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 Ada,

I also get itching a lot. I think mine must be from the RSD as, like you, I am on no medications other than Ketamine when I am in a really bad pain flare because none have really helped me.

I itch a lot! I itch nearly all over, even on the areas that dont have RSD although it IS worse on my RSD limbs. I spoke to my Pain Management Doctor and he said that it is a common symptom of RSD and said that there wasn't much he could do for it but suggested trying Anti-Isthamines (sp??).

I get breakouts a lot also, especially on my nose and just between my eyes. I have a breakout of spots on the top of my head at the moment and they are painful and bright red - ugh! Its hard sometimes with me to tell whether it is from the RSD or my hormones because of my age - I personally think it is a bit of both though.

I'm sorry that you get this also. I really hope you get some answers soon! Please keep us updated!

Ali

Metformin can cause acidosis in some people. This takes time however. But one sign is tingling of the skin. It does not commonly cause itching.

If you have been on acid blockers for a long time, I think it would be a good idea to get your B12 checked. Acid blockers block absorption of B12. (other nutrients affected are folic acid, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc)
Any number below 500 should be supplemented. (US ranges remain behind the times and quite low for normal). Many people with neuro problems are low in B12. When the serum levels get low, so does the spinal fluid concentration. Two conditions with proven low levels of spinal fluid B12 are fibromyalgia and MS, for example. But not everything has been studied yet.

Metformin inhibits B12 absorption too, as a side effect. So the longer you are on it, the likelihood of low levels developing increases. Normal people can have stores of B12 in the liver that can be as long as 5 years lasting. After those are gone, that is when symptoms start to show up. So if you have testing done in the past, reflecting using up those stores, after 5 yrs ( is a maximum optimum time) you may then test lower.

I see my Dr. tomorrow, I will ask him about the B-12 and doing some test.

Ali, I itch all over too. I can't remember the itching though the first years of RSD. Yesterday it was driving me nuts.

Does your places go away very fast? Mine takes forever to heal. Then they'll come right back in the same places.

Have a Happy Easter, both of you.

Ada