itchy arms = BRACHIORADIAL PRURITUS

[pruritus]

all itchy arm sufferers....please look into brachioradial pruritus.  My arms, and only my arms, have itched for 10 years.  no rashes, no psiorias, excema etc.  The creams, allergery pills..my list is extensive as to what I have tried but nothing worked. ---------------The only thing that helps are ice packs. -----------------------
Recently,I had an x-ray to check if I had any nerve impingement in my cervical spine - one of the possible causes but nothing showed so I continue to search for answers.  I did get confirmation of the brachioradial pruritus from a great dermatologist who has only seen 3 cases in his 15 years on the job.  He did a biopsy that he sent to UC Davis for confirmation.  The diagnosis was actually a relief as I have been told that it is so many other things.  
I hope this helps.  I will keep posting if I find anything helpful solutions.  

[AudeSapere]

I have been gluten free for 3 years, which has relieved my Optical Migraines, but not my itching arms or tinnitus.

[Leprachaun]

Hi all, I've been suffering this awful itch in both my arms for the last ten years. It starts on my right forearm &  travels up to my right shoulder after a few days. As you all know, the itch is unbearable & I've bled after scratching but I can't stop! When it's been really intense on my right arm for a few days, it starts on my left arm & so the cycle begins. It is usually intense from August through to late October. I may have found a cure though! I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease ( L 1 - L 5 & S 1 & S2 ) five years ago. I have osteoarthritis in my spine. This itching was happening before I was diagnosed. My treatment for disc disease is steroid injections into the facet joints in my lower spine ( painful but worth it ) . Almost immediately my itching ( as well as back pain ) disappeared as if by magic! I had the injections every few months to begin with until the correct dose was found. I had the last injection two years ago. I've had absolutely no itching during that time. Recently, the back pain has returned, &  guess what?? so has this awful itch on my arms again! I take the antihistamine Zyzal. It reduces the intensity of the itching making it bearable. I must try Vicks! I'm waiting for another appointment at the pain management clinic to get the injections again. Hopefully it will take the pain & itching away again. I can't understand why this itching is so bad between August & October though? I really hope someone, sometime soon will figure this out! Good luck to you all &  hope you find relief.

[123Bellall]

I am so glad I found this board. I experienced the maddening and incredibly painful itching on my left forearm last night.... ice packs relieved it. A few weeks ago, I broke out in hives on my legs and arms, with intense itching, which has since cleared up... I also get terrible pains in my lower legs, and so I'm wondering if that's related... I would love to regain my former good health... my doctor tends to diagnose any and all symptoms as stress related.

[NJCarolx]

it's allways stress when they dont know the answer.

[ItchyItchyScratchyScratchy]

Oh my goodness...I am amazed how many people are going and have been going on like this. Your post really sounded just like me!!! I call it my August itch! I get it in one place between my elbow and my shoulder on my right arm!! and just there. I think once it jumped over to my other side but the majority of the time it stays in this place. People and Doctors think I am crazy.I am so glad I found people that are suffering and yes we do suffer from this. I am a woman. I have had back surgery and this has been going on every August for the past 5 years. The doctor last year gave me a prescription to take at night so I won't itch while I am asleep. Same scenario ice helps the most. I am so happy I found this site...It's weird it comes in late summer months and lasts till October..that was unbelievable that you wrote that. Mine started right on August 1st...

[NJCarolx]

I am so baffled by all this as everyone...I dont think I can go another year.  Dr's brush me off like I'm crazy all they care about is there insurance check.  I also had back surgery this started before surgery...but they tell me and advise neck fusion.  I dont trust Dr's anyone as they are more about profit than helping anyone.  Why the same time each year? Why not all year round....mine goes from August to January or Feb.  I will loose my job possibly my life due to this as I am finding it truly unbearable.

[Ljhumiston]

I,too have had this crazy itch between my elbow area up to my shoulder for at least ten years if not more.  All these statements are very interesting and could be the cause.....but why is it always July to October?  It just baffles me.....I get so excited when I get it cleared off in late fall thinking it won't return...but it does religiously.  I use Sarna Lotion for itching...and my doctor prescribed Betamethazone Dipropionate Cream USP 0.05%.  It clears it up.  This prescription is pricey, but I go crazy one I get the itching started...as you all say the nerve endings all fire up..that is why the cervical idea could be true....it is just the frequency that baffles me.  I also have been putting coconut oil on it too..it seems to help..but I am using all three at times.  

We are strange group and as I see it we don't have a firm answer yet and may not in our lifetime.  

Incidentally is it just women?

[sue0125]

For me, it is seasonal which makes no sense. For ten years I battled with this from Aug-Dec or January then it would stop. Then I came down with RA rheumatoid arthritis and NO arm itching for five years. This  August it started again! It is so frustrating, misunderstood by doctors and rules your life. So, after five year reprieve I am back to researching. You never forget about the ice regimen. Sarna was the other one. Just checking to see if there is something new....tricks, OTC or prescription. Just don't want this to dictate my life for half the year.

[BamaBeachGirl]

I have had severe itching of my upper arms with electrical or shock like pain associated with it.  I have been to numerous doctors and no one could diagnosis what was wrong with me.  I googled sever itching of upper arms and by the Grace of God, found this forum.  When I go back to the Dr. next month, I am informing him of my findings and will contact my Orthopod and get my neck examined as I have pain in my neck along with a very large herniated disc L5-S1.  I will continue to check back frequently to see if there are any new treatments found.