Some days i am so sore im only 44 but feel like im 64! Another thing that is frustrating is that i itch so bad sometimes that i get sores on my body that turn to scabs .I get itchy again and then they bleed!!! UGH I was wondering if anyone else gets this? I try and suffer it out cause i dont want to go on steroids!!!!
Yes, I had the same issue early on in my diagnosis. It was horrible -- and gross! I had them everywhere but especially on my upper arms and on my scalp. This was right at the time I was diagnosed, and my disease had been active, out of contro and untreated for years. I ultimately was on steroids for a long time just to get myself regulated and stabillized and then was able to not have to take them at all. I haven't had the same problem since, but have developed other issues.
I hope that things improve for you. What does your rheumy say?
I gosh yes, the itching can literally drive you crazy.
I started with the itching about 5 yrs ago, shortly after having a hysterectomy, prior to my Lupus diagnoses . My Dr told me it was due to hormonal changes / instant menopause. Kind of like hot flashes & it would go away. Well, over 5 yrs later, I still have it. I feel your pain.
The only thing I have found that helps is Swans clear anti-itch lotion. It's available at Wal-Mart & fairly cheap. Less than $5.00 a bottle. I think I have tried every anti-itch product / treatment under the sun & this is the only one that works for me.
I use it daily. I would advise that you keep trying different products till you find something that helps, we all respond differently to different products.
Take care & try not to scratch ;-)
Urgh. I rarely go on this message board anymore- I signed up when I was first diagnosed... but then just went into deep denial, adn stopped coming on. I saw this post today pop up in my email, and just had to reply... I really empathize. I hate it too! I really do. I was diagnosed at 23 and am now almost 25... I feel like I'm 80. I can't sleep because of pain, when I do I wake up in pain. I woke up at 2 am this morning and haven't slept since beacuse of pain. I take hot baths all day long... on strong strong pain medication, nothing helps. I wonder sometimes if we get better or if it's just getting better at coping.
Keep a smile on your face, it helps. And chocolate.
And ytes, I also have the itching. SOmetimes I take a reactin or use a claritin itch cream for it. (Allergy medicines)... That has been the only thing that helps with the itching. I also have fibro.... not sure if that contributes?
I get itchy, it's usually in generalized areas. It usually happens when I am in the middle of a flare, and I have cratched myself raw. It's calmed down now that i am starting to get things under control.
Try really hard not to scratch, and wash your hands and nails often. Keep the area clean and your hands and nails as well. The last thing you want on top of the itch is an infection.
I am the same way. Sore and itchy. I have so many scares on my legs it’s crazy. The back of my neck too. My hubby and kids tell me to stop scratching. I wish I could. I turn 47 next Tuesday and some days feel like I am 80. Worst or best part depending on the day I look like I am in my late 20’s. So people think I am lazy or a woos. I use to do everything, now I can barely get off the couch after work.
I too don’t want to take steroids, I tried them not long after I lost 40lbs and I went wright back to my before weight. Now Advil, Benadryl and Aveeno are my best friends.
Sorry this wasn’t very helpful, just know you’re not alone.
Hope you find some relief soon.
My skin dr said to take Aveeno. I helps with the itching for me. Don't use soap when you shower, use body wash. Soap is to drying. That would be my suggestion.
I hate the itching also. Sometimes it drives me crazy.... I haven't gotten to the point that I've gotten scabs, but mostly its my scalp that will itch. I know its dry skin from the lupus, and I know I need to increase my hydration efforts. I don't change hair products or soaps, I stick with the same things so I don't have to second guess if its something new or not. Sometimes like right now, I just itch all over...
I get sores on my scalp some when I am flaring and the itch, but just knowing they are there is irritating too. I get scab sores in my ears, and that really bugs me. I just use scalpacin when I have the sores on my head, helps with the itching.
Depending on where the itching is I have and do use Desenex for athletes foot. I am big busted and that is where it goes. plus other areas at times. I use Aveeno and that has helped me a lot and have been using it for over a year now. Shampoo and shower stuff. For hair dryness I have a friend and a sister that now "wash" their hair with conditioner instead of soap most times. They only use shampoo once a week. I stopped washing my hair more then twice a week per doctors and hair stylists and I do much better unless I have used too much product on it.
I'm glad you posted about this problem because I have it also. I itch around my waist and on my buttock. I didn't realize that this could be a part of lupus. I intend to try some of the ideas posted by others.
Hi!
I also get terrible scabs on my head--- absolutely terrible.... They bleed, and they look like dandruff.. which is horribly embarassing. I tried Head and Shoulders, which sort of worked for me. I didn't know it was caused by lupus, I thought it came from the treatment I was on at the time (MTX). Thank you for posting this, that really helps. Does the scalpacin help? I switched to using only conditoner as some people have written - and I actually found that made it much worse. I now use shampoos that do not have certain chemicals in them (Sulphate and soo on) and that helps. The head and shoulders works so far the best, and washing my hair once a week (more if necessary).
Any suggestions for improving this, PLEASE POST!
Blondie said:
I get sores on my scalp some when I am flaring and the itch, but just knowing they are there is irritating too. I get scab sores in my ears, and that really bugs me. I just use scalpacin when I have the sores on my head, helps with the itching.
The scalpacin does seem to work, I only have this during flare ups, and lose hair too. Usually get my hair cut during these times too, it makes it not look as thin, but it grows and thickens back after the flares.
lillianb22 said:
Hi!
I also get terrible scabs on my head--- absolutely terrible.... They bleed, and they look like dandruff.. which is horribly embarassing. I tried Head and Shoulders, which sort of worked for me. I didn't know it was caused by lupus, I thought it came from the treatment I was on at the time (MTX). Thank you for posting this, that really helps. Does the scalpacin help? I switched to using only conditoner as some people have written - and I actually found that made it much worse. I now use shampoos that do not have certain chemicals in them (Sulphate and soo on) and that helps. The head and shoulders works so far the best, and washing my hair once a week (more if necessary).
Any suggestions for improving this, PLEASE POST!
Blondie said:I get sores on my scalp some when I am flaring and the itch, but just knowing they are there is irritating too. I get scab sores in my ears, and that really bugs me. I just use scalpacin when I have the sores on my head, helps with the itching.
Blondie
I just got over a fungal infection in my L ear. My ENT said don't get any water in your ears. I don't know if that will help you or not, ut I bet i won't hurt!!
Cindy
I can't stand my ears feeling dirty, but it may be worth a try.
I have itching so bad I get sores and scabs. I have an Antigen in my blood that causes blood clots. That makes me bled from a small sore profusely and is embarrassing and stains my clothes. Also a little problem from Lupus.
I'm 36 and feel like I'm 96 I get real mean and hateful so I know that itching is horrible....try some cortisone cream or benadryl cream...that helps out..If its really bad and you are too sore to the touch try the benadryl tablets..
I never itched until yesterday. Isn't that weird. The top of my instep is the worst and that's not where my rash is the worst.
I'm too lazy to go upstairs and get the cortisone. My hubby will get it for me--he's the best.
Have a good night everyone.
Cindy
FI’m dealing with this for the very first time n 13 years. I itch, itch, scratcb, scratch, now z ores n scabs.
Mine are red around the sores n warm.
It feels I’m getting bitten,