The Dermatology Blog

Something I have never heard of…sounds like a bad one to me.

I just came across this term in an article in the New Yorker on itching. I believe I have this condition – a spot on my right forearm that itches, with no apparent dermatological genesis. When I asked my dermatologist about it, she examined it under magnification, and asked if I had problems with my neck – which I do (degenerative disc disease). I am a 53 year old male. The problem has been going on for a few years. It is not severe, more of an annoyance than anything, and no treatment has been attempted. I will have to watch to see if sun exposure is a factor. One odd thing is that the affected area (approx 2cm x 4cm) has more dense hair growth than the rest of my forearm.

I have had BRP for 14 years. At first it was only alittle itching on my forearm. Now it’s a 24/7 thing, and very bad. The only thing that works is ice. It almost makes me home bound.I do things around the house with ice packs tied to my arms. I can not work. So I have no health insurance to go to the doctor. Anyway I have been to many with no help at all. I would cut my arm off but I know it would be back on the other arm Ha Ha .It is worse at night. I sleep with Ice packs in my pillow case, and always one in arms reach. I put no cover on the icepack. The burn of it feels great.But when they warm up I wake up itching. I have little blood spots all over the sheets.My life sucks because of it. Darlene

AAAAAHHHHHH GGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRR the itching sucks I would love to cut my arm off… or just dig the area out with a knife…. I get to the point that ice isn’t working as good as it use to …. can’t sleep… would love to sleep…. going to the store again tomorrow and going to try to find som capsaicin and see if that works.. it is rediculous that no doctor has found a cure for it… I know it has been around a while… my mother said she use to have it and still does but not as bad so 30 yrs ago people had it…

I just went to a dermatoligist today about the same problem and was told that I probably Brachioradial Pruritis. I’m a little nervous about the probably part, beacuse this is really awful. I have had this problem for about a year now and it is so frustrating and it is getting worse. My upper arms on the outside and also around my right shoulder blade is affected by the itching. My skin feels like there are tiny needles sticking me, or that I am being stung over and over. When I scratch, the itching and sting is worse! My skin does feel rough in areas and rash like, but I was told that this is probaly from the scratching. I left with a prescription for lubriderm 240 litex 60 methal 48 and also zyrtec at night. Could this be serious? I know that it is seriously irratating!:(

OK – I’ve read all the articles I can find on this annoying itching on my arms so I tried the Capsazin and now my arm burns so bad that I think that’s worse than the itch. Maybe because I was up half the night itching it last night and the skin is irritated. I take anti-anxiety meds and anti-depressants as my husband is terminally ill and I’m his caregiver. I don’t know of a way to reduce the stress in my life due to the situation I’m in. His disease is one that will go on for many years and I don’t think I can take this itching another day. I’ve been to two dermatologists who didn’t know what it could be. Everything they gave me for itching didn’t work because it’s under the skin not on top. Plus I’ve been to an allergist and nothing they gave me helped either. Has anyone had the burning issue with Capsazin?

I have this condition for 14 years, with no real relief. I can’t believe how many others are suffering with this. My sister has it, and my mom had it. I went to one dermatologist years ago who insisted it was dry skin, and just didn’t listen to me. Yes- I have taken a steak knife to my arms at times. Ice packs only provide a temporary fix. It is hard to make people understand exactly what I’m feeling and how really awful it is. Any other suggestions out there?

I think I have this condition and so does my brother. From what I’ve already read, it appears this is possibly hereditary as well. The itching I have is definitely intensified by scratching. The relief only lasts a few seconds. It almost feels like the hair follicles are stinging or that individual hairs on my arms are being pulled. I too,have no visible rash and I itch from the back of my hand to three quarters up my arm. I only have a few marks from where I have broken the skin from scratching. I have discovered something that gives me relief. Aloe Gel with Lidocaine (found near tanning products) and Solar Caine Spray. I think anything with a cooling effect and Lidocaine might work Good Luck!

I too have that terrible itch.I am 54 years old & from New Jersey. It started about 6 years ago. It usually starts in the summer, this year it was earlier because I find that when I went out into the sun, I did have sun screen on but I am very fair and sometimes get burned using the best sunscreen. Once I get the first sunburn I notice the itching starts. It does feel like pins under the skin & everything else that everyone has described.I thought that I was the only one going through this problem, it’s nice to know that there are others out there & I am not crazy. I went to my regular doctor & he prescribed Fluticasone Propionate Cream. I was only allowed to put it on twice a day, once in the morning & then at night before bed. For me it worked & eventually it went away until the next year. Ask your Doctor to prescribe it & try it, it’s worth a try for relief. Good Luck!!!

i have this same symptom mine started about 4 years ago after a neck surgery i also been to dermatologist the last one here in florida sent me to a doctor who specializes in allergies he also came up with i have brachioradial pruritis i itch so bad i bleed in direct sunlight or room temperature above 70 degrees is worse i have to keep my house around 64 degrees to sleep iwas told to use capsazin its a pepper type cream it just heated things up worse like i had a bad sunburn made it 3 times worse only thing i found that gives me relief is before work every morning i put on a heavy coat of eucerin calming creme and before bed with a/c on 64 degrees.

I too have this problem and thought it was aggravated by Splenda or fake sugar like in pop…I “had” started to eat more of the Splenda and was using diet pop so this is the only thing that seemed to be new to my diet……some times i get a sore muscle when this happens not sure if it’s the stress of the hitching that gets the muscel sore…any body else have that kind of reaction????

??? have any of you folk that have this or people reading this had Bell’s Palsy whidch I had for 18 months or suffer a tram of some kind…these are some things I also have had happen and wondered if any one else has that migh triggered the itch .?????…..

I am a 51 year old man in California and I was diagnosed with BRP recently after having symptoms for over a year. I have some cervical spine degeneration and have noticed that when I have the itching my neck hurts worse. However I have also noticed a correlation with sun exposure. I have tried all kinds of creams but have had good results calming the itching with Lanacaine, which is available over the counter.

has anyone tried acupuncture for brachiradial pruritis? i live in north county (san diego)…referrals would be greatly appreciated.

I too have the same symptoms. I am 52 and it started about 4 years ago. I thought it was something to do with the menopause but I’m now sure it’s BRP. I have lived in southern Spain for 6 years and I’m sure it’s sun exposure that is to blame. Mine gets terribly bad at night and my skin feels as though it’s raw with needles trying to get out and creepy crawlies all over. My left arm is far worse than my right. It drives me crazy! Fenistil antihistamine gel helps a little. Cannot wait for the winter when it seems to get a lot better.

I had a very bad night last night, I was up 3 hours scratching & going out of my mind. I was besides myself. People that have never experienced BRP can never imagine what we are going through.I called the dr. who gave me a prescription for Cetrizine known as Zyrtec & also gave me a cream Desoximetasone whick I noticed you can buy on-line, just google it & it can be purchased.It is about 49.00. It is worth every penny if it works. I will let everyone know if it helps. It always amazes me that the itching is uncontrollable at night time. I am fine during the day but when night comes it is all over. Again, I know that my first sunburn triggered it so that is where I got it from year to year. No one else in my family has it either. I will write again tommorrow night to let you all know if it helped.

After taking the medication that I posted in my previous letter yesterday, I finally had a good night sleep. Zyrtec can be bought over the counter for the itching, I am glad I tried it. It did give me the relief that I was looking for. I took it about an hour before I went to sleep & had a restful sleep, Thank God!!

I had no idea what was happening with this insane itch, just and only in the crook of my left elbow -this was almost 20 years ago! One of my clients [I am a psychotherapist and was doing group therapy at the time] offered me an ointment “Triancinolone” and brought me some [yes I know it's illegal!] which seemed to really help. However, it got worse over the years. But here’s the scene: I lived in the CA Central Valley [very sunny !]and still do. However, I have had significant trauma to my head, neck, and spine – I feel no pain now, but I am 68 years old, and still active in the gym, etc. I have been in near fatal car wrecks [early in my life] and I must admit fights [where anything can happen to your body] as well as just passing out and hitting the floor, sometimes with my head hitting first [though oddly enough, I never suffered any more that one drop of blood or one 'lump'from any of these several experiences]. So I conclude that trauma to my own c5 – c8 vertabrae could be the cause, PLUS the extreme UV here in the Central Valley, Tulare/Fresno/Kings/Madera/Kern counties of CA. I can say this, that ICE HELPS: I got onto that by three rotator cuff surgeries, caused by trauma incurred by me. I have taken the gabotpentin and the Lyrica which help some. Heroin or morphine would probably help more; also alcohol. Self hypnosis helps some, but then I also have ‘restless leg syndrome’ and have Rx for that. I am a licensed LCSW, by the way, and I had only suffered from this diabolical itch; having no dx or possible etiologies for it. Thanks so much for litening/reading! -gare

I started having the uncontrollable itching several months ago on the top of my arms around from the elbows. it seems to switch around from arm to arm, so far it has not been on both arms at the same time.it started during the end of the day the first time i noticed it. at first i thought it was from some auto body work, i have been resoring an old car, but then it seemed to be related to nerves,personal worries, (KIDS,THINGS AT WORK etc… i have had some problems with my neck for several years,feels like a muscle strain radiating down my right shoulder. back to the iching, it is very bad at night i wake up digging with my nails, hard enough that it should be bleeding. i’ve tried alcohol, very hot water, i found a lighter one night and heated it up stuck it to my arm, but it didnt help. i just found that ice helps a few nights ago. im am a 39 year old man.

Hello fellow BRP sufferers ! I want to pass along to all of you what has been my saving grace when it comes to this intense itching of the forearms. Until I payed a visit to my dermatologist I thought I had come in contact with an allergen of some kind. Then it got to the point that only ice packs would relieve the itch. He prescribed “ZONALON” 5% …. this cream does the job for me! I apply in morn and eve, and can re-apply during the day if the itch bothers me . Most days it is just 2x per day. It also comes in an oral pill form. Pricey but worth every penny for the relief !! Check it out….

i’ve read carolyns blog from sept. 17th, i have been using splenda and drinking diet drinks for several years and never had any problem with this until several months ago.i also have been exposed to the sun (uv rays) all of my life.i spent a lot of time this summer in the sun at the river, and i ride a motor cycle with my arms exposed as well.

Well I have found it somewhat comforting to see that I am not the only one with this itch but I am not happy about the lack of treatment available.
I have woken up in the middle of the night scratching to the point of bleeding. I have also laid in bed thinking of which would be worse, the itch or taking a knife and slicing the skin off my arms. I’m going to talk to my doctor about the Zonalon cream. But since the itch is only at night, I really believe that it is nerve related.

Thank heavens for this website. I thought I was losing my mind for the past 10 years. I had neck surgery but to no avail. I am glad to hear of the cream Zonalon 5%. I’ll give anything a try. Maybe someday something else can be done medically.

I am 41 and have had the same horrible feeling on my arms. I have gone to so many doctors and never have been told I have BRP. I just found this site and just diagnoised myself. Yes Ice does work sometimes, I also have tried all creams and the only ones I think that works is the medicated like Gold Bond. It makes your arm feel cold, I also have been presc. Zonalone Cream (expensive) does work. I was going to try an oral med for fungal infection, since it does get worse from sun exposure. I also have had back surgery and this did start a year after and now I have problems with my neck. I have gone to doctors and even friends down understand what it feels like. I have now sat here typing and got the itching under control because my hands where to busy typing, I wasn’t scratching. Well gonna go get somethings done before it starts again. Hope everyone finds some kind of relief.

In the past 4 yrs I have had 4 outbreaks – absolutely random – just crazy. Went to a doctor and they thought I had shingles. Went to a dermatologist and she thought it was BRP. I googled it and here I am – what a relief to hear others have exactly what I have been dealing with. My symptoms start as a hornet stinging sensation that radiates out to a burn triggering a crazy desire to scratch/dig it out. As I said to my doctors I wish I could have dug out my forearms. I have had 3 outbreaks on my right forearm and one on my left. I have found that by using ice to the point where I get my arm numb really helps. My last outbreak was the worst about 2 weeks ago – went on from 11:30 pm – 3:00 am – back and forth every 5 minutes sting, burn, scratch, ice and so on. Some words of wisdom for you out there. Unfortunately, I sratched it so hard I developed a staff infection – the sore is about 3 cm x 5 cm. The doctor said our fingernails aren’t the cleanest and if you scratch that hard to break open some of the skin it can lead to infection – just great. So be careful on the scratching! Thank you all for your advice on treatments – helps alot!!!

I wrote to this site last month. Today the itch was so bad on my left arm I applied ice until my arm was so numb I could barely use my left hand. When I stopped icing it, guess what? The itch was still there. Afew weeks ago, I actually scratched my arm up with a straight pin until I bled, then rubbed jalapeno into it. It burned a little, but the itch was relieved. I had scoliosis surgery in my 20’s, I am now 46 and have neck/shoulder pain and tightness alot of the times. There must be a correlation, especially after reading all your letters. My sister who also suffers, recently found out she has a cervical rib, which I think is an extra little bone at the top of her ribcage. Mine does not seem to be seasonal, just pops up whenever. I grew up on LI, but moved to NC last year. Didn’t make any difference. I will try some of the things I have read in all your letters. I wonder if this is how a dog with hot spots feels…

I have been suffering with this itching on and off for the past 3 years ( also seems to let up in the winter)- but this year is by far the worst it has ever been. The strongest Rx topical steroidal ointments prescribed by my family doctor did nothing, nor did Rx oral medications. So far, the only thing that I have found that gives temporary relief is maximum strength Lanocaine ( and ice, of course). Today i finally saw a dermatologist and after listening to me for less than 3 minutes, and a quick look at my arms ( mine is on the upper arm and shoulder areas- first just the left arm, now both are involved), she immediately told me she wanted me to get a cervical spine Xray. I am awaiting the results, but I know from reading all of the previous posts, that this is what i have. Sun exposure is also a factor for me I think, because we just put an inground pool in the summer of 2007- so I have spent much more time in the sun the last two summers.

I have spent countless nights unable to sleep at all- I have tried Ambien to help me get to sleep, but the itching breaks thru and I wake up an hour or so later .

My dermatologist prescribed two different topicals that I am picking up at the drug store tomorrow ( they didnt stock these meds and had to order them). I dont recall the names, but I know they were not any of the meds mentioned here so far. I will post what they are, and if they work, as soon as I know).

At least it is somewhat comforting to know that I am NOT crazy and that there are people who understand how unbearable this itching/stinging/burning can be.

Oh thank goodness there are others out there…I am 35 year old and have been suffering with this unbearable burning itch of my arms shoulders and shoulder blades for more than a year..my husband thinks i amnuts but iam scratching myself raw and have little blood specs all over, it is so miserable..I was told by my dermatologist I may have BRP but she offered no remedies..I have nothing that works yet, so I am going to try your suggestions of ICE and Zonalone cream..I pray this goes away I can’t stand it..thank you.

The Rx cream my dermatologist prescribed is Doxepin Hydrochloride 5%, brand name “Prudoxin”. The agent in this cream is actually an antidepressent, and the package insert clearly states that it is unknown how this cream is effective in stopping the itching. After reading that tidbit, and then the possible side effects, I was inclined to not even try it. However, I did apply it last night before bed, (and I was having a flare up of the itching at the time).. I had the best nights sleep I have had in months!

The downside of this medication is that you can only use it for 8 days, since the body absorbs this stuff and apparently the side effects can be bad.

I have not yet filled the other Rx, since the doc wanted me to try this cream first. Still awaitig the results of the cervical spine xrays, but I had mild neck trauma 4 years ago ( horse-related incident) and a CAT scan at that time revealed arthritis in my neck. I am a 55-yo female, very athletic and very active. I swim laps in the summer as part of my fitness routine and train horses ( get knocked around a bit by frisky young thoroughbreds!).

Has anyone else heard of or used this medication??

I have lesions which linger for a long time, perhaps from the itching. They seem to itch at a very precise point which is hard to get at exactly-this leads to excoriation of the general region. If, and this often happens, a scab is lifted off a lesion (scabbed places are about the size of a bb typically)from scratching, you can see one or more tiny ulcerated spots which begin to bleed quickly, then continue to bleed profusely for their size for too long a time. I think this condition is either brachioradial pruritis or psioratic arthritis. Either way there is no cure-Sarna lotion helps mine sometimes, ice also-I’ve never tried capsasin. Another thing that works, though it leaves an injury, is to light a Bic lighter and heat the metal part with the flame for about 15 seconds then touch it to the point where the itch is coming from. This works. Mostly, it seems to me, panic or excessive scratching is to avoided at all cost. Good luck.

Janice, what did your x-rays show?

Phil, thank you for your input. At times my arms are so bad, I thought of putting my forearms on the hot parts of the glass cooktop I have. And yes, the itch comes in such tiny spots, the Bic lighter sounds like a good idea to me. I hope a Dr. can figure this out before we all rip our arms off…

Laurel,

My exrays revealed two “squished” discs ( words used by dermatologist!) in my neck. Her comment:” well, at least this is good news- now you know the cause of your itching” She has referred me yo a neurologist, and I have to have an MRi done before he will even see me.

The Prudoxin has been very effective in stopping flare ups- I have not had to use ice packs at night since I have been using this cream. I use the miminal amount I can to cover the effected area, and have barely put a dent in the tube- and this tube was supposed to last for only 8 days. The dermatologist said I could keep using it beyond 8 days if I was only using a small amount. I also take 3 or 4 Ibuprofen before bed ,and I do think this also helps, as it is an anti-inflammatory. But none of these measures are a cure, and I will get the MRI and meet with the neurosurgeon to see what he proposes.

I am a 49 year old male and have had this same exact condition for about 4 years. It is seasonal, mostly in the summer and early fall. It first started about 4 years ago with a tiny pinpoint of extreme itching on the side of my neck at night. That stopped and now it is just the extreme itching on the top of my upper forearms and mostly at night. (the neck itching was way worse!)
When I have my arms in direct sunlight for just a second it starts to itch. I have not tried anything except whatever body lotion is in our medicine cabinet. I am on my way to the store to try Lanocaine as a few of you have said it works and I can purchase it over the counter. i will let you know.

Janice, that’s interesting. Keep us informed of your procedures. Has anyone tried accupuncture? I’m thinking of trying this…

It seems that with the cooler air that my BRP
has subsided a bit though I am sure it will be back next year. I was so tired of the itching. I did take the Zyrtec and used the cream which helped a lot when needed. I hope that everyone else has gotten some relief. Talk to you all soon,

I’ve also had this dreadful itch for about a year now, absolutely classic of the symptoms you have all mentioned. I tried a dead sea salt scrub, but this only made it worse. Keeping the arm moist seems to help, when the creams are absorbed the itching seems to start again. I’m using Burts Bees Vitamin E Body and Bath Oil and it seems to help a little, as long as I resist scratching when the prickling starts. Good luck everyone!

I’m female, 55, and I’ve had this off and on for years. It’s just torture. My Mom had it, too. I’ve read that you should not use OTC products with “caine” in the name…Lidocaine, Solarcaine, etc. beause it can make it worse.

Like most everyone else, ice is the only thing that always helps, but it’s not exactly convenient. I have used the Capsazin cream with some success too. But a couple of things – use a very small amount, apply it with a tissue so it’s not on your fingers, and apply it after a shower. It does “burn” for a few minutes, but that should calm down and the itch should stop.

I’ve read that middle-aged women are particularly prone to this, for some reason.

I’m a big fan of five-element acupuncture….but it’s expensive and not covered by insurance. I might give it a try, though. There has to be some relief.

The itching/stinging began 40 years ago!! I was bewildered by this strange, insane itching on my arms. When I scratched the area the stinging would start after a few seconds. I went to many internists, dermatologists over the years and NO ONE could tell me what it was!! Zonalon didn’t work, Doxepin didn’t work either. It just turned me into a zombie. The only thing that works for me is ice! Also helpful but very temporary is putting my arms under a cold water tap. (waste of water). My husband would fill an insulated bag with 3-4 large ice packs every night and leave it at arm’s reach. The itching is worse at night, but I suffer with it during the daytime, too. People often ask if I’ve been injured because they see the plastic bag filled with ice on my desk. How did I learn I had BRP? Out of sheer desperation, I went online and discovered that my condition had a name…Brachioradial Pruritis!!! I sent copies of this to my doctors as a way to extend their medical education!! No more will I hear a dermatologist tell me to use Dove soap for dry skin!!

In April,I was diagnosed with a weakened immune system. I saw an acupuncturist three times a week for two months but had to stop because of the expense. It does work!! I still have good/bad days but I’ve found that the symptoms are less intense and farther apart. I was also taking herbs, yellow cleanse and chrysanthemum, three times/day. I don’t think BRP is cyclical though I’ve found that sun exposure intensifies the itching. I live in SoCalifornia. Wearing long sleeves helped a little.

I am 65 years old. Nearly 40 years of this HORRIBLE problem and,like many of you, I’ve wanted to have my arms lopped off or take sandpaper to scrape it away. I remember the days when I would come home from work, tear my clothes off and sob, scream out loud while I tore at my arms…seconds later, knowing the stinging would come… and it did with a vengeance.

You are not alone. Rather, I feel so much better just knowing “I” am not alone. Thank you all.

I forgot to mention that I have had spine surgery for spinal stenosis (2005) and cervical spine surgery (2007) – - I do believe our conditions stem from nerve damage.

WOW! I just happened across this site as a result of my extreme itch fit from last night. Basically scratched my arm raw with the pin-point pricking going on. I had no idea there were so many of us. I’m a 37 year old male.

I too have been having this extreme itch in my forearms for about 5 years now. Occasionally, I will get similar symptoms on the sides of my neck but not as bad as on the arms. For me, it does seem seasonal (fall) but unlike some others, I have never had neck trauma, and I’m seemingly unaffected by the sunlight issue. I get the itch in the forearms anywhere from my wrist to my elbow and almost always at night. Last night’s episode was just above the wrist on my right arm.

I’ve never been to a Dr about the problem (I find most overrated anyways), but I do use Hydro-Cortisone 0.5% creme (OTC by a pharmacist years ago) and it has some positive effect, although takes a while to kick in.

I think I’ll be checking into the Lanocaine suggestions and/or the Capsasin. I’ll post any findings, and until then, let’s all try to keep our arms in tact. Thanks also for the knowledge that I’m not alone in this.

I am a 37 year old male. Twice now I have had this crazy stinging, burning ich on my right fore arm. The more I scratch the more horrible it becomes. There is no visible signs of a rash, although occasionally I can find small “goose bumps” if I am scratching at it for a while. Its usually the worst at night.

I have found that polyester shirts exaserbate the itch if I get hot in them, (like my workout shirts) but I dont think that polyester is the cause. I also found that cheap laundry detergents make the area feel like it is intensly burning, so I have switched to no perfume and delicate detergents… Which does seem to help. Also, talking shorter, cooler showers seems to help, but all of these things just seem to help make the itch appear less often and less sever. They dont make it stop.

WHAT SEEMS TO WORK BEST is if I load up on Vitamin B. I now take a B12 and a B6 everday, and the effect is almost immediate. Its amazing. I can go for hours and dont feel an itch. But it seems that once the B is run out through my system, the itch starts to return.

The itch has appeared to me twice, the first time it disappeared just as sudden as it appeared. And I couldnt tell you why. When it returned this time, it was a tense time, SO perhaps stress does have a lot to do with it???

Good luck all, try the 500mgs of B12. You can get them at target for six bucks a 100.

L

Merry Christmas to me!!! I am been scaring up my arms for two years now from the pin needles pain and excessive scratching. I am 35 years old and 2 years ago, I had cervical stenosis surgery and had c4, c5, and c6 fused together with metal stuff. I havent had any pain since the surgery but this uncontrollable scratching on my forearms. I am so happy and am totally convinced that it is some type of nerve damage. I always felt that it was internal. I am going to see my spinal surgeon.

well I had my mri last MOnday and the report says that I have a problem between C-5 and C-6 and C-6 and C-7. I see the neurosurgeon on Jan 6. If I have a surgery , how do I know the itching will be corrected, since Shawna had a surgery that actually caused her BRP????

Shawna, was the pain before the surgery worse than the itching you have now??

Here is the conclusion of the reading of the MRI:

1. A small central C6-7 osteophyte and disc protrusion complex is seen with mild central canal stenosis.

2. Mild tto moderate bilateral neural foraminal narrowing is present at C5-6 from osteophytic overgrowth. No cord compression is seen.

can anyone translate that into terms I can comprehend please!!

Hey,

I had severe pain in my neck and it traveled down my arm into my wrist. It was the most horrible pain that I ever experienced and pain killers barely touched it. The itch is nothing compared to the pain I had before the surgery.
But I got pregnant two months after surgery and that is when the severe itching started ( originally believed it was hormones from the pregnancy). My arms were so scared during that time it was embarrasing. I went to my one year follow up after pregnancy and the xray was fine but the xray didnt show anything the first time around. I am thinking the pressure from the pregnancy and not giving my neck time to heal before gaining 35 pounds with the baby, may have caused something with the nerves in my neck. This is why I am having the issue after the surgery. I have an appt with my ortho on 19th. I will keep you posted.
Shawna

Hello everyone, the last time I was on this site was in October. My pain has not subsided at all. I have had L4 L5 surgery, screw and rods also fusion. I also have a herniated disk in c4 C5. I do believe all of this pain is from the spine. I didn’t have this pain before surgery. I do go to the gym everyday. I think I’m going to try that equipment that you can hang upside down. Maybe if I stretch the spine before bed it might work. Who knows we all got to try anything to find out something that will help us. I know the doctors I have gone to think I’m nuts. Like I said before, I dx myself. I hope one day someone can help us. I am sitting back on the sofa right now with my left are propped with an ice pack on it. I can’t!!!!
Talk with all soon. Have a SAFE Holiday Season.

I know how all of you feel. It is nearly January and this should have subsided already. It gets much worse from August to December. Has anyone read any research on how stress affects BRP? I have been under a lot of stress. Has anyone tried acupuncter for a treatment? I am looking at alternative therapies because I am at my wits end. I too feel like cutting off my arms sometimes.

Susan,

I agree with you that “it” gets worse from August thru December. Although I have not had resort to using ice bags for the past few several weeks to quell the itching, I seem to have more sores all over my arms and shoulders than ever right now. Currently,my BRP seems to flare up in th early evenings now- and as soon as it starts I run for the Lanacaine and take 2 Naproxin Sodium tabs (Aleve).. I also take a Rx sleeping pill on nights where I think it may not recede before bedtime.
I am sleeping ok- still wake up at least once a night with the itching, but I keep the lanacaine nearby and I am able to get back to sleep. I do keep the room cold- sleep with a window cracked a few inches so that the sheets remain very cool to the touch. Crazy,huh?

I am hoping for some help when I see the Neurosurgeon on Jan 6.

I have this same problem and it start when I turn 39 are 40 and now I’m 45 and its only getting worse. My Dad has it and I have two brother’s with this I am always up itching because it worse at nite….Doctors out there we need help….

i have had this condition for six years. it started when i moved to a warmer climate. the itching seems to coincide with the tan on my arms fading, normally anytime from sept-dec. this year it hasnt been too bad, but i have kept more covered and the summer wasnt as hot. ice packs are the only solution for me. i avoid stratching, if i dont stratch the itchy zones dont last as long.