VERY happy to have discovered this site. I'm in the same situation as all of you. Forearms and back of neck sting and itch like crazy--not constantly, but often. I do not know what causes it. Have been to a dermatologist who diagnosed BRP. Also went to an allergists who preformed all sorts of tests. I have tried desperately to try to link the onset of the stinging to some action on my part and can't really come up with much-----wool clothing may affect it, sun exposure, stress, elevated skin temp, all seem to play a part. I've tried all the topical lotions--no help. Have tried B12 and "think" it helps. Next is an MRI to determine if there is any cervical nerve damage.

It is an awful thing to have. I really think that if it was unrelenting that I'd go insane----yes, that bad.

Keep postin --- really good to hear from others.

Just want to say thanks to all who shared their stories. I have had the exact symptoms (unexplained itchiness primarily on right arm, sometimes left, sometimes moves into shoulders) for approximately 5 years. I saw the same series of doctors and got the same series of tests, diagnosis, and treatments - none of which worked long term. After finding and reading these posts, I went to see a chiropractor and there was an issue with C3/C4 and I had IMMEDIATE relieve when he just pulled and relieved the pressue. I cannot tell you how great it is to be itch free - and when it comes back, I stretch my neck or have my husband gently pull it to relieve the binding in the spine. The chiropractor said that stress probably helps kick it off since I carry my stress in my neck. So - that's my story, thanks so all who shared theirs and wishing all itch free futures!

OK, so it's been 9 months since I posted and the BRP disappeared in January. Now it's back again, but at least I know what to do. I had the MRI last winter and it did show problems with c-5-6-7. The nights are the most difficult, so I've been using Lidocaine w/prilocaine and when I wake in the middle of the night, I grab an ice pack. Since I've determined it has to be disc related, I also ice the back of my neck since that's where the problem originates. I also just started going to a physical therapist. If that doesn't seem to work, I'll try the chiropractor. I hate living with ants under my skin!!! If anyone has had success with the aloe vera gel, selsum blue or heliocare, please post again. I'm desperate for relief.

Thank Goodness I found this site. I am so relieved to know it's not just in my head. My upper arm itching started when I was about 6 months pregnant with my daughter and got progressively worse, even after I had her. It did subside for about 1 1/2 years. Now the itching is back. I thought it was something I just needed to contend w/ by putting on lotions, ice packs, etc. About 2 weeks ago, my lower back started aching, almost in my spine. I've had 5 c-sections, so for anyone that has had a spinal tap, you know that pain. Thank you all for sharing your story. I only hope my doctor is willing to hear me out!