I know we talked about this before but I couldn't find the thread.

Do you think itching is from the RSD, I'm on no meds execpt my Prevacid and a new one my Dr. just put me on for my stomach. I am having such a time with itching and I can't figure out what I might be itching from.

Breakouts, I see my Dermotogist on the 24th again due to some places on my face that just keep coming back. He gives me shots and he cleared them up for awhile but they come back in the same place. He says they are pre-cancerous, I don't know. It's just frustrating.

I'm getting ready to change laundry detergents and I was wondering if you had any ideals on one.

I also take Allegra D for allergies but it doesn't help.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Ada

Please have the dermatologist swab the breakouts and test them.

I only recommend this because I have just dealt the last three months with a zoster breakout (aka shingles) and I only have one sore that I never would have guessed was zoster based on where it was and what it did to me symptom wise.

Hello Ada,

I haven't got any experience with break outs.

However, I have trouble with itching. Anywere pressure is applied when it is released I will itch like crazy. It started two years ago. My PM had me taking benedrial (spelling) until I could get into see an allergiest. I have been taking 4mg twice sometimes 3 times a day if needed of periactin. There is a small part of the brain that controls itching. In my boby, because of my RSD the nerves that respond to that part of the brain for itching keep itching even though there is no reason to itch. Once I started the periactin I got it under control. Sometimes when I am flaired I will have break through itching so I take an extra pill (approved by my doc).

The itching can drive you crazy it's like having poison ivy all over you body.

I hope this helps!!
Take care,
Sherrie

Ada,
I dont have the breakouts either, but I sure do have the itching. Its not from meds on my part as well. It can drive you crazy. I also have pin pricks. I really hate that. Guess what? I get to see you soon. Di

Diana, I am counting the days.

Thanks for the replys. I have a friend that is dealing with shingles now. I had them years ago and they are very painful. I now have RSD in my right side due to having them.

Shelley, They biopsied one of them and said it was unidentifiable. It was sent to Denver Lab. I will ask the Dermo. to do it again though. I've dealt with these for over 4 years. I actually got them after I laid out in the sun one summer. I've never heard of the med you mentioned.

I've been tested for allergies. I am allergic to dust, trees, grass, horses, guinnea pigs and mold. I can stay away from horses and guinnea pigs but can't stay away from the other things.

I itch all over at times. I do think at times it might be nerves. Other times I think it's from something I'm around or use.

It's frustrating though that we can't seem to get the itching under control. I know I sure can't.

Thanks again for the help.

Ada

Prevacid can cause allergic reactions.

A friend of mine's husband had a huge reaction out of the blue from Prevacid! His reaction was severe and lasted two weeks from one capsule!

You might discuss changing to another drug.

There are some cross sensitivities of Prevacid with penicillin.
I don't recall if other antibiotics were included, however.

What is the other stomach med you are using?

The two best antihistamines for skin itching are Atarax (RX) and Benadryl (OTC). Zyrtec is a cousin of Atarax and may help. I don't think Allegra is very effective for itching. It is a mild antihistamine.

Periactin is an odd duck. It is used to encourage weight gain.
Because of the side effects and also the antiserotinergic effects, it is
not commonly used as an antihistamine, since some others are just as
potent.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyproheptadine

It is often not found in pharmacies, so if you do get an RX for it, it may
have to be special ordered for you.
I don't believe Merck makes the brand anymore. I only see generics listed
at the FDA.gov site.

Zyrtec and its generic are OTC now. I have found that sometimes you can
get good effects with 5mg or 1/2 tablet even.

Avoid Claritin-- it does nothing IMO.

I am on Metformin for my stomach issues. It's used for diabetes but it's also being used for what I am dealing with. I just started it about a week ago.

You might be right on the Prevacid. I can't go off of it though. We have tried everything else for my GERD and in 3 days I'm in a mess. I have been on it for about 6 or 7 years. Can't remember but I could find out when I find my diary I kept. I never thought about the Prevacid though causing the problem.

Weight gain I don't need. I gained weight on Lyrica and because of this stomach problem that I think the Lyrica caused, I am having trouble getting it off.

Thanks for the info. I am thinking I might try another stomach med again and see if this clears up.

Ada

Hi, I also have the itching and it is from RSD, I've never had it b4, mine was so bad it was actually embassing. Someone on this site told me to try Aveeno and I also got the body wash for showers..it hasen't stopped it but it really helped a lot...I also have the itching in my head (which is really embassing), for that I got T/Gel therapeutic shampoo-extra strength and head and shoulders dry scalp care conditioner..they also help, I changed everything and the doctor told me it is from the RSD and not from detergent etc...hope this helps

My rsd when it does a large attack it makes my pain sky rocket outta control beyond the extreme it is now, in which my body can't take it so it revolts against the pain even though it can't do anything to stop it and only makes things worse for itself. When my body revolts it becomes extremely itchy all over or at other times in just certian places, because of the pain levels i begin puking and as well my body becomes so weak i get dizzy/light headed and daze in and out of being alert and falling asleep. Your body temp can have you feel like your boiling or freezing or some parts of each. Its all the joy of attacks. I've Seen Small, Medium, Large & Extreme ones and even the smallest are very hard to deal with. So with the question of can RSD cause itching yes it can very much so. Itching so bad your literally scratching ur skin off. Or anything in between. Hope it settles down for you.

Ada,

Ask the doc if he can swab it and do an amplied DNA test for varicella virus. Shot in the dark but could not hurt.