Chronic Itchy Hands and Feet

Posted by leb5863 @leb5863, Feb 6 2:03am

For about the last 10 years I have been dealing with incessant itchiness in my hands and feet. I get flare ups sporadically that essentially feel like my hands and feet and a swollen/inflamed and have a deep itching sensation coming from within the skin. It’s not something topical like a rash on the skin level, but rather a deep itch coming from within. Typically, whenever these flare ups happen my hands and feet feel a little warmer than usual and they will sometimes look really red.

For context, I was diagnosed with poly arthritis about 10 years ago which essentially caused all of my joints to become inflamed. This was treated and cured within about 2 years, but ever since then is when I noticed the itchiness pattern occur. Since the poly arthritis, I was told by my doctor that I have reynauds.

I have been seeking help and answers for this, but always reach a dead end. I recently saw a rheumatologist again and she was pretty stumped as to what this could be. We did all sorts of bloodwork and she deemed me to be a very healthy individual. The only thing that stood out in the blood work was a positive ANA , which she said could likely still be showing positive from when I had polyarthritis.

Any thoughts or insights as to what could be causing this? I am currently writing this wide awake in the middle of the night because I am having a flare up that’s causing my hands and feet to itch so badly that it’s making my stomach hurt. I just want to find some sort of solution that can stop the itching or alleviate it.

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covidstinks2023 | @covidstinks2023 | Feb 7 4:43pm

leb5863, Bless you. I too have Raynaud's and until your post, I never made a connection with itchy hands and feet with Raynaud's. I looked it up and that is a side effect of Raynaud's. Doctors truly don't make a big deal out of Raynaud's. I have found if you have one autoimmune disease, your chances are great of having another one.

My thoughts:
Have you been to a Dermatologist?
Have you had a panel run by a Rheumatologist recently? Lupus can cause itchy hands and feet. Most people with Lupus have a positive ANA.
Have you had a complete liver panel done? Liver issues can cause itching.
Neuropathy can cause itching.
Also, some thyroid meds can cause itching.
Are your hands and feet extremely dry? That can cause itching. I use O'Keefe's foot and hand cream. It's
wonderful. Also, I found Aveeno Oatmeal soak helps to use in the tub for itching.

I hope this helps and you find some answers. Blessings & Prayers....

frenchie218 | @frenchie218 | Feb 14 1:41am

I’ve got the incessant itching as well (and it’s 2:35 am!). Nothing really helps with the itchiness in my hands, feet, legs…it’s exhausting TBH. Oh I’m recently diagnosed with Sjogrens disease as well. Thank you for sharing and I wish you all the best in your journey 💜

animallover25 | @animallover25 | Feb 14 11:19pm

I have some itching in my hands, but majority of my itching is with my feet and feet get hot and red at times. I have mentioned it to several Dr's and never get any answers as to why it is happening. I do have liver issue- Fatty Liver Disease. I am eating more chicken and fish now and red meat not as much. That has helped with pain under rib cage and right side of my tummy. I would get checked with a Gastro Dr. to get tested for Fatty Liver Disease. Another person said Liver issues can cause itching, so it is possible you have something going on with your liver.
One recommendation I have is to see a Functional Medicine Dr for food testing and extensive blood work. I am seeing one (warning, they aren't cheap!) and my Dr. did a ton of bloodwork/labs on me and found I was deficient in B vitamins, and I had 2 abnormal thyroid labs. As a result, I am going to see a Endocrinologist about the thyroid labs. Allergy Dr's can-do food testing as well, however it is a different type of testing, which is good to know. Dermatologists can do skin testing too, so that is another avenue to get testing with the itching. Functional or Alternative Dr.'s do lab drawn food testing (allergy Dr does the prick testing), 2 different tests where you get 2 different results. You need both tests to get an accurate picture of any allergies or intolerances. I know from the Dermatologist testing I had I learned I was allergic to fragrances, metals, paint and paint thinners. I agree with you, my itching is deep inside not on the surface of the skin. It is very frustrating. I hope you get some relief and answers! I have CVID-Common Variable Immune Deficiency and I see an immunologist and I am very sensitive and I am gluten free/wheat free and dairy free.