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
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
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.

Have not slept in 5 nights. Itchy all over I am exhausted and can't sleep.

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Trinidad, CO
September 5
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members rallied around a community member struggling with five sleepless nights and full-body itching, offering both comfort and practical... Read more

Members rallied around a community member struggling with five sleepless nights and full-body itching, offering both comfort and practical suggestions. Several members shared helpful tips like using ice packs on the worst spots, taking Benadryl occasionally, trying cold showers, and applying plain aloe vera gel for skin relief. A recurring theme was encouraging the member to see a doctor, with many pointing out that itching all over can be linked to liver enzymes, elevated bilirubin, kidney issues, lupus, or medication reactions.

A MyLupusTeam Member

I’m thinking if I was itchy all over I might ask them to check my liver! Just a suggestion from someone who gets itchy when liver enzymes are out of wack!
Blessings,
Kate

September 5
A MyLupusTeam Member

I'm unsure if you have a rash, Kelli, but we can get urticaria (hives) from lupus, and medication allergies can also cause itching or an itchy rash. Great point from @A MyLupusTeam Member about liver dysfunction, specifically elevated bilirubin causing itching, and end-stage kidney disease can also cause itching, so both should be checked. Please see your doctor to have it checked out, as there are many possibilities!

I hope you get answers and relief soon. To get some sleep until you can see your doctor, you may want to try Benadryl, if you haven't already done so.

September 6 (edited)
A MyLupusTeam Member

I have a heck of a time dealing with not being able to sleep too. Talk to my doctor about it and she hasn't said anything so I don't know. But it sure would be nice if we could get a good night's sleep right. I hope things get better for you you need rest we all do. Bless you and big hugs

September 5
MyLupusTeam

Five nights without sleep due to itching sounds absolutely exhausting — that's really tough, and it's completely understandable to feel at your wit's end right now.

With lupus, widespread itching can have a few possible causes worth considering:

- Skin sensitivity from lupus itself — lupus can make skin highly reactive, even Show Full Answer

Five nights without sleep due to itching sounds absolutely exhausting — that's really tough, and it's completely understandable to feel at your wit's end right now.

With lupus, widespread itching can have a few possible causes worth considering:

- Skin sensitivity from lupus itself — lupus can make skin highly reactive, even to everyday things like heat, water, or fabrics
- Dryness — hot showers can strip moisture from skin, triggering intense itching
- A lupus flare — itchy, hive-like rashes can accompany flares
- Triggers — hard water, laundry detergent, synthetic fabrics, or fragranced products can all worsen itching Some things that MyLupusTeam members have found helpful include:

- Switching to cool or lukewarm showers and patting skin dry gently
- Applying fragrance-free moisturizer immediately after showering
- Using fragrance-free laundry detergent and wearing breathable cotton fabrics
- Taking antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin) — one MyLupusTeam member found combining a morning and evening antihistamine helped significantly

However, after 5 nights without sleep, please reach out to your doctor or rheumatologist as soon as possible. This level of sleep deprivation is serious and they can help identify the cause and provide faster relief.

September 5
A MyLupusTeam Member

Thanks for the information I never even thought about it. I know it's time for me to get my liver checked again anyhow. Thank you so much for the suggestion I really do appreciate it. I hope you're having a wonderful day bless you big hugs

September 6

Related Questions

View All

Exhausted but can't sleep

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Seattle, WA
September 1, 2017

Does anyone have trouble falling to sleep at night?

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Mobile, AL
August 27, 2023

Sleeping.

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Miami, FL
October 19, 2016

Can Humidity Make You Itchy If You Have Lupus?
Beginner’s Mind — Not Knowing It All When Living with Lupus
What is Your “I Have Lupus” Elevator Speech?