Itchy arms

[Marie Bernadette]

Hi, I am new to this forum and hopefully someone will be able to help me here! I am aged 49 & have had Crohns since I was 31. I am one of the lucky ones & have never had any operations. I take Asacolon daily and am usually quite well if I watch my diet carefully. However, the last several months I have developed an awful itch, top of arms mostly and always at night time. It is driving me absolutely crazy and keeps me awake for hours. I have tried changing washing powder to non-bio, have had a food intolerance test, have been prescriped antihistemines by my GP but nothing has worked and someone suggested to me that it could be related to my Crohns, although having spoken to the Crohns Nurse, she thinks it would only be significant if I had a reaction to medication but as I have been on my tablets for many years, it is unlikely. Has this night time itching happened to anyone else? If so, would be delighted to hear from you and especially if you know of any cures.[/I]:sign0085:

 

[Crohn's 35]

:welcome: Marie! Yes, as the matter of fact a bit came on suddenly to me, I get the itchy rash about 3-4 times a year. 3 things you can try, steroid cream, canesten cream or monistat, and Aveeno anti itch. Asacol can after some, could be the medication but many people get skin manifestations alot, some dont at all. It does drive you nuts.

What country are you from, perhaps someone in your area can give you some advice, because not all countries have the same names for creams. :hang:

 

[Marie Bernadette]

Thanks Pen for your quick response. I live in Ireland and will search out those creams at the Chemist tomorrow.

 

[Crohn's 35]

NO problem, I used Aveeno today works like a charm and I catch it before it gets out of hand. Let us know how you make out! Hey I have 1/3 Irish in me too ...Arent we lucky :lol:

 

[teeny5]

My legs itch at night...never tried the Aveeno cream going to check it out. Thanks Pen!

 

[AshleyElaine87]

Take benadryl.

 

[upstateNYgirl]

I get the same itch with raised red rash on the upper inside of my arms. I got it for the first time in May and got again it this past weekend. I used topical antihistamine creams and extra lotion...BUT couldn't connect any "treatment" with the rash going away.

 

[Crohn's 35]

Most times rashes go away on their own and yes they are crohns related. I don't scratch cause I know it spreads it and I just used Aveeno every day and it is almost gone.

Taking pills just helps stop the itching doesn't get rid of it.

 

[HelloTeale87]

I tend to get this also, especially on my chest and upper arms, i use Oilatum and it seems to do the trick

 

[Mark63]

Hi,

Yes, I have this as well. In my case it started shortly after going on Humira. If it's really bad I take Fexofenadine, otherwise I use a Tacrolimus ointment and a good emollient such as Diprobase.

Mark

 

[carrollco]

I was taking mecaptupruine (sp) and had horrible itchy skin. Turned out my liver was compromised and one of the symptoms is itchy skin! So if you're taking 6MP or mecaptupurine, make sure you are having your liver checked. From one month to the next, my liver panel shot sky high. I had to stop taking it and wonder of wonders, my itchy skin went away. Now I'm on strictly Humira and seem to be doing fine.

 

[Marie Bernadette]

Thank you for your reply. I'm only taking Asacolon and have been on this medication for years. Strange how it has only happened in the last few months.

 

[carrollco]

Just keep an eye on everything you are feeling. I'm not very good at it, but I'm learning. I ran a fever for a year, everyone knew, even my doc and said it was just my Crohn's flaring. Well, once I went on the biologics, I developed sepsis within days. Nearly lost my life. Once they pumped me full of antibiotics I haven't had a fever since. So, it wasn't just a flare as they thought.