Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of MyLupusTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Berlin Köpenick, DE

Sjogrens Disease Antiphospholipid Syndrome Celiacs Disease Faktor V Leiden Mutation Lupus Kryoglobulinemia/Cold agglutinins Disease

January 29
 · 
Reactions
A MyLupusTeam Member

I got a shower head with a filter in it. Stopped itching after the first use. Worth a try.

January 29
MyLupusTeam

How can you manage constant itching with lupus and Sjögren's disease?

Itching with lupus can be incredibly frustrating, but there are several approaches that might help. Since you also have Sjögren's disease, which affects about 10-17% of people with lupus, addressing both conditions together is important.

Medical treatments Show Full Answer

How can you manage constant itching with lupus and Sjögren's disease?

Itching with lupus can be incredibly frustrating, but there are several approaches that might help. Since you also have Sjögren's disease, which affects about 10-17% of people with lupus, addressing both conditions together is important.

Medical treatments your doctor might recommend:

- Corticosteroids like prednisone to control lupus flare-ups
- Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) for general lupus management
- Topical steroid ointments for specific itchy areas
- Prescription anticonvulsants if you experience nerve-related sensations

A MyLupusTeam member shared: "I've had burning pain on the scalp along with a crawling sensation and pins and needles in waves. My neurologist prescribed an anticonvulsant, which has loosened my nerves and reduced the sensations."

At-home strategies that members find helpful:

- Take shorter, lukewarm showers instead of hot ones to prevent skin drying
- Pat skin dry rather than rubbing with a towel
- Apply moisturizer immediately after showering and on days you skip showering
- Try over-the-counter antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin) or cetirizine (Zyrtec), but check with your doctor first about interactions with your other medications

One member found success with: "I take Benadryl every morning, and it's mostly helped with my itchiness."

Lifestyle adjustments:

- Use fragrance-free detergent and skip fabric softeners
- Wear breathable natural fabrics like cotton and silk
- Avoid synthetic fabrics and wool
- Consider a water softener if you have hard water
- Block UV light indoors with LED bulbs and window shades

It's essential to work with your healthcare provider to identify the underlying cause of your itching, especially since it could be related to lupus flare-ups, Sjögren's-related dryness, or other factors. Your doctor may recommend a skin biopsy to examine what's happening under the microscope.

January 29
A MyLupusTeam Member

Cool Oil showers can help. I used baby oil and my hands to wash myself.
Rinse, and apply more baby oil or mineral oil for hydration. Palmers
hydrocortisone ointment, or cocoa butter helped mine the best. Palmers has
a coconut oil shampoo or baby shampoo. a, z pack will help as well

January 29
A MyLupusTeam Member

In the winter, dry skin makes our itching worse. Shorter, cooler showers and applying soap only to the armpits and groin both help, and dermatologists recommend these measures.

January 30
A MyLupusTeam Member

Thank you each and every one for answering💜I had another attack yesterday, thanks heavens I fell asleep eventually, but I will address this matter with my PCP next week. I will try organic baby products, that's a good idea. I started sorting out clothing with spandex because I know for sure that causes massive itching attacks. I can tolerate organic cotton but it's not keeping me warm enough, I've been freezing a lot. I still don't understand why I wasn't placed in ICU and fed when I was even skinnier than now, Drs claim I look better now, but my friends and family say I look sickly, like an 11 year old girl from the 80's. I have to gain weight, do you have any ideas? I don't like the German equivalent of Ensure.. .....😞

February 1

Related Questions

View All
A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Bergenfield, NJ

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Omaha, NE