tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9870114.post1991435907188124398..comments2024-03-10T08:41:32.400+00:00Comments on VIRTUAL GRAND ROUNDS IN DERMATOLOGY 2.0: Brachioradial PruritusHumane Medicine Huihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07113291188306363130noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9870114.post-91286299930146404972018-06-13T00:17:10.719+00:002018-06-13T00:17:10.719+00:00I have had this condition for about five years now...I have had this condition for about five years now. It is utterly maddening and nothing works except ice, and even that is limited. I've been told it's from sun exposure on mature skin, and from various spine conditions. I fit both criteria, so who knows which it is... except that I am not very careful about the sun and am still having a flare.... ironically, I also have a compression fracture in my spine along with some other issues, right now... further complicating the question.. "is it the sun or is it neurological /spinal?" I wish I could get some relief. :*(FloraDorahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08677569572063360830noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9870114.post-26228605173717381662018-06-08T04:30:52.326+00:002018-06-08T04:30:52.326+00:00Ok, I am now interested in trying out a Tens unit....Ok, I am now interested in trying out a Tens unit. How and when do you use it, and for how long do you keep it on. Is there a certain type of Tens unit to get, as I think there are a bunch out there. So glad you figured out zapping your neck is better than ripping your skin off. I'm willing to try it too!!Swedenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9870114.post-60618212644066862972018-06-07T09:33:41.864+00:002018-06-07T09:33:41.864+00:00Exactly. This condition that makes me want to tear...Exactly. This condition that makes me want to tear my elbow flesh from my body has absolutely nothing to do with the skin at all. I literally solved my pain by zapping my neck with a tens unit. Your not supposed to use tens on the neck, but I'm convinced it's better than hacking at my elbow with a Rambo knife. Best of luck until we find a doctor that can pinpoint the nerve responsible and rip it out so we can finally loose sensation in our elbow/forarm area.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06531847190833076383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9870114.post-10090658776627927072018-01-15T19:35:46.465+00:002018-01-15T19:35:46.465+00:00I also gained great relief from reading others exp...I also gained great relief from reading others experiences and reading all of these posts. I have BPR and have been to numerous docs with no luck. My last derm told me I have an allergy to the sun. I am a substance abuse counselor and sadly my arms look like those of a drug addict due to the scars and scabs (only in summer). I have struggled with over 10+ years of summer itching. Typically I experience a flare up/onset as soon as it gets really hot in Colorado in the summers through about mid/end Sept. Like others on this site I was very active in the sun, from a young age. I grew up in New Mexico, had a pool and spent most summer days of my youth, outside all day, without sunscreen, hats, shirts, etc...And like others on this site I've also been in a car accident and suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Also like others I had the onset when I was pregnant with my son who is 11 years old now. I guess that means I've had it for about 12 years. And like others - I've had years where I experienced no symptoms or flare ups and other years where it has been crazy - unbearable. I've<br /> learned to use ice or freezing cold wash clothes which I keep in the freezer for when needed (at night mostly). I also have tried allergy meds - with limited luck on and off? I have also tried creams, topicals, eating elimination diet and discontinuation of creams and oils with fragrance. I tend not to gravitate towards western medicine so I have tried to go it homeopathically. The only thing that really works is - covering the arms, staying out of intense heat/sun and running cold water, ice or ice packs or frozen cloths on the forearms. I am on this site today because for the first time since the onset of this maddening issue it is now occurring during the cold (it is 20 degrees and snowing outside) weather. I have only experienced outbreaks as related to the sun and any type of intensified heat makes it much worse. If I am in the car and the sun is coming through the window or if I am in a room with a skylight are the very worst symptoms. Once the itching starts it won't stop and like all others gets much worse if I scratch it at all. Like others I have also woken up with bloody arms and sheets. I often lie in bed and will imagine rubbing my arms against the very rough brick surface on the outside of my house. Of course this makes it so much worse so I do not allow myself to do this. I am pretty sure my substance use supervisor at work thinks I am a recovering or current drug user. I told her and everyone else that sees my scared arms that I am allergic to the sun...I guess it is important to mention that I've also has reactions to hot showers and prefer only cool showers in the summer as hot/humid seems to really spark the itching. Good luck to all of you sufferers and please reach out if any amazing breakthrough treatments become known for us sufferers. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9870114.post-9844382073690344442016-10-04T10:28:51.275+00:002016-10-04T10:28:51.275+00:00This is a neurological issue- you are wasting your...This is a neurological issue- you are wasting your time seeing a dermatologist. The Lyrica is a real option - neurontin has worked for me for years and if I increase my dosage , it would continue to do so. However , the side effects for me at the higher doasage amounts are not something I can tolerate . I'm seeing a pain management specialist as soon as they can fit me into his schedule. You have to treat BRP as a pain issue and not a dermatitis issue . Someone here mentioned they take Alleve and found it helped . I now take one Alleve mid-day and 600 mg of Gabapentin in the morning and again in the evening . So far , the Alleve is keeping me from needing a third dose of the Gabapentin at lunch .FoxLair's PMD's https://www.blogger.com/profile/01158118900894967734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9870114.post-43878903113754378072016-09-27T19:24:04.920+00:002016-09-27T19:24:04.920+00:00My BRP has been on and off for 4-5 years. This fl...My BRP has been on and off for 4-5 years. This flare up did not go away. From family doctor, to dermatologist to neurologist....I have gone. They never heard of it. The neurologist says I may have small fiber neuropathy and wanted to give me Lyrica. What a joke. I don't present with any health issues related to small fiber neuropathy. I have managed to lessen the intense itch by washing my arms 2-3 times a day and washing off dead cells that can irritate the arms. It works. I also have .5% Lidocaine ointment that works very well. I am going to see about MRI of C spine area to make sure nothing going on there. There are so many sufferers out there!! uroprincess@sbcglobal.netAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13532270325809313721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9870114.post-45021255073671103462016-09-27T19:22:47.977+00:002016-09-27T19:22:47.977+00:00My BRP has been on and off for 4-5 years. This fl...My BRP has been on and off for 4-5 years. This flare up did not go away. From family doctor, to dermatologist to neurologist....I have gone. They never heard of it. The neurologist says I may have small fiber neuropathy and wanted to give me Lyrica. What a joke. I don't present with any health issues related to small fiber neuropathy. I have managed to lessen the intense itch by washing my arms 2-3 times a day and washing off dead cells that can irritate the arms. It works. I also have .5% Lidocaine ointment that works very well. I am going to see about MRI of C spine area to make sure nothing going on there. There are so many sufferers out there!! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13532270325809313721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9870114.post-41492226911384444422016-09-20T00:05:35.610+00:002016-09-20T00:05:35.610+00:00I am also a female equestrian , a very active and ...I am also a female equestrian , a very active and athletically fit 63yo. I have had BRP for the past 8 years - long before it was even acknowledged . I had to research my symptoms myself , then beg a neurologist to prescribe Gabapentin . My itching goes into remission as soon as the warm weather arrives and I can be exposed to the sun . In winter , my Gabapentin dosage increases dramatically ( max daily dose was 600 mg x3 times a day . Within a week of getting daily sun exposure , I am able to drop to 300 mg a day and then to none all summer . As soon as I'm not getting sun exposure - the itch returns within a week . This year , the Gabapentin no longer seems to be effective ,even at 1800 mg in September . I have no idea how I will be able to live with this all winter . <br />I also find that the itching moves aroundvto different areas of my arms and shoulders.<br />An mri 8 years ago showed a compressed disc between c5-c6 not severe enough then to require surgery . I'm convinced the BRP is caused by this and is a variation of pain . Searching for a safe drug to replace the Gabapentin . Can anyone help ??FoxLair's PMD's https://www.blogger.com/profile/01158118900894967734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9870114.post-55380167871832953602016-03-25T18:49:59.201+00:002016-03-25T18:49:59.201+00:00There is an itch center in Philadelphia, PA where ...There is an itch center in Philadelphia, PA where a Gil Yasipovitch is world renowned itch specialist. He diagnosed my BRP and has a compound cream with keatmin and Lidocaine which really helps.<br />Regualar dermatologist gave me a heavy duty steroid cream and said it was eczema.Important to have it diagnosed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9870114.post-59652939787346679552015-08-04T21:22:33.503+00:002015-08-04T21:22:33.503+00:00I have been diagnosed with BRP recently having suf...I have been diagnosed with BRP recently having suffered for 18 months. I have tried all the usual treatments of creams, pills, gabapentin, amamtryptalin, chiro, physio and absolutely no relief from any of them. The only thing that gives relief is an ice pack. I am now loosing sleep and getting very disheartened from reading about people who have been suffering from this affliction for many years. It is not seasonal with me but more like 24/7 and it is most certainly coming from problems with the cervical discs. I would love to hear from anyone who could recommend a cure or some kind of relief. I live in England my email address is hilarygough@talktalk.netAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9870114.post-10484532897085213572013-10-05T06:32:47.146+00:002013-10-05T06:32:47.146+00:00UPDATE from My2cents: CHIROPRACTOR WORKS GREAT! ...UPDATE from My2cents: CHIROPRACTOR WORKS GREAT! I found a Chiropractor who knew what Brachioradial Pruritus was & told me he could get me 75% better in 2 weeks. He did! I am now 95% better. <br />Once in a while, I'll get a flare up, take 1 Hydroxyz pill & get into the Chiropractor ASAP. That's it! My Brachioradial Pruritus is now liveable. My2centshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02858826814950206619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9870114.post-43344109524145675562013-10-03T03:51:42.911+00:002013-10-03T03:51:42.911+00:00Dear Dr Gupta:
I am sorry to disagrr with you bu...Dear Dr Gupta: <br /><br />I am sorry to disagrr with you but I am also a healthy female equestrienne who was ladt year stricken by BRP. This is not an allergic reaction or itchy clothing but a nerve response that is somehow related to bulging discs in the neck or something along those lines. It is a nerve condition and that is why medications such as gabapenyin, neurontin of elavil have helped some sufferers. Often ice is the only relief.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9870114.post-53830644161902884782013-10-02T04:02:49.362+00:002013-10-02T04:02:49.362+00:00One year of symptoms, which started after an autom...One year of symptoms, which started after an automobile accident and double whiplash. Also hx of cervical disc disease and also sun damage of skin. Not sure what type of MD to see? Have discussed with internist, ortho, dermatologist, no one seems to hav e suggestion for treatment. I have found using Voltaren Gel which I use for RA does take the edge off the itch, doesn't completely minimize bu makes it bearable.Cleehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15233666272536972209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9870114.post-35393032179704643942013-08-19T08:17:42.324+00:002013-08-19T08:17:42.324+00:00SO GLAD I'm not alone with this! Thought I wa...SO GLAD I'm not alone with this! Thought I was crazy.<br />56 y/o Female <br />20+yrs of itching & being embarrassed about the scratch marks <br />Time of year: July - November. <br />Late nights with ice packs on my arms = Tired @ work<br />Saw a General Practitioner, a Dermatologist, two Allergist (tested twice for allergies) <br />I take Hydroxyz Hcl & battle drowsiness. (Someone pointed out the weight gain on this. Thank You!)<br />Back problems run in my family.<br />Want to get away from medicine that drugs me. I WILL TRY: <br />Chiropractor <br />Topical Gel Dimethylsulfoxide for Equines next.<br />THANK YOU ALL! My2centshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02858826814950206619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9870114.post-26283753196913338192013-07-29T04:20:42.871+00:002013-07-29T04:20:42.871+00:00Really is so nice to at least have a forum to read...Really is so nice to at least have a forum to read and realize that other people suffer with this... I have been to 3 dermatologists, one orthopedic dr. , a neurologist and of course regular GP. This has been happening to me for about 5 years now..... I have tried EVERY cream, ointment, I've tried, lyrica, gabapentin, lidocaine cream and patches, even got injections from a dermatologist of cortisone, which was dreadful because it numbed the area, so that you couldnt feel the scratching, and the itching remained!!!! Absolutely NOTHING has worked except for ice.... and that is of course temporary. Oddly in 2011-2012 I never had a flare up!!! Now, it's worse than ever... My neurologist is the only one who seemed the least bit interested and his diagnosis was to take 3 advil the minute the symptoms came on so as to relieve back/neck pressure that may be causing it... then treat the itch... but he thinks that the true root of it is the cervical issue.... who knows.. for now, ICE is it... very bummed out about it all... any advice: thepooleparty@gmail.comapoolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00420597601476828427noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9870114.post-66171567786041962232013-06-21T21:01:56.489+00:002013-06-21T21:01:56.489+00:00Like many others on this site I have suffered for ...Like many others on this site I have suffered for years. I have used many Rx, including Doxepin pill and cream, but it make me too drowsy also. Gabapentin works better, as others have stated.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9870114.post-90062944865178813512013-06-13T15:08:54.228+00:002013-06-13T15:08:54.228+00:00I have suffered with this condition off and on for...I have suffered with this condition off and on for five years. It tended to flare on holiday so I blamed the sun. I now believe flares were caused by hauling suitcases and strange pillows. after six sessions at Glasgow Osteopathy centre my symptoms have totally gone. I am so relieved to be able to sleep at night.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9870114.post-25074976825467283162013-06-06T00:52:39.958+00:002013-06-06T00:52:39.958+00:00Hopefully you see this post did anyone ever belie...Hopefully you see this post did anyone ever believe you ? I have the exact same itch for over 20 years and the doctors tell me the same thing.I am at my wits end. Any suggestions.. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9870114.post-77930958911987650452013-06-04T01:42:44.479+00:002013-06-04T01:42:44.479+00:00I did not read all the posts here, just some of th...I did not read all the posts here, just some of them. I've had BRP for about 20 years. Recently I discovered that hot peppers, which I love in all forms [cayenne, Tabasco, etc.], are a trigger for the itching. I now avoid hot pepper. That means asking if it is an ingredient in a restaurant menu item BEFORE I order. I am pretty sure that tofu is another trigger. I've eaten tofu often for 20 years. It is interesting that tempeh, which is also made of soy, doesn't trigger itching.Denyanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9870114.post-54352455172264949442013-05-27T01:25:51.333+00:002013-05-27T01:25:51.333+00:00It is good to hear that I am not alone in this. I ...It is good to hear that I am not alone in this. I think I still have Tiger Balm. Will try that. Have a congenital fusion at C4-5. The discs above and below the fusion are bulging. Neck issues started at age 23. I'm 52 now. My mother knew when I was a child, but neglected to tell me because she didn't want me to feel "different". The itching started three years ago when I got a bad case of poison oak. The oak went away but the itching never did. It is a terrible affliction. Am currently using ice packs but as soon as the arm thaws, the itching continues. Guess this is our cross to bear. I hope that someone researches this affliction and finds a cure. Thanks for listening.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9870114.post-7811184222277800452013-05-11T01:48:24.672+00:002013-05-11T01:48:24.672+00:00DMSO>>> Dimethylsulfoxide. You can find t...DMSO>>> Dimethylsulfoxide. You can find this in a topical gel form in equine animal health departments. It is inexpensive and effective in deadening the nerves. It is "snake oil" and works for many many things. My arms have just started to itch in the last days. So, today I did some research and I do have many issues with my neck area. migraines etc. I know that DMSO is useful in pain relief, irritation, and inflammation, so I tried it and it's working. I also use the dmso on my neck when I have a migraine. DMSO is a penetrator and can be used in combination with other topical medicines. It will burn at first...but it's been two hours since my last itch. hope this helps someone else.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9870114.post-59211531685394602602013-05-10T04:51:35.631+00:002013-05-10T04:51:35.631+00:00I'm a 50 year old female that suffers the same...I'm a 50 year old female that suffers the same as everybody else here. I've suffered with this itch since 1992 years. It started with a small spot on my hand and over the years its went from arm to arm. I would stay awake all night scratching and would end up taking the hide off the arm that was itching and have blood everywhere. After 5-6 hours of scratching it would go away and leave me with 45 mins to an hour to sleep. I seen a Dermatologist here in Houston about 8 months ago. He knew exactly what it was. He prescribed me Doxepin 25mg and cream. That night when the itching started I tried the cream. No luck I then took the 25mg Doxepin and realized about 2 hours later the itching eased up. The following morning I did feel hung over, for a week after I would take the magic pill and the itch stayed away but the effects of it were a killer. I requested a lower dose of 10mg 1 @ night with an extra 10mg as needed if the 10 didn't stop the itch. Every now and then I get the feel of the itch starting but after a couple of swipes of scratching it goes away. Thank God for this medicine. I can deal with the few minor itches just as long as the itch that was causing me to mutilate my arms stays away. My arms are scared from the years of itching and stay very dry. I had worked outdoors for years and also was a serious sun seeker back in the 80's. He also recommended covering my arms with long sleeves when outside. I have noticed that when I drive my left arm with out a sleeve will start that feeling that the itch is seconds away and try to get it out of the sun and heat but the itch attacks. As long as I keep my arms out of the sun and covered up, the long hours of itching don't attack. This is unbeliveable that we all have different stories of this itch. I also fractured my neck at the age of 16 so from reading some of the stories here that could be my problem also. But for now the doxepin works for me and hope and pray it continues working.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9870114.post-2266932992485217642013-05-08T04:48:27.804+00:002013-05-08T04:48:27.804+00:00I have had BRP for about 6 years. I used to use ic...I have had BRP for about 6 years. I used to use ice every night and was going completely crazy (2 of the above anonymous posts are from me) . Then I read a post on this blog about Amitriptyline HCL (Elavil). My doctor also suggested it. Just like Anonymous October 2012, it took about 45 days to start working. I was on it a total of 4 months and then I stopped and so far I have gone a month with no drug and no itching at all. I'm thrilled but also very paranoid that it will come back at some point. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9870114.post-56374541944990013492013-03-30T15:41:39.630+00:002013-03-30T15:41:39.630+00:00Sarna for sensitive skin helps quite a bit, too.Sarna for sensitive skin helps quite a bit, too.Kitt Frasernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9870114.post-71891940945514932762013-03-22T19:32:48.903+00:002013-03-22T19:32:48.903+00:00I suffer the same symptoms as those I've read ...I suffer the same symptoms as those I've read in this post but would add there have been times that I have felt like I was having a severe allergic reaction to something: burning eyes, a peppery sensation in my nose and on my tongue/in my throat, and a general feeling of skin crawl....panic has been a constant companion during these episodes.....a feeling that I need to get away from myself, but can't. I am currently taking 300mg gabapentin daily and am cranky all the time (from both the drug and the loss of sleep....yes, this wakes me up even through the fog gabapentin creates). I have wondered over the years weather or not this condition has to do with being overly acidic (blood panels have shown a normal pH). Everyone I have read posts from state the symptoms increase at night, presumably when sufferers are lying down; lying down puts pressure on the lungs.....Am I clutching at straws here? Temporary, but severe, build up of acid (carbon monoxide) in the lungs....What happens on my skin FEELS like acid. Sometimes it is a general itchiness spread over a non-particular area; other times the sensation is extremely localized....as if someone were standing over me with a tiny eye dropper full of acid, and....drip: it burns, I scratch, it dissipates....and a little while later, it's DRIP....and the process repeats. I find that any skin trauma is accompanied by this very particular sensation.....and a cratered follicle results. My doctor focuses on the fact that I'm scratching and that that is causing the skin to rupture. I don not have long claw marks trailing across my skin; I have very specific SPOTS that bleed (almost as if the skin on that tiny little spot somehow became softer than the skin around it). Please....if anyone comes up with anything more than a band aid to put over these symptoms e-mail me: kittrellfraser@gmail.com. I am desperate for relief. Kitt Frasernoreply@blogger.com