Hi Scottish Girl and Welcome to Neurotalk,

I'm glad you found this wonderful group of people that are wonderful in their compassion and combined knowledge. I'm so sorry you have RSD. I've had it 14 years and have found some great friends & tools in dealing with it.
The itching is miserable isn't it. There is a website by Dr. Hooshmand, now retired. But he left his website up full of knowledge. He practiced in Florida for a long time.
The website is rsdrx.com Under puzzles list is 140 questions regarding rsd and his answers. Question 126 discusses itching.. It has several suggestions.
RSD is an autonomic condition, which means it involves the sympathetic nervous system which has 3 major functions:
1) control of body temperature
2) control of vital signs B/P, Pulse & respiration
3) regulation of immune system

I now have both high blood pressure and low blood pressure. The parasympathetic nervous system causes low blood pressure, which can lead to passing out. That happened to me once and hospital 4 days. I have both the cold and the hot body temperature. burning, sweating, and also ice cold to the bones. And my immune system is low.
Some of us have slowness of speech, in a conversation and grasping for words in a conversation. short term memory loss. skin conditions. depression as the Limbic Part of our brain is affected.
We have various tools to distract us during painful periods.. I find music relaxing, scented candles, epsom salt baths or lavender oil baths, visiting my friends on the phone, letter, cards, this wonderful site, journaling, stretching,
Personally, I fight isolating myself, I work on being positive and grateful.
Please join us-we have a lot of kindness and combined knowledge.
Compounding pharmacies can also make up a lotion for your itching with your Drs. perscriptions. I don't have a perscription, but maybe someone that sees this can write to the board with their perscription and you could ask your Dr. if it's something you could try. If fact, I could use it, as I am in a break out in my scalp and back.
Take care and sending you soft hugs, loretta

Hi Loretta,

Thank you for replying and also for welcoming me to the group. I've had RSD in my left arm and hand for a few years now, but recently I've had bother with pain in my legs, swelling, and itching, so I'm wondering if the RSD is spreading. I use a steroid based cream at the moment to deal with the dry skin and inflammation, but as soon as it clears up it's back again.

I have very low blood pressure and I also have problems with speech as you said. I can start a sentence then forget what I'm talking about. Memory is another issue which causes problems for me.

I would be interested to see a prescription if anyone has one. My doctor prescribed an emollient for me, but it didn't do very much.

Thank you very much, Anne Marie