Thursday, June 21, 2012 FFJT asks

Q: flares of itching - why? Is my RA attacking my skin?

I too experience flares of itching that can last for weeks or months. I am not on any medications except an occasional Ibruprophen. Mainly my arms itch, but really everywhere.

WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW is:

1. what is happening? I have read that RA can cause your body to attack itself - is that what is happening? It doesn't make sense that the reason for the itching it "SWELLING". It feels like the skin, or tissue under the skin is being attacked. So, how could the reason for the itching be swelling? Is my skin swelling? Is the tissue under my skin swelling?

2. It doesn't make sense that benedryl should help, since the itching isn't caused by an allergic reaction. Please confirm this.

How will I know if my questions are answered? Will I get an email?

Thanks! FFJT

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Answers (1)

V, Health Guide

6/21/12 11:57pm

Hello, FFJT,

Itching is such a common symptom of so many things, such as allergies to meds, soaps, foods, etc. My first thought was a reaction to medication, but then I read you are only taking Ibuprofen. Do you have any other symptoms besides the itching?

You really need to make an appointment with your doctor to discus this issue. We are not doctors here. RA attacks your joints, mainly. It can also attack organs. Those us with RA who take MTX (methotrexate) have to stay out of the sun or use a good sunscreen to avoid itchy rashes.

Please make an appointment with your doctor and let us know how your are doing. Thre are just too many possibilities for us to be able to help you with a diagnosis here. And we are patients, like you...not physicians.

Best wishes!

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Q: flares of itching - why? Is my RA attacking my skin?

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