Brachioradial pruritus

[661-Pete]

(Yes, I had to look it up!) a.k.a. severe itching of the back of the hand, wrist, and upper surface of the forearm - without any visible indications such as insect bites or urticaria.

I've had it on and off for years, and today I'm going through a particularly nasty spell. Any fellow-sufferers amongst you will know what it's like! Generally I take an antihistamine tablet if I feel it coming on: I took one this morning but it doesn't seem to have taken effect.

There appear to be no cures, according to an internet search, and very few palliative treatments (ice is suggested as a remedy, but how often do you have ice ready to hand?)

Any comments welcome!

[horizon]

There appear to be no cures

Any comments welcome!

So here's my comment:

If you see the itching as the body trying to get rid of something, it makes sense to create the right conditions (a) to get rid of it (by not interfering with the process) and (b) not adding to what it has to get rid of. So you could see it not as an ailment but the body working well in the circumstances: the brachioradial pruritus is the cure, not the problem.

I would stop all unnecessary medication, reduce my intake of sugary foods, switch from dairy to vegetables as far as possible and get lots of good sleep, fresh air and exercise. A look at all your soaps and toiletries may also help.

You did ask.

[661-Pete]

Thanks - but: calling this ailment a 'cure' is stretching it a bit - if so it's the most unpleasant 'cure' I've come across... N.B. yesterday's incident eased off after two or three hours, lucky for me.

Unnecessary medication? That may well be, but I'll have to clear it with the doc. Reduce sugar - well that goes without saying, I'm working on that anyway. More veg - ditto. Sleep, fresh air and exercise? Sleep can be a problem when I have an attack of this, but I certainly get the fresh air and a reasonable amount of exercise - for one of my age (65). Soap? Perhaps I should ask the doc to do an allergy test. I think some plants and shrubs in the garden bring it on. But it's not like hives, where you get obvious 'bumps' on your skin.