I have been looking into this a little bit lately, MizBarbie. As you said, it is sold as patch called Prokarin (Procarin), and is marketed by a lady with MS.

I don't know how allergies work in our bodies (I haven't studied that much, except how they affect me on a day-to-day basis), but maybe it is like using a immunosuppressant for a messed up immune system. On the surface that doesn't make sense either . . .

It does seem like Histamine would be exactly what I (personally) wouldn't need, since it is the allergies that are stirring up my neurological symptoms. I'm going to have to do more research on that though, and ask my neuro to clarify the logic of using Histamine for MS the next time I see her.

Cherie

Thanks, Shelley. I hadn't heard of either of those for treating the burning.

I'm supposed to be using an antihistimine daily anyway, because they don't think they can repeat my last sinus surgery that was needed to remove many sinus polyps caused by allergies. My body doesn't take kindly to a lot of meds though, and I'm really not even comfortable taking Benadryl on a regular basis.

It's good to know we have other options available, that somehow have the affect of potentially helping with our symptoms. Thanks!

Cherie

I don't take the oral benedryl, but they make a spray. I've used that since it came out and it works really well for the itching and milder burning, etc. I have not tried it for really bad burning though.

The relief lasted me through the night so I could sleep well.

It's not sticky or smelly, and it's nice not to have to down yet another med.

Very interesting, thanks!! I've never heard of that.

Cherie

The first generation antihistamines are more effective for itching.
The MOST effective one is Atarax (still Rx)

The non-drowsy ones are much less effective for itching.
Claritin and Allegra.

Zyrtec is an analog of Atarax and is not advertised as less drowsy. (I find it hard to take-- I use 1/2 10mg tablet=5mg).
It is now OTC as well, and both SAMs and Costco have it in generic for very very low prices---less than the generic Claritin (loratidine).

I would not expect Claritin to work-- in fact there are studies showing it comparable to placebo! Also Claritin can raise liver enzymes -- I've seen that happen, and it did for me.
I think it is a very poor drug.

One other thing that affects the skin, is fabric softening chemicals. I recall when the dryer sheets first came out...the epidemic of red skin and rashes was enormous. Since that time this has reduced somewhat but I still think the residue of those chemicals can affect the skin. We don't use ANY liq or sheet softener in this house!

Also you can double rinse your clothes if you do them at home.
Watch that second rinse water as it spins out..and see all the soap it still has in it!

Some "burning" sensations are actually histamine ones.
If you can tolerate aspirin, try this test: Take some AlkaSeltzer regular formula when you have burning skin.
The bicarb mixed with the aspirin blocks the burning in most cases. Environmental physicians use a similar product for children with allergies (who cannot take aspirin) called TriSalts:
http://www.woodmed.com/FoodAllergy.htm

This solution is not for everyday/forever, but it does help for bad ones. It also illustrates the histamine connection to help you discover your triggers. There is alot of sodium in AlkaSeltzer so those with hypertension should use with care.
Do not use if you are not allowed aspirin.

So if you want an OTC antihistamine and do not want to do
Benadryl, try Zyrtec. If it makes you "feel strange" like it does me, break them in half. I find half works just as well for me taken twice a day, instead of once a day.

I'm new to this area and would like to thank you for talking about arms itching and the bendadryl spray. I went out and purchased it to see if it would work on my arms. They itch so bad I scratch them raw. The spray seems to be working for the most part. It has slowed down the itchy feeling so I can tolerate it and not itch. My husband is happy about it because it says I also scratch my arms in my sleep throughout the night and the movement keeps him awake. Thanks again for the info!!

Hey there Cherie!

Thank you so much for this post! I am definitely going to give this a try for that crazy neuro-itch!!

-Ana D