Polymyositis & Dermatomyositis Support Group

Polymyositis (PM) is a type of chronic inflammation of the muscles (inflammatory myopathy) related to dermatomyositis and inclusion body myositis. The inflammation is predominantly of the endomysium in polymyositis, whereas dermatomyositis is characterized by primarily perimysial inflammation.

317 Members

2,891 Posts

0 Online

bny806 09/10/2013

This rash is driving me nuts... Its mostly on my shoulders chest and neck and a little on my hands... I tried taking benadryl, as it itches so badly, i figured it would help, but didnt' seem to make a difference (except it did knock me out- so guess I didnt' itch while I was sleeping)! when this all started I had the rash under my eye and on my eyelid.. but it wasn't this bad! I tried putting lotion on it - but it burns pretty good to do that.. Thanks!

trpt1 09/10/2013

Hi bny806. I wish I had a recommendation. I guess you have already tried aloe vera and other anti-itch meds to no avail. The dermatologist is the one who may have a solution. My little DM rash is never itchy. I know some people have a crazy itch with their rashes.

I hope someone here will know a possible product that you can try.

Good luck!

nanny1611 09/10/2013

For me, coconut oil works well, but don't know if it would work for you. I think most of my rashes are lupus-related, but not sure. Coconut oil can be used as often as needed, and a little bit goes a long way.

bny806 09/11/2013

THank yall!! I'll give the conconut oil a try! My skin is all rashy and looks thickened on my shoulders and chest - strange! Nanny - I have a family history of lupus, but my "lupus panel" was negative - though my ANA Is always quite elevated.. I Hope it works, or I may claw my skin off! :)

deleted_user 09/11/2013

I prefer Zyrtec or Xyzal for the itching, it is 24 hours and less drowsy and did decrese my ithcing quite a bit, that and some steroid creams from the dermatologist. Mostly the itching went away with higher doses of steriods by mouth.

Hope they can help you, a good dermatologits is worth their weight in gold i think...
shawna

deleted_user 09/11/2013

Hi byn806, I sympathize with you! I was diagnosed 6 months ago with DM and the rash was the first symptom I suffered with. I use cloebetasol cream from the Derm., I take cool vinegar baths (1 cup to 4-6 inches of water in the tub), I take Allegra daily, ice packs help the itch too. My dr. also prescribed a sleep aid as I was up half the night itching. When I went to Mayo they put me on Plaquenil, in addition to the Methotrexate and Prednisone. I hope you find relief soon:)
Best of luck!

Join the Conversation