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Any CURE for brachioradial pruritus? (besides ice as relief)

Thousands of people are suffering with Brachioradial Pruritus, including myself, in my tenth year. It is the most maddening disease and I have learned of no cure. Ice is the ONLY thing to provide relief, and acupuncture has not been effective for me. I have tried all the expensive prescription and steroid creams to no avail. I am losing sleep, and my sanity, b/c it keeps me up all night. I am staying out of the sun, but every year, this persists until December or January. I have read countless articles and blogs about BRP, am sure that is what I have, but have yet to find a cure, and therefore some hope that I don't have to suffer with this every year for the rest of my life. Any new ideas/solutions/cures??? PLEASE?!!!!
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test
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Has anyone had cervical spine decompression surgery as a solution to BRP symptoms?
Avatar universal
I don't know if this is still active. But I have found a solution after 17 yrs with heavy itching every autumn in 2-3-month - making me nuts.
I am out off symptoms now for three yrs - only a minor slashback after a heavy sunburn last summer.
I won't write my long story if nobody is in here - but you're welcome to send me an email and I will sent it to you.
My life is so much improved after not being "afraid" for autumn to come every year.
You can write me on ***@****
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what did you use that relieved the itch?!
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Caress bar soap. That's it. Done
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Try using UV protective arm sleeves. They have been wonderful in alleviating eczema itching day and night. Maybe they'll work for BP as well. The slightly compressive (not too tight) ones seem to work best.
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I have suffered from BRP for nearly 20 years.  I went to dermatologists for years trying to figure out what it was, but to no avail.  Ididn't have a name for this condition until my cardiologist recognized it last year.  The only relief is ice packs.  I actually use cold soda cans.  They are the right temp to stop the itch and they remain cold for a long time.  You can put a cooler with soda cans next to your bed and use them as needed during the night.  They also are convenient during the day, because you can pick up a cold can of soda anywhere. Amazing what you resort to when dealing with this aggravating condition!  
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So glad you found something that helped and thank you so much for sharing!  I'm sure this will help a lot of people in need of advice with this condition!
Avatar universal
BRP is a most cursed affliction.  I have suffered for 3 or 4 years, and I feel incredibly badly for those whose symptoms are worse than mine and have suffered so much longer.  After consulting "Dr Google" at length, I have undertaken the following remedies.

I own a rather cheap T.E.N.S. machine that I bought, for less than $100, on the internet more than 10 years ago (for a sore back) and it still works just fine.  I have recently (the last 2 weeks) been giving myself a 20-minute TENS treatment, twice a day, once at breakfast, another before supper, sometimes in the truck if I have to drive any distance.  I put two electrodes about 5" above my elbow, one on the inner part of the bicep and one on the outer, and two electrodes about 5" below my elbow, one on the inner part of the forearm, one on the outer, with the red and the black electrodes in an X configuration.

I think, and I believe it is WORKING !!

Despite this being a particularly hot and sunny summer and even though I have been outside as much as ever, my symptoms have been far easier to endure than they were over the past 3 years.

In the event that I do get a "twinge", I dab on a bit of Lidocaine ointment (to my left elbow).  I got this over the counter in a 35 gram Xylocaine Ointment (5%) at my grocery store pharmacy for about $10.

I do not endorse any TENS machines or pharmaceutical companies so I have not provided additional information about my sources.  Let me just say that we just bought a TENS machine on Amazon for my son and paid $135 and he loves it for his own application (injuries from accident).  I also learned that topical treatments for itch may also be acquired at the local tattoo parlour but that is way above my pay grade so I cannot attest to that.

I certainly hope this internet forum and this information helps someone, somewhere.

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Thank you.  I have many other symtons as well as my 2 young daughters..and now even my mother n law whom has been staying with us whike im readjusting to life after brain surgery and loss of my husband after 25 years...i need some relief from plain ole bad luck..thank u again
Avatar universal
Hi, Just like so many people here I have suffered with BRP for about 6 years now. It is the most horrific problem. Although there are many that have it much worse than I, this is still a disorder that continues to  cause stress and physical problems for me. My skin is scarred and thickened from years of scratching.Having said that, I like so many, have been to countless Derms, Chiro's, GP's etc to address this problem. I have taken enumerable medications both topical and internal. I have used Diprosone, the strongest steroid creams and visited an allergist all to no avail. Over the counter icy hot works mostly but the kick back once it has worn off is almost painful. The itching is so intense I have chosen not to use it. Ice is my best friend. Now, to the point of this post.  Some time ago I purchased an over the counter Icy Hot tens unit. I placed it on my arm and turned it on. The itching got so bad I ripped it off and put it away. 2 days ago I awakened with that crazy itch and I almost could not get it under control with even ice. I found the tens unit. I decided to place it on my neck just to see what happened. I placed it along my spine (I have the big one for back) and although it says not to use it on the neck I turned it on. Within 5 minutes the itching started to subside. Since that night I wear it almost constantly. When I begin to feel the itch I turn it on. It does not go away completely folks but it is manageable. I hate the jittery feeling I get when using it. I find I don't seem to think quite as clearly when it is on. My hand does not work quite as well when it is on either but I can only assume it is because it is stimulating the nerves along the top of my hand. But the fact is that it has helped this terrible affliction. I am so incredibly grateful. I assume it must interrupt the itch signal just as it would a pain signal. I get relief for up to 2 hours after using it.  I do one side at a time as I have BRP on both arms from just above the elbow to the tops of my hands. I have it all year as I live in Southern CA. I am not giving medical advice but for me it has literally saved my sanity. I hope it helps others.
God bless all of you.
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I take Lyrica capsules for my BRP - works really well!
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Xanthan gum! I've found this to be the culprit. Certainly the main one anyhow.  From Starbucks coconut drinks, cool whip, pop tarts, salad dressings..... There are a few other emulsifiers that may also trigger it.
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Avatar universal
I'm a 36 y/o woman living in Florida. My BRP started about 5 years ago, but went away and I didn't have any symptoms really until about a year ago. It would come and go, but lately, within the last few months, it's been maddening!!! I don't know what triggers it. Like, why have there been times I feel no itching at all - but then all of a sudden I do? Why were my symptoms spaced out before, but now occur every day? I've been to two different dermatologists - both of them just give me topical creams that do nothing. One is tacrolimus ointment which I think made it worse.

Right now, the best relief I'm getting is from COCONUT OIL and LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL. I'm very much into holistic healing and really hate taking any chemical creams or medication. I still feel slight tingling and prickling in my arms after putting on the lavender oil, but nothing as severe as when I have my "itching outbreak".

My next steps are to try CARESS bar soap (cheap enough option) and Acupuncture. I haven't had any x-rays or MRIs of my cervical spine yet, so if nothing else helps - that will be my next step.

I completely sympathize with you all! It's maddening and I want to rip my arms off! I love being outside, but living in Florida will be so challenging. No beach, no pool days...  Something out there has to work!!! Good luck to you all!
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Avatar universal
Caress bar soap, itching gone in 5 days. Monolaurin 2 pills a day, after 3 months stop the soap and continue taking the supplement. Will be gone for good as long as you take the supplement. 100% satisfaction guarantee.
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I have been suffering with this for years and  I have tried so many creams; lotions; medications .... nothing worked. FINALLY I came across a website for radiobrachial creame from NZ DERM NET website. And together with using NUMMIT CREME FROM EGO it totally disappears. It’s amazing. And I feel sane... again.  
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Avatar universal
So glad I'm not the only sufferer, I have a VERY high pain threshold but this is making me want to chop my arm off at times and sleep deprvation is a whole other issue. I've have seen a demotologist and he agreed with my diagnois after I told him that having spent night after night awake I had become a keyboard warrior in search for refief, he gave me lotions that have not given me any relief and a spray called demomist that I was to spray when urge to itch starts. Jeez that stuff is horrible, like spraying WD40 on arms that I've ruined so many clothes also it's HIGHLY flammable and didn't work.
So back trawling the net as I had done the icepacks which only gave relief if kept on constantly I saw about menthol but the only thing I had at that time of night was Vicks vapour rub, so smothered arms in it and relief was instant and I actually got 5hrs sleep before the burn/itch woke me, I've been using it for a week and managed to get some sleep, but today it has not helped at so I have now gone onto tiger balm, I stink but it's soothed it.
I am having treatment with osteopath and always get the worst flare up the day after treatment as I suppose the nerves have really been agravated, I think treatment is slowly working as between sessions the itch is not so intense or frequent.
I have also order a neck traction devise off of Amazon after reading about it on here, so heres hoping that between osteo, traction and tigerbalm I start to get longer relief from this nightmare itch.
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UPDATE --- After using the traction collar for a week, 3 times a day for 20 mins a time and the itch has almost completely gone. Best £17 I've spent !!!
Avatar universal
will try tonight
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Avatar universal
I have had Brachioradial Pruritus for many years.  It normally flairs up several times a year but having moved down to Florida recently it has become more persistent.  It is brutal and yes, only ice has helped.  Fortunately the ice works every time for me.  I've looked for additional ways to treat this and have found one that I am beyond happy to report works for me every time I have used it.

Either right as or right before I normally would feel the itching coming on I put Clove Essential oil on the area that has recently been itching.  I say recently as the area seems to migrate over time.  This knocks out the itch I'm having and if put on proactively at night, for the first time ever, the itch does not begin at all.  It might be something you'll need to do several times a day.  This has worked for me but no guarantees it will work for others.  I never post but it has been so unbelievably helpful to me, and such an intractable problem that I wanted to put this out there.  It's also not that expensive.

Here is a quick description of the benefits of Clove Oil I just pulled off of a simple Google search:

"The germicidal properties of the oil make it very effective for relieving dental pain, toothache, sore gums, and mouth ulcers. It contains eugenol, which has been used in dentistry for many years".

There are many other applications but this seems to be the most relevant.  Remember it should be Clove Essential oil straight.  This can be pretty strong and there might be some burning (not for me).  Some people love the smell - others not so much.  I don't mind it and certainly the benefits significantly outway any aversion you may have to the odor (which can be masked with other oils or perfumes).

If this works, please spread the word.  Never been more relieved to find a cure to anything.  Hope it works for you.
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When you are desperate for relief - you are willing to try anything. Thank you for your post. I’ll try it tomorrow.
Avatar universal
HI, it’s great to hear that you found relief.  Has it lasted?  I tried Capsicain 2 years ago, but the burning sensation spread to my head and returned after I showered,  I had to take Benadryl.  It did feel like it helped a little at the time, though. Thanks.
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Avatar universal
I am in the UK. After 15 years with this awful BP I am at my whits end. The sun does not cause this. I have facet joint problems (c4 c5 c6 c7) which is causing the 'itch' (its not an itch, its hell! I would rather pain than this sensation) I can NOT use ice as I have developed an allergy to the cold called cold urticaria. When I am out side and its below 16 degrees I come up in hives which feel like hot fat has been poured on my skin. This is directly because I kept putting ice on myself for relief.
I have had every cream and tablet possible, several steroid and nerve block injections in my neck, radio therapy in my neck (that one gave me a frozen shoulder for 6 months and I couldn't move my arm) These are very long needles going into the facet joints and they hurt a lot, but don't do much for very long. The pain specialist that I see will only do injections once a year and fart arse around trying useless remedies that I am so fed up  
I want surgery, but know one wants to do it. Finding a health professional that understands it is near impossible. I once went to see someone who I tried to explain the sensation and how I felt, I just wanted to cut it out....she asked me 'how long have you wanted to self harm'! I am getting to that point though as its getting worse. I have looked at everything on here and I have tried them all. Cream (unless its cooling) does not help nerve damage. I want a cure! I don't want to keep putting a sticky plaster on a problem that wont go away. It rules my life. Has anyone had surgery for it?
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Found something that stopped my unbearable itch.  Here is what I stumbled on to- 1) Rubbed Capsaicin into every itchy area(forearm,neck and shoulder for me).  Left for 5-10 mins while the itch and burn seemed to intensify.  Cold Showered and washed areas with soap.  Could still feel a little burn and still itchy.  2) I then applied Calmoseptine(.44 Menthol and 20.6 Zinc Oxide) which is very thick, so I rubbed in with Amlactin.  For the first time after trying endless prescriptions the itch stopped!  I really am almost thinking this was too good to be true and I am amazed.  I would REALLY like to know if this works for others.  Please try and post results.  
Avatar universal
My current relief comes from advice here: while I’m getting getring acupunture every 5 day something (3 so far), I’m using 5 rx lidocaine patches at night (enough to cover both arms) and acylovir during the day.  HArdly need it, which could be holdover from the patches, or from acupuncture.  Thank you all for sharing your stories, and I’ll keep keep our posted on the acupuncture.
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“Something” in that paragraph was an iPad typo.
Avatar universal
I've been a sufferer of BRP for about 4 years now.  Primarily in my right arm, but sometimes in left only, sometimes both.  Maddening itching that would keep me up at night, make me scratch my arms until they would bleed, and it would also make me think I was going insane.  Initially, ice packs were the only things that provided relief.  Then I found Biofreeze, and that helps in a pinch.  

About 18 months ago, I developed serious neck pains, numbness/tingling in fingers, and knots in my upper back.  I went to Ortho, who ordered MRI.  I don't have my MRI results immediately available (they are at home; I'm at office) but the short version is that the disc between my C5/C6 is shot.  Severe compression.  Based on the timeline of everything, my guess is it was caused by a wake boarding accident.  I do not have DDD in the remaining discs.  So, first attempt to resolve was facet joint injections and pain blocks.  I got no relief. Also tried Mobic for inflammation (intended to help neck, not BRP). Ortho had heard of BRP though and he prescribed me Gabapentin.  300mg, 3x daily seems to do the trick.  Very few BRP outbreaks now.  Still, neck pain continued, so he referred me to neurosurgeon.  

Neurosurgeon recommended neck traction; only got relief while wearing device.  Believed neck pain was mainly due to non-stop muscle spasms.  Tried Robaxin; no change.  Neoro recommended ACDF of C5/C6.  Said I would be a good candidate for ADR (disc replacement) but he no longer did it due to insurance issues.  I passed on ACDF, sought new options.  

Met with a spinal surgeon.  He also said ACDF would remedy my issues, but to see Chiropractor first.  

Four visits with Chiro - no change.  She refers me to another Ortho surgeon in different city.  Meet this surgeon in May, 2017.  He reviews MRI, takes X-Rays.  Confirms what all others say.  C5/C6 disc is bad.  Needs to be replaced.  Currently scheduled to have ADR in Dec, 2017.  Surgeon seems fairly confident this will also fix my BRP.  Said it may take a while for the nerves to stop sending the itching signals, but they should stop eventually.  

I'm certainly not saying all BRP cases are due to C-spine issues, but I do believe mine is.  Hoping the surgery fixes both my muscular/skeletal issues and my nerve issues (BRP).  Not advocating surgery for everyone, but in my case I believe it is needed.  I'll post back with results after surgery.

Non-surgical treatment that has helped my BRP = Gabapentin (900 mg daily).  Ice packs are still on-hand at the house at all times :)
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Avatar universal
Hi all,
Checking in with a couple of updates after years of this.
Still the best luck I've had symptomatically is the arnica/menthol gel.
I had a neck X-ray done and it was normal.
I went to the neurologist today. My general exam there was normal. He is sending me for nerve testing. He said if that is normal he will probably send me for an MRI in case there is something the X-ray missed.
For now, the gel, Tylenol PM to get me through the night, and xanax for when it gets so bad I'm losing my mind.
I will update after my nerve testing. Hang in there!!
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Hi, good luck to you.  THis all so frustrating.  Do you ever wish you had a “normal”syndrome?  I do!  Trying a new acupuncturist tomorrow, and my doc prescribed 5 lidocaine patches a night, so I can cover my arms.  I hope they work!  THey’re already not sticking very well.  ANyway, keep us posted on the exams.
Had my nerve testing and it was normal. Going for an MRI today and I’m really anxious about it! Will post results. Another thing to try that I’ve had luck with: the Icy Hot brand Lidocaine.
Hi, all my neurological tests have been normal, too.
Avatar universal
Try mirtazapine, helped my dad for chronic but undiagnosed pruritis. Some research says it blocks pain/itch receptors in the brain.
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I was so excited that the lidocaine patches worked for two nights, without cyclovir in between them, and then last night I was up after a few hours and had to reach into the mini freezer I Sadly keep in my room with ice packs.  I, too, have wanted to offer myself up for research.  Neurologist appointment I sent in January, and I’ve had this for at least 11years with my sleep being interjpted constantly since spring.  Sleep deprivstion is a problem in itself.  Im going to try acupuncture again.  Im on 300 mg gabapentin (which completely erase delete the itching for one month) and haven’t been even able able to increase because it’s so sedating, and I have to drive and work.  Typing on this site is really frustrating—it adds words...
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Also, for those ice-pack users, i recommend the arm band type and investing in a mini freezer for your bedroom.  I have 8 Plus some old non-armband types, so I can’t grt complete coverage before bed and enough to replace them, sometimes twice, in the night.  Still, as it gets colder, it is more miserable to wear them at night, and I hate the pre-bedtime production.  Like all of you, I’m losing my mind, or what should left of it.
That should have been “WITH cyclovir”in patches between and during the day.
Avatar universal
I'm a 59yr old female,I first had my first lightening strike attack of intense burning,itching arms at age 23.Sadly it persisted until age 50.Many doctors visits,some who told me it was all in the mind !! Anyway,the itch left me as suddenly as it came,after more than 30yrs suffering.I now have neurological symptoms,no coincidence I believe.If any neurologist is interested in a study on this mystery condition,I am offering my experience as a study.
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What type of neurological disorder?  Is it only in your arm?
Avatar universal
Just rubbed a harabinero all over my itchy arm nothing not doing anything . Itching like mad 20 minutes later.
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