Causes of itchy forearms. Why do forearms itch and a red rash appear?

I'm new here, although I've had the disease for a long time. Since I was 18, as it later turned out, I have had seborrheic dermatitis. Until I was 24, I went to doctors and every time I was given some incredible diagnoses. But still, after painful hikes and a struggle with something unclear, I achieved an accurate diagnosis.

I was diagnosed with diabetes in 2 clinics in St. Petersburg. In one of them I was told that I needed to undergo a full course of examination, only then the full picture would be clear.

Naturally, I went through all the tests and procedures prescribed for me, paid a considerable amount of money (but this is not so important), after which I was diagnosed with diabetes.

I had a feeling that he already knew this, he just needed to make a little extra money on my problem. I was told that there is no cure for this, they say, I need to be less nervous, healthy sleep, diet, etc. I must say that at that time this disease did not bother me much.

At the age of 25, I visited another well-known clinic, or rather even an academy, but I did not tell them the diagnosis that they had given me before. There, they also confirmed my diabetes in a very short time. At least I calmed down that now it’s clear what to fight!

The doctor prescribed me a course of treatment, droppers, pills, etc. I did all this, it was better for a while, but then it all came out again.

There are no special problems with hair. White scales appear in the ears, the face peels and redness, but what worries me most is the chest, shoulders and back - it’s unbearable! The doctor prescribed me Keto plus shampoo for maintenance, and prescribed Skin-cap cream for my body, which is being vigorously discussed on the forum. To be honest, I haven’t used Skin-cap for a year now; its effectiveness and such contradictory reviews have alarmed me.

Now I’m 27, and the disease is becoming more and more severe, can anyone help me with advice on what medications to take, etc. I will be glad to all advice. Naturally, I’ve already read something useful for myself on this site, but I would still like some kind of help... I’ll still go to the doctor, since if I went to her, then let him give me some advice.

Answer. Alexander, tell me, where exactly on the chest, shoulders and back do the symptoms appear? Describe as specifically as possible. For example, in skin folds, on the sternum (central area of ​​the chest), between the shoulder blades. The fact is that, for example, the shoulders are not the most characteristic zone for SD. It is possible for diabetes to coexist with another disease. In addition, clothing and hygiene products can cause skin irritation in the upper torso. How often do you take a bath, shower; what means do you use?

Question. The problem area is in the upper back, slightly in the center. No, not between the shoulder blades. In front, just to a greater extent in the central region of the chest. As for the shoulders, all this beauty is closer to the neck area. Whether it’s important or not, the breasts are the most troubling because they itch the most, especially if you don’t shower once a day. Maybe this is due to the fact that there is a little hair growing there, I don’t know. I will tell you everything.

After a shower, the skin on the chest and back in the affected area becomes like a contour map, with pronounced pink-red spots; you have to smear it with some kind of body cream, as it all dries out. Gradually, after taking water procedures, the redness subsides and the skin acquires a pinkish color.

As for the shower, I take it strictly every day, because I can’t do it any other way. I lead an active lifestyle and play sports, and the sweating causes additional itching and irritation. I haven’t worn anything other than cotton for about 10 years. By the way, I go to the bath extremely rarely, since, in my observation, steamed skin causes even more discomfort; I prefer a shower.

As a preventative measure, I use Keto Plus shampoo once a week, and use the foam on my face and body, but it seems to me that it dries out already damaged skin even more. I've been using soap (for children) on my body lately. I use Lumene as creams on my face and body, but I know that I need to change it.

Tell me what shampoo I can use every day. By the way, I also wash my hair every day, as my hair gets greasy very quickly. What cream can be used for the face and body. And in general, what hygiene products are best to use?
By the way, redness recently appeared on the tip of the nose and in the nasal area. Thanks in advance for the advice!

Answer. Alexander, to be honest, has not encountered problems with the upper body with diabetes, except for the sternum (the area shown in the first photo in the article). If there is not a lot of hair on the sternum, you can shave it off - it helps me. Lesions in the areas you describe are very characteristic of pityriasis versicolor, read it. It seems? Ringworm does not rule out diabetes.

Otherwise, I would recommend washing in warm water (never hot) and limiting the use of any detergents and cosmetics in problem areas to the maximum. Perhaps this is an allergic reaction to them. And don’t delay your visit to the doctor!

Question. Thanks for the information provided! Regarding the pityriasis goblin, there is something similar, but I hope it’s not him! In any case, you should not delay visiting a doctor.

Answer. Here I found from Professor Sergeev Yu.V. a description of a case of the proximity of seborrheic dermatitis and lichen and other similar stories under the link “I had a similar case.”

I'm just trying to clearly demonstrate what I'm talking about. I hope this will help you identify your illness and successfully fight it. Keep us updated!

Seborrhea with severe peeling in the eyebrow area

I have seborrheic dermatitis in the eyebrow area. Peeling and hair loss from the eyebrows occurs. The problem is already 3 years old. During this time, it was never possible to achieve a more or less stable remission.

I just finished a month’s course of treatment with ketoconazole cream (once a day) and Nizoral shampoo (twice a week). The treatment did not bring any tangible results. Peeling remains in some areas; when the scales are removed mechanically, hair loss occurs.

Please tell me, does ketoconazole cream have an exfoliating effect or eliminates peeling? Does it make sense to use antifungal agents (for example, clotrimazole) if they are not effective enough in my case? Previously, I used zalain cream, it also did not help. I understand that seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic disease, but there should be at least some improvement with long enough treatment! What can be used as maintenance therapy? Thank you.

Answer. Have you been tested for Demodex? It’s just that eyebrows are very often affected by Demodicosis. And in general, its manifestations are very similar to SD on the face. In general, there is a possibility that the reason for your failures is that they tried to treat Demodicosis with drugs for diabetes.

Answer. Lana, ketoconazole cream does not have exfoliating properties. Salicylic acid, for example, has these. If a remedy with ketoconazole does not help (although some recommend longer treatment up to 1.5-2 months), it is worth trying alternative remedies. As soon as you select a suitable remedy, you can use it as maintenance therapy, using it somewhat less frequently (as much less often as it is written in the instructions for the drug) than during treatment. If they do not help, there is a high probability that the diagnosis is incorrect.

Question. I have been tested for Demodex several times. I had blepharitis several years ago. That's when demodex was discovered when analyzing eyelashes. The treatment didn’t help, then they convinced me that it couldn’t be cured. Demodex is a saprophyte, everyone has it. When I had problems with my eyebrows, the first thing I did was examine my eyebrows for demodex. Not found. Perhaps the diagnosis was indeed incorrect. Then the situation is completely hopeless. Diagnosis is even worse. I wonder what diseases cause the same symptoms (peeling, loss).

Answer. Lana, is it possible for you to take a photo of problem areas of the skin and post it on the forum? Then it would be possible to communicate more substantively. Lana, tell me, what color are the scales (more silver-white or yellowish) and are they located in the purple zones, as in this picture?

Question. The scales are white. They are located only in the eyebrow growth area and cover small areas of skin adjacent to the affected area. Once a year, usually in winter, a pink spot appears on the forehead and is a little itchy. I apply metronidazole gel on it, it starts to peel, then I fight the peeling with bepapten. The spot goes away within a month until next year. There is no peeling behind the ears or on the wings of the nose. The scalp is also fine.

Shoulders itch for a variety of reasons. If you notice itchy skin, first you should figure out why it happened in the first place. And only after this we begin to choose treatment methods.

Dermatological diseases

Most often, shoulders itch due to various dermatological diseases:

Other reasons

If your shoulder itches, it is not necessarily a sign of any disease. The initial cause of itching is always a disorder of the skin, and it can also be caused by ordinary dry skin. The latter often appears, for example, after prolonged or even short-term contact of the epidermis and household chemicals.

Another important reason is the presence of nervous disorders (stress, depression, etc.).

A woman’s shoulders may begin to itch due to hormonal medications - contraceptives can have a negative effect on the skin.

Possible treatment options

The first thing to do if you have persistent itching of your shoulders is to consult a doctor. And also take care of preventive measures:

  • Avoid using products that can cause itching (shampoos, washing gels, etc.). If you have recently started using a new formulation and notice a rash or itching, you should stop using the product and monitor your health;
  • Observe personal hygiene rules. Take a shower twice a day, morning and evening without fail. Do not forget that hot water can dry out the epidermis;
  • Do not rub your skin with a towel after showering, including in the shoulder area. Do not comb your body with terry cloth or other cloth. Allow the skin to dry naturally;
  • Avoid large amounts of citrus fruits. Citrus fruits can provoke the appearance of the disease. This does not mean that you should stop eating oranges, tangerines and other similar fruits completely. But take reasonable precautions;
  • Wear things made from natural materials, such as 100% cotton or linen. Be careful when wearing woolen clothing, which can cause inflammation of even healthy skin.

Many people know very well, but not everyone knows why the right shoulder itches so much. According to legends, a guardian angel accompanies a person on the right side. There is a demon constantly walking on the left side.

Right shoulder itches - signs

Folk tales say that the right shoulder is considered friendly or working. Therefore, if it suddenly itches, you should wait for the guests to arrive or you will have to work. The right shoulder is very itchy:

  1. to a love adventure that will end in a favorable outcome;
  2. to work in the country or in the garden, where you will have to work with your hands;
  3. it means that the person is generous and wasteful (perhaps there will be a spree at his expense);
  4. to unexpected financial income, perhaps a person will enter into an inheritance or hit the jackpot in the lottery.

On such a day, try to make the most of your luck: take on things that previously seemed risky (they will end happily), do not refuse romantic meetings, make purchases, and enter into business contracts. Any undertakings on this day will bring only positive things.

If your left shoulder itches or itches, the predictions are not so joyful and optimistic. This means that a person will face troubles, worries, worries, bad news or unexpected expenses.

A deceived husband will understand why his left shoulder is itching when he catches his wife in the “hot” act. After all, the sign says that the left shoulder itches for betrayal, deception, resentment and tears.

If a person works as a judge, then the omens that decipher the sign of itchy sensations are significantly different from people of other professions. It is believed that the judge on this day will pronounce a fair verdict and successfully complete the cases he has begun.

It is better not to plan events on this day. It is worth rescheduling your planned trip and not engaging in conversations on sensitive topics with colleagues, friends or strangers in order to avoid serious conflicts.

Both shoulders itch - signs

If the shoulders itch at the same time, then it’s time for the person to get ready for the journey. The sign is interpreted depending on the time of day:

  • Morning scratching predicts a short trip.
  • Daytime severe scratching on both sides indicates a two or three day trip.
  • If the itching appears in the evening, then a long journey awaits. Perhaps it will be related to work or leisure.

The interpretation of signs is influenced by the time of the itching sensation and the gender of the “victim”:

  • Irritation on the skin of girls’ shoulders indicates a pleasant “surprise” that awaits them soon. This will be a long-awaited gift, an invitation to a concert of your favorite performer or a romantic dinner with rose petals and candles. In any case, a fan or lover will take the initiative.
  • For business men (lawyers, financiers, entrepreneurs), an itchy sensation promises a successful completion of recently started or unfinished business.
  • If a woman’s shoulders itch, then she will have to work overtime or she will meet with friends, acquaintances or friends.

Signs advise spitting three times over your left shoulder or throwing a pinch of salt to avoid the evil eye and neutralize the machinations of the demon located behind your back on the left side. It is not recommended to spit through the right side - you can bring disaster and trouble on yourself.


The feeling of itching, which occurs with enviable regularity or even practically does not disappear, is a rather serious symptom. After all, such a disturbance in well-being may indicate the development of a variety of diseases - from cancer to problems with the nervous system.

Itchy skin on hands

The skin of the hands is exposed to a variety of influences every day, and some of them may respond to the occurrence of obsessive itching. But in addition, such a symptom may be an alarming sign of some kind of pathology. Possible causes of itchy hands include:

  • Natural factors.
  • Skin diseases.
  • Allergic reactions.
  • Psychological stress.
  • Polyneuropathy.
  • Diseases of internal organs.
  • Spinal pathologies.
  • Taking medications.
  • Lack of various nutrients (vitamins and minerals).
  • Oncological pathologies, etc.

Itching on the hands that does not go away for a long time or occurs quite often is a reason to seek advice from a dermatologist.

Natural factors

Sometimes the skin on the hands itches due to high sensitivity. Unpleasant sensations can be provoked by:

  • Wearing clothes with synthetic fibers, woolen products, gloves, etc. In this case, minor signs of irritation may appear on the hand.
  • Exposure to environmental factors, for example, sun, frost, wind.
  • Excessive sweating.
  • Working in the ground without gloves or using various cleaning agents without appropriate protection.
  • Using soap and detergents (such substances dry out the skin, which can cause it to itch).
  • Using an inappropriate cream that does not meet the needs of the epidermis.
  • Excessive amounts of moisture, for example, in the absence of the habit of wiping your hands dry after washing.
  • Insect bites.

Usually, natural itching goes away quickly, you just have to stop contact with the irritant and avoid scratching. If you carefully analyze the mechanism of its occurrence, you can find out the provoking factor.

Skin diseases

A dermatologist can diagnose dermatological diseases using a visual examination and a series of studies. In particular, scrapings may be necessary for microscopic analysis.

Allergic reactions

Itching is a typical symptom of allergies, and various types of this disease can make themselves felt, in particular, intolerance to food, insect bites, sunlight, frost, medications, various chemicals (contact dermatitis), etc. An unpleasant symptom arises as a result irritation by histamine of nerve endings located in the epidermis. Most often, the development of allergic itching is accompanied by changes in the skin:

  • Redness.
  • Swelling.
  • Blisters (they can burst, forming weeping spots).
  • Flaky areas.
  • Rashes of various types.

Sometimes itching becomes the primary symptom, and it is very quickly complemented by the appearance of other health problems. A dermatologist or allergist will help diagnose allergies.

Nervous itch

Emotional instability is one of the fairly common answers to the question of why your arms itch up to the elbow. Obsessive itching sensations often bother those who are constantly exposed to stress, as well as patients with depression and vegetative-vascular dystonia. At the same time, the localization of unpleasant symptoms can be very different - sometimes the skin on the hands itches, sometimes on the head, and sometimes even on the whole body. As a rule, with nervous itching, no rashes or other symptoms of illness are found on the epidermis. However, unpleasant symptoms lead to the appearance of neurotic excoriations - noticeable scratching that a person leaves on himself.

Diagnosing nervous itch can be difficult. However, the peculiarity of this disorder is that its severity increases during periods of stress and during the daytime. At night and during times of emotional calm, the disease may not make itself felt at all.

Polyneuropathy


Polyneuropathy is considered one of the most severe neurological disorders. It is typical for nerve damage in the periphery. A similar problem can be provoked by certain systemic ailments (in particular, diabetes), a severe lack of B vitamins, previous injuries, etc. With the development of polyneuropathy, the patient may be bothered by disturbances in the functioning of the muscles of the limbs, disruptions in the activity of the autonomic nervous system and sensory disturbances.

In particular, it is with the sensory variety of the disease that the following occurs:

  • Unexplained itching in the arms and legs.
  • Numbness of the skin and parts of the limbs.
  • Tingling sensation.
  • Feeling of goosebumps running over your skin.

With polyneuropathy, no visual changes are visible on the patient's skin. And making a diagnosis can be very difficult, because the symptoms of this pathology correspond to many other diseases.

Diseases of internal organs

Pathologies of various internal organs can manifest as itching of the epidermis on the hands, palms and forearms. In particular, such symptoms are typical for:

  • Kidney diseases. Perhaps the reason for the itching sensations lies in increased dryness of the skin. In addition to itching on the skin of the hands, the patient may be bothered by an obsessive desire to scratch his face and back.
  • Liver ailments. Skin itching occurs in approximately 80% of cirrhosis. With this pathology, unpleasant symptoms begin from the palms, but can also be felt on the soles. The intensity of itching increases at night.
  • Pathologies of the endocrine system. In diseases of the thyroid gland, diabetes mellitus and other similar disorders, itching is often accompanied by an obsessive burning sensation, tingling and a specific feeling of “crawling goosebumps”.

Skin with diseases of internal organs can remain practically unchanged. Excessive dryness, jaundice and minor violations of the integrity of the epidermis may occur.

Spine pathology

Surprisingly, the cause of obsessive itching in the hands can be a degenerative change in the elements of the spinal column. In particular, with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, compression of a certain nerve root that innervates the tips of the fingers sometimes occurs. As a result, the patient may experience:

  • Itching in palms and fingers.
  • Numbness of these areas.
  • Burning sensation.

In addition, cervical osteochondrosis at the initial stage of development can manifest itself as discomfort in the area of ​​the collapsing disc. In response to heavy loads or sudden movements, nagging or sharp pain may occur.

Medicines

Itching when taking various medications is not uncommon, but a fairly common side effect. This unpleasant symptom can be localized in different parts of the body, including the hands. The culprit for its occurrence may be:

  • Opiates.
  • Acetylsalicylic acid.
  • Antibacterial drugs.
  • Phenothiazines.
  • Tolbutamide.
  • Anabolic steroid.
  • Hormonal medications (estrogens and progestins).
  • Chemotherapy agents.

If itching of the hands or forearms occurs while taking medications, it is important to report the development of such a side effect to your doctor. You may need to reduce the dosage or replace the drug.

Quite often, itching in the hands after taking medications is explained by the development of allergic sensitization (allergies). But at the same time, rashes and other dermatological symptoms do not always appear on the skin.

Vitamin and mineral deficiency

Sometimes the appearance of localized skin itching of the hands and forearms indicates an insufficient supply of certain nutrients to the body:

  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin E.
  • Vitamin B12 and other B vitamins.
  • Gland.

As a rule, after normalization of the optimal level of minerals and vitamins in the blood, the itching goes away quite quickly. Unpleasant symptoms disappear two weeks after the start of therapy.

Oncological diseases


Various types of cancer usually develop without significant disturbances in well-being. However, sometimes the patient may be bothered by insignificant symptoms, by paying attention to which the disease can be identified in a timely manner and life saved. Just such a phenomenon can be itchy skin on the hands and other parts of the body. In particular, cancer may be indicated by:

  • Obsessive itching, which is combined with the appearance of persistent wounds, spots, thickening and other abnormal growths on the skin.
  • Periodic itching in a mole, birthmark and wart.

Today, doctors know many ways to diagnose cancer. When faced with alarming symptoms, it is better to play it safe and consult a dermatologist-oncologist.

The skin on the hands is most susceptible to external factors, which do not always have a positive effect on its condition and appearance. Constant exposure to various irritants can cause a negative reaction, which manifests itself in the form of itchy skin. If a man or woman has itchy hands, they should seek help from a competent dermatologist.

The sooner the problem is solved, the faster the patient will be able to get rid of the discomfort.

Article outline:

Why do my hands start to itch?

Doctors do not consider itching, which forces a person to constantly scratch their hands, as an independent disease. It acts as a symptom characteristic of a number of pathological processes. Only a dermatologist can find out what exactly led to its appearance.

The most common causes of itchy sensations on the skin of the hands are:

If the culprits of the painful condition are external factors, then the problem can be solved without the help of a specialist. It is enough to simply stop contacting the irritant to immediately improve your well-being. Do not neglect consulting a doctor if the symptom is caused by diseases of internal systems and organs that require adequate treatment.

A consultation with a dermatologist is necessary if your hands itch due to the factors discussed below.

Psoriatic disease

Doctors diagnose psoriasis in people of different ages. It can manifest itself in both a child and an elderly person.

The disease develops against the background of excessive division of skin cells. Excess tissue gradually comes to the surface and forms unpleasant plaques.

In most cases, psoriasis affects the part of the arm that runs from the elbow to the hand.

The damaged areas of the skin will not only itch, but also be noticeably painful. If the patient tries to scratch the affected area, injuries will occur on it, which will provoke the appearance of new rashes.

Scabies

The disease spreads rapidly. It occurs due to infection with scabies. Its appearance is caused by small mites that move freely across the surface of the skin and lay eggs in it.

With scabies, barely noticeable pimples appear on a person’s hands and are very itchy. Their greatest accumulation is usually observed near the elbow and between the fingers.

Eczema

Another common disease that explains why hands itch. It occurs in several forms. The skin of the upper extremities is affected by dyshidrotic eczema.

A patient with this diagnosis will experience constant itching and will also notice severe peeling and redness at the site of the lesion. In some cases, the skin of the hands becomes covered with small blisters.

Eczema quickly spreads to healthy tissue. Her treatment takes years. To recover, patients have to radically change their lifestyle and give up old habits.

Diabetes

At the initial stage of development, diabetes mellitus is recognized by itching of the skin of the hands.

Areas covered with small yellowish pimples are especially itchy.

Redness will appear around them. If the patient is offered the right treatment, he will quickly get rid of the itching sensation.

As soon as it is possible to find out the reason that led to the itching on the hands, it will be necessary to immediately begin its treatment.

In what cases should you consult a doctor?

When a person has severely itchy skin on his hands, he looks for ways to get rid of the unpleasant sensation. In most cases, the problem can be solved using traditional methods at home.

But sometimes these measures are not enough. If the rash is caused by disturbances in the functioning of individual organs or systems, the help of a highly specialized specialist will be required.

Only a doctor can correctly determine the cause of the pathological process and make a diagnosis. He will use it as a starting point when drawing up an individual treatment regimen.

You should not refuse the help of a specialist if the rash on your hands continues to itch for several days.

Principles of treating itching on the hands

A dermatologist can tell you what to do if your forearms and hands itch. A specialist in this profile deals with the treatment of various skin pathologies, including irritation.

At the first examination, it will be difficult for the doctor to say how to treat an unpleasant symptom.

First, he should find out what the cause of the malaise is. This information is very important, as it allows the patient to make a correct diagnosis.

If the patient requires immediate help, and the results of the tests will not be received soon, the doctor will offer him general therapeutic methods that help reduce the discomfort caused by various diseases. That is, their action is aimed at eliminating painful symptoms, and not at treating the pathological process. This stage can be started only after the diagnosis has been determined.

If the patient adheres to the following recommendations, he will quickly forget how unbearable the itching in his hands can be:

Even with strict adherence to the listed recommendations, the patient will not be able to completely get rid of itching unless he uses complex therapy that is aimed at eliminating the painful factor.

Otherwise, a mild ailment will quickly develop into a serious problem requiring long and complex treatment.

Trouble cannot be avoided if the patient constantly scratches the itchy area.

If the patient scratches the affected area on the arm, microtraumas will begin to appear on the surface of the skin. Because of them, infection can occur. To prevent such a complication, in moments of unbearable itching, you should put your hand in a bath with compounds that contain eucalyptus or peppermint oil.

Non-drug treatments

Various remedies offered by alternative medicine help to alleviate the condition and reduce itching. Millions of patients have tested their effectiveness through personal experience.

Infusions and decoctions, which should be used to treat the skin of the hands and simply drink, are usually made from the following plants:

Folk remedies will help cope with itching on the hands, which is caused by an allergic reaction or exposure to external irritants on the skin. They are also suitable for use during the treatment of chronic dermal diseases.

The sensation of itching in your hands can hardly be called pleasant. When it first appears, you should treat the skin with an antipruritic agent to reduce discomfort. After this, you can go to see a specialist to receive recommendations regarding therapeutic treatment.