itchy

Does anyone else here itch?

I've had very itchy legs and sometimes arms for a year now. There isn't much visible---maybe a light, fine rash, but really not much. skin isn't scaley. My general Dr. felt it was related to RA and had me try a steroid burst. Maybe helped a little, but it came back. Called my rheumy and she chose to send me to a Dermatologist. She prescribed a stronger steroid ointment. It helps some I think, but it's not easy to get jeans on over greasy legs! (I do rub it in, it isn't caked on), and it just makes getting ready take even longer.

The itching hasn't gone away. Scratching doesn't really help. (once and awhile I give in) So besides the dull roar of joint pain, there is the competing noise of itch!

So, anyone else itch? Have a diagnosis? Is it just another inflamatory response? My current RA tx is not completely successful, but the side-effects are tolerable. Is this a reason to switch in hope that decreased inflamation (if that should happen) would help stop the itch?

Thanks!

Hi,

As most of us know Psoriasis and Ezcema can be an issue.   I developed intensely itchy skin around a year ago which lasted a few months.   I was scrathing my skin until it tore and bled.   My GP prescribed for me 'Doublebase' which os very good, as well as E45 (emollient).

Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise.   My skin never felt dry but I was told that it was.

Dozey.

I'm always itchy too.The skin on my legs has turned very scaly and leathery. (at 30 y/o) I haven't had it looked into yet so thanks for bringing it up because I just thought it was some sort of allergy.

Oh yeah. I tend to get little patches of ezcema on my lower legs, esp. in winter when my skin is drier anyway. It only seems to affect my lower legs and maybe my upper back. I also get a tiny patch just under my right eyebrow. Go figure. lol

I find that switching to non-perfumed everything - soaps, cleansers, lotions, clothes detergent - helps some. I use only liquid Cetaphil non-soap cleanser in the winter, and use their unscented heavy body cream. Use the unscented clothing detergent especially for socks and underwear - anything that fits close to the skin.

Over the counter hydrocortisone cream may help, apply it a couple times a day like after your morning shower and at bedtime. If that doesn't work your doc can give you a prescription strength cream.

I've seen other people with exzema or psoriasis, and this doesn't look that bad. But it itches that bad. Suppose it is another part of the strangeness that is autoimmune disorders. I have a hard time telling when I am sick enough to need a Dr. visit too.

It does help to use the bland, heavy-duty moisturizer and prescription hydrocortisone, but it creates more "drag" when I am trying to get my clothes on and that is enough of a challenge as it is!