Guest guest Posted October 16, 2002 Report Share Posted October 16, 2002 Most of the itching lupus patients endure comes from the nerve endings being irritated by medication, kidney involvement, and skin involvement. Lupus patients on high doses of prednisone sometimes become diabetic which also can cause the skin to itch when blood sugars are too high. Lupus can cause hives. The sensation of itching is due to irritation of nerve fibers in the skin. If the irritation is more intense, it may cause a burning sensation. Most treatments focus on topical skin care to relieve the inflammation, itching, and scaling. For more severe cases, oral medications are used. Ointments containing antihistamines (Benadryl cream) and/or cortisteroids (Cortaid) are the first line of defense. If the itching doesn't resolve, oral prednisone is given. Patients can help the situation by limiting their salt intake, eliminating sugar, and lowering their protein intake in their diet. By drinking plenty of water, the patient is better able to flush out the toxins in the body caused by kidneys that are not functioning at 100%. Oatmeal baths may help minimize the itch. Cold wet compresses may help as well. Heat is NOT advised, nor is ice. Lupus patients must be very careful their " itching " doesn't cause any secondary infections. Scratching the itch normally is no problem, but in lupus patients, the skin is extremely sensitive and can become infected very easily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 17, 2002 Report Share Posted October 17, 2002 Laurie....I have been getting this for at least two years now. It is going to drive me crazy. I can manage the aches and pains but that damn itch is gonna be what puts me in the nut house. It's worse at night when I finally lay down to sleep. Love, Ellen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 17, 2002 Report Share Posted October 17, 2002 Laurie....I have been getting this for at least two years now. It is going to drive me crazy. I can manage the aches and pains but that damn itch is gonna be what puts me in the nut house. It's worse at night when I finally lay down to sleep. Love, Ellen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 17, 2002 Report Share Posted October 17, 2002 Laurie....I have been getting this for at least two years now. It is going to drive me crazy. I can manage the aches and pains but that damn itch is gonna be what puts me in the nut house. It's worse at night when I finally lay down to sleep. Love, Ellen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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