this. I have compression between my c5 and c6 cervical disk and have had alot of sun damage to my skin.

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@castlemac

Hello, I have this exact diagnosis - same everything, no rash, severe SEVERE itching on forearm(left only) issues with my neck, and sun damage. I want to find out all I can regarding this - I am going INSANE with the itching. Only thing so far that TEMPORARILY takes the itch away is ICE.....

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Hello I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND NOTHING IS EASEING IT. ITS MY NECK AND UPPER BODY THE HOT WEATHER MAKES IT WORSE. I WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT. MORE ABOUT IT. WHAT I CAN DO TO GET RELIEF I AM ALSO GOING INSANE.

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It’s been 1 month after weekly PT Needling, manual manipulation and myofascial work of C5/C6 extended to T1and T2 and NO MORE itch, (NOT chiropractic). Off all topical Rx and no meds except for ocassional Advil.
As a medical provider myself, my research (and this blog, so many thanks!) led to my conclusion that my severe itch was neurogenic, not dermatological. For me, treating the root issue vs mitigating symptoms worked-I hope others do not give up hope.

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@pfym

I’ve had this itching for years on and off but never this bad. I finally got a diagnosis by my dermatologist when I told him the topicals weren’t working and that I was putting ice on it. I don’t know why I did that but it worked. When I said ice, he asked if I had problems with my neck and I said yes. I had several epidurals over the last few years. He said there wasn’t anything he could do for me. He did mention gabapentin. So when I went to see my neurologist for my migraines, I told her about it. She had never heard of it. We talked and she prescribed me gabapentin. It was like a miracle my itching stopped! That lasted for a month and now it’s back. She increased the dosage just a few days ago but it’s still going crazy. Prior to the meds I was using ice and a mixture of essential oils that helped, especially when ice wasn’t available. This is the most frustrating syndrome.

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@pfym. I have been very fortunate that I found the chiropractor that I have. He does the Pierce method of chiropractics. He did adjust my neck which surprised me since I had no pain there. I have also had GREAT success with CBD lotion on my arms. I have not had to take or use any prescribed medication thank God.
Best of luck

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Hi there, has anyone considered if mental health affect their “itch”. I suffer from anxiety, and the relentless itching definitely increases my anxiety and irritability. Initially I was convinced it was only my anxiety as the cause but since learned that sun damage is a contributer. Unfortunately I work in the sun all day everyday, in the hotter months it definitely gets worse. I was put on an anti depressant, but stopped after reading the side affects. Also iv become immune to cortisone creams like “itch ease”. Any other recommendations for creams or gels?
Thanks.

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@mattdane

Hi there, has anyone considered if mental health affect their “itch”. I suffer from anxiety, and the relentless itching definitely increases my anxiety and irritability. Initially I was convinced it was only my anxiety as the cause but since learned that sun damage is a contributer. Unfortunately I work in the sun all day everyday, in the hotter months it definitely gets worse. I was put on an anti depressant, but stopped after reading the side affects. Also iv become immune to cortisone creams like “itch ease”. Any other recommendations for creams or gels?
Thanks.

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@mattdane I have had success with CBD lotions or oil

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@thedinnymurph

I'm so happy to hear from you salemm72. Glad to hear of your remedies like Stopain!....that's a new one for me. My dermatologist also recommended capasain which I never personally found helpful. Irritated skin even more.
Yesterday I had a second cervical epidural. Believe it or not, I've not itched all day!! Now that could be from the anesthesia, we'll see. I hope your idea of a alignment works for you. Makes sense that it might help. My xrays clearly showed cervical spine arthritis so the impingement clearly was there causing the BRP.
Good luck in your search for relief. Some people can't understand the horrible discomfort this condition causes....and I think discomfort is a mild description for it. It makes me NUTS!!!!

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Hello, I have suffered from this condition for over 2 years, and it is ruining my life! I have tried many medications, acupuncture, chiropractors, dermatologists, neurologists and even doctors who have told me it is all in my head! Lyrica and Cymbalta mostly keep it at bay, but every so often it flares up, and then I need to basically shut down. I could do that with Benadryl, ice packs and an occasional glass of wine and cancelling whatever plans or work I had to do. Unfortunately, I have plateaued out on Benadryl, so all I can depend on are my ice packs. I am at my wits end! I live near Boston, home of some of the best hospitals in the world - you'd think they would be able to help me! I'd be happy to hear from anyone. Mannix

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@mannix

Hello, I have suffered from this condition for over 2 years, and it is ruining my life! I have tried many medications, acupuncture, chiropractors, dermatologists, neurologists and even doctors who have told me it is all in my head! Lyrica and Cymbalta mostly keep it at bay, but every so often it flares up, and then I need to basically shut down. I could do that with Benadryl, ice packs and an occasional glass of wine and cancelling whatever plans or work I had to do. Unfortunately, I have plateaued out on Benadryl, so all I can depend on are my ice packs. I am at my wits end! I live near Boston, home of some of the best hospitals in the world - you'd think they would be able to help me! I'd be happy to hear from anyone. Mannix

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Gabapentin is working for me somewhat but I have had to increase the dose recently abandoned I’m afraid that will continue. I have been using essential oils to ease the itching also, especially when ice isn’t available. Young Living is an excellent brand, a bit expensive but very pure oil. I use a blend of peppermint, purification and lavender in a carrier oil. 5 drops of each into a roller bottle and fill the rest with carrier oil. I sometimes put in extra peppermint bc it seems to cool and sothe it the best.

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@pfym

Gabapentin is working for me somewhat but I have had to increase the dose recently abandoned I’m afraid that will continue. I have been using essential oils to ease the itching also, especially when ice isn’t available. Young Living is an excellent brand, a bit expensive but very pure oil. I use a blend of peppermint, purification and lavender in a carrier oil. 5 drops of each into a roller bottle and fill the rest with carrier oil. I sometimes put in extra peppermint bc it seems to cool and sothe it the best.

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That’s interesting! I’m using generic Cymbalta & P.T, which is helping. I have to keep my shoulders straight-no slouching! That & the exercises is helping. I also try to take a warm shower-not too warm.

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I have been researching this on again off again condition since last October, 2018 for a solution. My dermatologist suggested Zostrix an OTC capcaisin cream and a chiropractor. My primary care physician suggested topical ICE. I am currently maintaining the situation with Biofreeze spray and roll on. PIT injections are also known to help according to this Forum. The itching does increase anxiety and stress. External warm water, sun, heat makes it worse. Ice makes it better and having an ice pack on your forearms for about 15 minutes helps as well. It's a strange condition and I am unable to figure out why no one treatment seems to be able to help any one individual.

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