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What Causes Severe Itching On Arms?

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Posted on Tue, 6 Oct 2015
Question: can anyone pls help as to what this is on my arms im not allergic to anythin havent changed soaps its sometimes itchy
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Answered by Dr. VINAY KUMAR (59 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Contact allergy is the most likely possibility

Detailed Answer:
My Dear

Welcome to this site!
I am Dr XXXXXXX XXXXXXX a Sr Consultant Dermatologist.

I have noted your complaints and viewed the picture.

The lesions correspond to a contact allergy. It appears to be related to some substance/chemical/ article that has come in contact with/touches only the arms. Most likely possibilities of its cause could be as follows:

1 Please notice if you have engaged in any activity like lifting something that touched the inner aspects of arms.

2 Any hair removal product used recently

3 Any of your pets, if that is applicable, handled intimately in the few days prior to development of rash

4 Any locally applied medication or cosmetic

5 Any new piece of clothing worn with a rough or furry under surface or even a brand new garment used without prior washing

6 It is possible, that sometimes one may not be able to recall these common causes but in that case it is still useful to continue investigation as something might come up which correlates with development of rash.

Let us now analyze what can be done in case like this:
1 Washing of the affected area frequently without soaps or disinfectants is a recommendation since it will flush away the allergen as well as soothe the skin.

2 Talcum to be avoided, due to risk of allergy to fragrance and further blocking of pores.

3 Mild steroidal creams like the ones with Hydro cortisone

4 avoidance of sun exposure

5 Anti allergics for relief from itching, as per need. Cetirizine is a good choice for the most.

6 Keep the area covered but well ventilated.

I am sure it will help you in recovering fast.

Our best wishes!
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. VINAY KUMAR

Dermatologist

Practicing since :1980

Answered : 480 Questions

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What Causes Severe Itching On Arms?

Brief Answer: Contact allergy is the most likely possibility Detailed Answer: My Dear Welcome to this site! I am Dr XXXXXXX XXXXXXX a Sr Consultant Dermatologist. I have noted your complaints and viewed the picture. The lesions correspond to a contact allergy. It appears to be related to some substance/chemical/ article that has come in contact with/touches only the arms. Most likely possibilities of its cause could be as follows: 1 Please notice if you have engaged in any activity like lifting something that touched the inner aspects of arms. 2 Any hair removal product used recently 3 Any of your pets, if that is applicable, handled intimately in the few days prior to development of rash 4 Any locally applied medication or cosmetic 5 Any new piece of clothing worn with a rough or furry under surface or even a brand new garment used without prior washing 6 It is possible, that sometimes one may not be able to recall these common causes but in that case it is still useful to continue investigation as something might come up which correlates with development of rash. Let us now analyze what can be done in case like this: 1 Washing of the affected area frequently without soaps or disinfectants is a recommendation since it will flush away the allergen as well as soothe the skin. 2 Talcum to be avoided, due to risk of allergy to fragrance and further blocking of pores. 3 Mild steroidal creams like the ones with Hydro cortisone 4 avoidance of sun exposure 5 Anti allergics for relief from itching, as per need. Cetirizine is a good choice for the most. 6 Keep the area covered but well ventilated. I am sure it will help you in recovering fast. Our best wishes!