How to relieve chronic itchy nodules on the skin?

Question

Hello doctor,

My itchy nodules are driving me insane. I am 42 and have had these intensely itchy, hard bumps on my arms and legs for almost a year. I scratch until I bleed, especially at night when I should be sleeping. My skin looks like a war zone, with dark, thick patches and scabs everywhere.

I have tried every lotion and cream from the pharmacy. The steroid cream from my last doctor helped briefly, but they came right back worse than before. I am embarrassed to wear short sleeves at work, and my coworkers probably think I have something contagious. The itching never stops. What can we try that might actually work? I am desperate for relief.

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

You are suffering from a disease called prurigo nodularis, also known as nodular prurigo. It is a skin disorder characterized by pruritic, nodular lesions that commonly appear on the trunk, arms, and legs. Patients often present with multiple excoriated nodules caused by chronic scratching.

Tips for relieving the itch:

Protect your skin from scratching.
Use gentle, fragrance-free skin care products.
Moisturize.
Be gentle with your skin when bathing and showering.
Avoid triggers: dryness, extreme humidity, fragrance (laundry detergent, skin care products, perfume), heat, personal care products, stress, sweating, wearing clothing made of wool, polyester, or any rough-feeling fabric.
Sleep in a cool place.
Use stress-management techniques.
Vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplants belong to the nightshade family and can cause inflammation in some people. These are the prurigo nodularis foods to avoid. Monitoring the intake of these vegetables may be beneficial.

I hope that this answers your query.

Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.