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Severe itching
My right arm has been itching uncontrollably and very intense, especially at night for more than 2 months. No rush, no bites , but I can't stop scratching it. Tried cortisone cream, benadryl spray, moisturizer, nothing helps. Cannot sleep at night because of it. My doctor said it's dry skin. I don't think so. What could it be and how to treat it?
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You may need to consult a dermatologist. It is not likely just dry skin
localized to one arm. There are conditions linked to compressed nerves
and various other causes to check out.
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2 ReactionsThe person above is right. You need a second opinion. I can think of more than one thing it could be. I would say the sooner the better.
Wish you the best.
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1 Reaction@kurkristina Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! Ow! Your description makes me want to reach out and give you a hug! Is the arm that itches the one you are sleeping on?
Things a doctor might ask you are:
- did you recently change your laundry or bathing soap?
- any recent changes in medications or supplements?
- how is your mobility with that arm, any changes?
- what have you tried to stop that itching? [Topicals, or things like benadryl]
I suggest taking time to write out your symptoms and trial fixes so you have the information at hand for an appointment. If your doctor will not refer you to a dermatologist, check with your insurance to see if you can self-refer. I hope you will come back and let us know what you find out! We are all curious!
Ginger
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1 ReactionCould it be notalgia paresthetica . . .perhaps to consult a neurologist.
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1 ReactionUse ice pack for bad itching. Shower using Selsun blue as body soap it’s a dandruff shampoo. And shampoo if scalp itching too. After shower dry off and apply 40% zinc desitin. Where you don’t have desitin applied apply ceravie anti itch cream lberally. Buy cilantro caplet supplements and take them. I am doing this now. I must say I used a biological called Adbry for two years until it affected my breathing and gave me heart palpitation! And I am still pretty clear, but if I want to exercise I do have to put up with a little. Also my derm biopsied me under the bra line and it came up as spongiod dermatitis so he said that is what he will treat for. And I think cause Grover’s diagnosis equals insurance denial for a lot of meds! Don’t use the steroid cream. It gave me hot flashes and I am 68. So no I am done with that! ! But, if you get a really bad bad flare get on a short term prednisone prescription. It clears it up but only for bad extensive flares! I used red light therapy and I got a terrible flare! Back in the day I had PUVA therapy at dermatologist. They give you pills and then hit you with UV radiation. Cleared Grover’s but the after I got skin cancer my doctor said no more