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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 💭
Wesley Chapel, FL
May 4
 · 
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A MyLupusTeam Member

I do and I take an antihistamine for it.

May 4
MyLupusTeam

Extreme itching is incredibly common with lupus — you're definitely not alone! Around 83% of people with lupus report itching as a skin symptom. Many MyLupusTeam members deal with this daily and have found various ways to manage it.

Here's what has helped others:

Over-the-Counter Options
- Antihistamines like cetirizine Show Full Answer

Extreme itching is incredibly common with lupus — you're definitely not alone! Around 83% of people with lupus report itching as a skin symptom. Many MyLupusTeam members deal with this daily and have found various ways to manage it.

Here's what has helped others:

Over-the-Counter Options:
- Antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin) — one member takes both, one in the morning and one in the evening
- Hydrocortisone cream on affected areas
- Witch hazel applied with a cotton ball for soothing relief
- Ice bags directly on itchy skin (especially legs)

Prescription Options (ask your doctor):
- Topical corticosteroid creams like triamcinolone or clobetasol propionate
- Oral steroids like prednisone during flares
- Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) for general lupus management
- Monthly omalizumab (Xolair) injections — one MyLupusTeam member called it "a miracle" For itchy eyes specifically, uveitis can be a lupus-related cause — symptoms include light sensitivity, eye pain, and blurred vision. It's worth mentioning to your doctor, as it's usually treated with medicated eye drops.

Some helpful lifestyle tips:
- Use fragrance-free detergents and personal care products
- Wear breathable fabrics like cotton or silk
- Take shorter, lukewarm showers and moisturize right after
- Use broad-spectrum SPF 60+ sunscreen and limit sun exposure, as UV light can worsen skin symptoms

Always check with your doctor before starting new medications, even over-the-counter ones, to avoid interactions with your current treatments.

May 4
A MyLupusTeam Member

Yes I am. We do have wind where I life and of course dust. I thought that was the cause.

May 5
A MyLupusTeam Member

I do but on my arm's and it get bad

May 5
A MyLupusTeam Member

I take benadryl and use over the counter cortosied cream. I also read if its allergy season pollen everywhere to make sure you take off the clothes you were wearing outside before sitting anywhere because the pollen on your clothes will now be on your furniture, keep windows closed, air purifier. Wipe yourself down with a washcloth or wipes. Never go to bed in the clothes you were wearing again you will get pollen all over your bed sheets and then get into bed and wonder why your so itchy. If its due to severe dry skin I use la roche gentle foaming wah. Let me tell I was a faithful user of dove sensitive skin. Now after one use of the LaRoche foaming moisturizing wash and I will not be going back. My skin was so soft right out the shower. I follow it up with their lipikar ap+m triple repair moisturizing cream.

May 5

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