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

I find using a heating pad with automatic shutoff helps initiate sleep.

My response yesterday didn't post correctly so I'm trying again. I apologize if this is a duplication. The following article from the Cleveland clinic website outlines the current knowledge on this rare condition that I have suffered with through the years. While it does not state so in a clear way, the suggestion in the article is that there might be two causes. This stems from a fundamental dispute among researchers. Some studies point to skin damage as a cause. Other studies point to cervical disc disease. I have had both. In situations like this I tend to pursue both avenues of therapy at the same time. While I cannot be sure, I do believe that mine was helped by DMSO. At the time it was not approved for human use, but now it is...for one condition only. It is a strong solvent and seems to be a strong anti-inflammatory. Use it carefully because it can be dangerous.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21181-brachioradial-pruritus#:~:text=What%20is%20brachioradial%20pruritus%3F,area%20of%20the%20outer%20forearm.

I have extreme itch issues…no rash or visible signs, on a Facebook page relating to itch issues, someone discovered that when they take their preworkout supplements! They did not itch…they isolated it to Beta Alanine. I have been taking it as needed for 5+ years and it KILS THE ITCH…I buy the NOW brand from Amazon. I take 750 mg every four hours as needed…which is lower then the suggested dose for athletes. One side effect with higher doses is skin tingling but at 750 mg, I do not get this effect…
I would rather take beta alanine then heavy prescription drugs…

Good afternoon......great to hear from you today. Thanks for explaining what you have been facing for a couple of years. I hope acupuncture has positive effects for you. Prolotherapy is a new treatment program for me and I understand that it is still considered to be investigational or experimental. You know.....ice always seems to work. I sure do rely on it.

I am thinking that perhaps @jenniferhunter would be able to help with your spine issues. My own experience with the neck pain was that what I thought was left over pain from a shoulder replacement was actually similar to what you are describing. So, I was "rushed" to surgery and spent the next three months in a neck brace. I can still hear and feel some cracking and clicking in my neck but my arms are not numb and painful.

Let's see what Jennifer has to say. She has extremely experienced herself.

Looking forward to hearing more about your treatments and how you are responding.

May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris

Hi @moylandavis
When I googled Beta Alanine I found many references that say Beta Alanine can cause intense itching. How weird. I'm going to try it and see how it works. I have an autoimmune disorder that can sometimes cause intense itching all over my body. It I scratch any itch, it becomes a sore, even just the tiniest scratch.

Thanks for sharing.

Good luck! Let me know how it goes…I think reference to it may cause intense itching is when you take a higher dose and have skin tingling…so start with a lower dose…750 mg works perfect for me…

The compound Does very little for mine.

Hello all. Found this thread after suffering for a month with severe itch which started in my right shoulder, then swiftly moved to the entire arm. I have tried acupuncture which gave instant (albeit short lived) relief although I believe that triggered itching in the left arm too and it is CONSTANT. My GP is useless and suggested I moisturise my right arm. I have read nearly every single response on this thread and am left feeling utterly helpless. I honestly don’t think I can take anymore. Whisky ice packs do help my acupuncturist said that nerves love heat - which provides zero relief! I’m feeling desperate 😞

Greetings @lizzie85, welcome to Connect. Our purpose is to introduce members to each other to expand their knowledge of the condition and symptoms they are experiencing. I have what is called neuropathic itch that rises in flares that can go way beyond my arms.

Recently I received approval of my dermatologist's prescription for Dupixent, http://www.dupixent.com. This is an internal medication for which the dosage is an injection every two weeks. You will be taught how to handle the injections by yourself. It only takes a few minutes. I notice that pruritus is one of the diagnosed conditions that can be helped with Dupixent.

I can imagine that you will experience the relief I am experiencing. And my skin is beginning to look healthy again, now that I have stopped scratching. It has truly been a gift to me.

Another "itch" medication that may be worth keeping in your purse at all times is Dermeleve, http://www.dermeleve.com. This topical offers a response within 15 minutes or so and lasts about 6 hours. It is a port in the storm, so to speak. You can purchase it OTC online at the site. It is not expensive and worth a try.

Good luck with these. The itch for me is actually worse than pain. I have collapsed from the suffering and have been treated in the ER several times. I understand the panic it causes and your inability to continue to deal with it.

Please let me know what you decide and what works.
May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris

Or maybe try Beta Alanine, it is an otc amino acid supplement that is typically used for preworkout but it kills the itch…I have Aquagenic Pruritus and heat/cold triggered itch…kills both. 750 mg for heat cold and 1500 mg before showering. I buy it on Amazon and get the NOW brand….at$17 it is worth a try…