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.
Liked by karenvduke
I have been telling everyone that I suffer from BRP. My GP suggested that I go to see a Dermatologist, I said “from what I have heard for years is that it is a waste of money” so she suggested that I go to the top Doctor in the field of Dermatology. Even though private it took over 3 months for an appointment. She is 38 yrs old and is a professor of dermatology. I am 68 and have been to many doctors over the years for different medical problems. I have never met anyone who took so much time with me to sort the problem and how much she cared about getting it right. Half way through my consultation she said “you do not have BRP “and after examiining my entire body and did little tests she diagnosed my itching problem as NEURODERMATITIS AND
DERMATOGRAPHISM.
“To Keep It Under Control “
I have to take ‘Amitryptline’ 10mg at bed time and Two antihistamine tablets ‘Telfast’ 180 mg one in the morning and one at 7pm and I must shower using luck warm water with ‘Aqueous’ cream as a soap substitute and use Silcocks base or Diprobase to moisturize within 2 minutes of towel drying my arms and moisturise several times a day. On the affected areas that have not cleared up on arms and back, use Dermovate until clear (you will be told to use it sparingly) Prof. Said put lots on. I have to see Professor C. Ryan in 3 months time. I believe she will change my life and help me to control this problem. THERE IS NO CURE.
Thus it sounds like your type of itch is NOT neurogenic………meaning coming from the underlying sensory nerves. I am learning that one possible way to distinguish a neurogenic itch from these other dermatological itches is that after the area is scratched…..15-30 seconds later, there is a burning sensation……..
I am seeing a neurosurgeon from Hopkins next week due to what was seen on my cervical MRI. I am still not sure of this connection but possible there is nerve encroachment in my spine that is affecting the dorsal area of my upper arms.
Wondering if anyone else has a neurogenic itch that is accompanied with this stinging and burning after scratching?
BTW – I am finding some relief from the TKAL cream – specially compounded by the pharmacist – expensive and not covered by insurance. TKAL – us a topical lotion with ketamine, amitripytaline and lidocaine.
You really must must see a good dermatologist, as my symptoms mirrored exactly the same as everyone else on this site who think they have BRP, maybe they do, I thought I had BRP for over 10 years and after 10 minutes with Professor Ryan (Dermatologist), she said, no, you do not have BRP. My success story is in my article. Noeley
I don't think people believe antidepressants are a cure for everything; however for this neurogenic and and other brain related conditions, for some reason (?) the antidepressants calm down the nerves and minimize or reduce the symptoms.
CASE IN POINT: I went off Lexapro last spring, after being on it for years…….I didn't think I needed it and I seemed to be fine. However, in the fall, this itching came and was very intense, so much so, that I had to go to great lengths to trouble shoot it. After I tried many things and read that folks were being treated with antidepressants, my first thought was to go back on the Lexapro and BINGO….my symptoms were reduced significantly and only after 4 days. I am using the TKAL cream at night, because I feel the symptoms more so then than during the day…….but NO MORE ICE PACKS……My guess is when I am back on the full 20 mg. I won't need even the TKAL cream. Still seeing the neurosurgeon this week.
It's a lower dose than when you use anti depressants for other issues. They find they really help. I took inipramine for the fibro for a few yrs. I have never been depressed in my life, Dr's are amazed with all the diseases I have4 rare ones and 5 autoimmune etc. But they all agree I have no anxiety which I tell the new ones.and they tell me I am fine
I have been on hydroxyzine since 2000 when I begged a Dr for help really helps. It was originally 8 25 mg a day but Dr's. always get worried slowly cut back to 4 but newer Dr upped it to 5 a days. Have a stash of extras I take as needed.My Dr says they worry with Beers in elderly, keep telling them not falling from this but from the ms. I am frustrated with all the illnesses I have. Kidney Dr. Said she hopes in 10 yrs what is causing everything.
@anniemaggie
Never used that cream, all anti itch creams made itch worse. Dr said try the pain free cream which is private label from rite aid for aspercreme. That works, stings first cause of severe itching, believe me will take pain over itching any time and have, after surgeries take one pain pill after surgeries then stop, rest ibuprofin. I am allergic to all pain meds causes very light itching all over, drives me crazy. Dr said it's very common. I also use prescription for itch called triamcinolone cream. That works.