Sounds like eczema because I've had eczema ever since I was a baby and even today when I sweat or work out, my neck and the creases at the elbow of my arms flair up. Just my personal experience with eczema. My rashes start out as very itchy and then the skin turns pink and looks dry. I apply cetaphil cream to my arms and neck at night which usually keeps it under control. Just remember to shower after working out and moisturize. It may not be eczema so I would go see a dermatologist if you're concerned.

Hi there...
I sure hear what you are saying because I have the same problem. There is nobody that can tell me what it is either and I agree it is very frustrating. I have had this for about 1 and a half years now. It used to be just the forearms now it runs up my arms and across my neck. I to notice it gets worse whn im hot. Some moisturizers sting when i use them. I find pure olive oil helps to sooth it without the perfumes. It is natural and moisturizes at the same time. Also one question... do you use tanning beds?

Think I might be getting somewhere!!
Had another medical and the Doc is convinced it IS eczema. I have been given some betnovate cream and I have noticed a difference already. Hope you manage to find some relief soon. i will keep you posted. In answer to the sun bed question...no i don't use them.

i have had itching arms backs of hands and around neck, for the past 3 years. i have been to a dermatologis and had skin checks but they found nothing. have had all sorts of antihistamine pills and creams, cant put anything on it makesit worse. skin is so dry cant put moisturiser on as it just gets worse nothing seems to help, sometime i have to resort to strong pain killers to help me sleep. been to doctors several times and just changed various creams had eurax but nothing works. all of a sudden it will go away and i wont have it for a few weeks and then it wll come back, its worse a night when i go to bed. can anyon help i am going made

I have had this problem for almost a year now. It's starting to drive me insane!! It started with my armpits, then my neck. Now it's starting on my inner thighs. I was told it is an allergy so I've been taking antihistamines which help a little but not much. I have stopped using anti-persperant and started using a natural salt cristal instead ( the one you wet and rub under your arms). I have also started using only bicarb and eucalyptus oil to wash my clothes (which works great to get clothes clean but I'm still itchy). I don't know what else to do. By the way, I also take prednisone when it get's really bad.
Can someone please help???

Gentlemen,

I am 51 and have had similar symptoms for many years now--persistent itching on neck and arms, comes and goes, not amenable to any ointments, etc., including prescription strength itch cream. I saw a dermatologist who diagnosed this as brachial radial pruritus, essentially itching due to cervical disc injury. He prescribed Cymbalta which did not have any effect except unpleasant mood and sexual side effects. The only relief I have been able to get is to use ice packs on the itchy area.

Did the prednisone help at all with the itching?

Has anyone found anything that helps other than to medicate with heavy drugs to induce sleep?

I rarely have itching during the day when I am busy, usually at night, especially when sleeping (or trying to sleep). I don't like to medicate but it gets bad enough that I have to sleep once in a while.

Like each of the posters, I have not changed laundry soaps, I have tried nearly every cream and lotion, I do use tanning beds (does not seem to affect the itch).

I am at wit's end and would love to hear from anyone with a suggestion.

Hello, I would try the Mayan Magic Healing Balm, its a healing balm that soothes the skin right away and takes away any pain. They also have this product called Himalayan Hydramist and its really good to spray on before/after you exercise it keeps the skin feeling refreshed, i had tried it before and it really helps and is a life saver.

I have had itching for 15 yrs. I seem to have more outbreaks in heat and humidity. They remind be of a mosquito bite but smaller. They seem to move around my body. I have had second allergy testing done and it came up all negative. I take generic form of Zyrtec and get some relief. I desperatly want to find the cause!

Have any of you been tested for food allergies or sensitivities? A lot of times they can develop in adulthood and manifest as skin irritations. Antihistamines are geared more towards environmental allergies and won't help if it's a food sensitivity or allergy. Neither will cortisone or other topical remedies. The cure is in changing your diet. See an allergist who treats food allergies, a dietician or a Naturopathic doctor for help! Some Chiropractors all study and treat nutrition disorders, it depends on the state and the chiropractor, but that may be an option too.