I wonder if you are more sensitive in the sun? I am quite allergic to the sun, and on most of the meds I have to wear heavy sun block or I get hives and itchy. It is a form of eczema I have. If it keeps up, see your rheumy.

I got burned on my arms this week when I took my jacket off while riding my bike. It was the first time that skin had been exposed to the sun since last fall. But I have always been sensitive to the sun.

I had an itch on my forearms and legs from knee down whic felt like ants crawling under the skin.. However, I wasn't on Humira and it was put down to an allergic reaction I had to Arava.

I'm on Humira (9/10) and the same thing have been happening. I use tons of sunscreen and a day or so after my skin is so itchy. No visible rash or anything. I have been thinking maybe its the ingredients in the sunscreen. I use mostly banana boat brand. So I really don't know. Maybe I'll google sunscreens allergies.

Take Care

Judy.

I get the intense itching during ovulation and right before my cycle starts. The only meds I take for the RA are: LDN (Low Dose Naltrexone) and Ibuprofen.

{{{hugs}}}

You need to call your doc before you do another shot!!! I had the same problem. And since we are finally headed into the summer season you don't want to be dealing with that on top of RA. I ended up having to change meds but maybe they can figure out if it's coming from the Humira.

Thank you all for your replies!

I can't help but laugh sometimes... it seems right when I think things are getting better, some other crazy thing happens. :)

I did ask my RD if he thought this itching and sun sensitivity could be some weird side effect or me possibly developing some type of allergic reaction to Humira. His answer was to take a benadryl... so I took my 7th shot on Wednesday. I haven't been outside or out in the sun this week so the itching has subsided... but now I developed this flushing red burning sensation on my face. No itching, just red and burning... just hot and burning like a sunburn but not a sunburn. The skin on my face also feels very dry and scaly feeling... thick (which that's been going on for months now.. the dryness and scaly feeling on my face.. don't know what's that all about either.)

I've also been experiencing numbness in tongue, lips, mouth... jaw started hurting yesterday... I'm thinking maybe I should not take the Humira anymore.... and I'm thinking I need a new doctor. :)

Thanks again!

i was diagnosed two years ago and humira was the first injection med i was prescribed. I developed the exact same itching that you are describing. I don't think the sun has anything to do with it because my itching started in the winter in norther michigan (not much sun). each time i came down with an episode of itching, it spread further and further on my body. I was taking 3 extra strenght benadryl about 5 or 6 times a day! the last flare i had sent me to the emergency room, the rash spread over my whole body and it felt like i was being stung by bees all over. I called the rheumy and told her that i was not going to take the humira again. she waited about 4 months then switched me to simponi and I haven't iched since! let me tell you that itching worse than the RA pain! What helped me was Ice packs. I would put on a tank top and shorts and stand outside rubbing snow all over me! Benadryl SPRAY also helped. you need to reapply it often and wrapping the affected arm or leg tightly in ace bandages helps too. Good Luck!

I'm glad you mentioned this. I have BAD itchies tonight, and I forgot about the sun and MTX. AARRGHH

so the sun and MTX causes itching? I have been itching like crazy and was starting to think I may need to go get looked at. I just had my third dose of MTX on Thursday night.....got some sun riding in the car today and can't stop itching.

Please just tell me it is the sun so I can stop worrying about having to try a new med before we have even given this one a chance!!!!!

Marianne

one of side effects of mtx is sun sensitivity. i've been off mtx for about 2 months now so i can only attribute my itching, burning to humira. but def be aware of ur sun exposure while on mtx.

I have been on everything, Kineret, Humira, Rimacade, Enbrel, now Orencia, with Plaquenal, MTX, and some I can't remember. I itch. Especially when I get hot. I have never been able to take the sun. I have a spot on my left hip that has itched for 3 years now. I think it is the disease; maybe the effects of inflammation on nerves. Remember, this can be referred from another spot on your body too.

When I first started Kineret I had injection site reactions: huge, quarter-sized hives on every spot. Started at about day 10 and lasted through a Medrol dose pack. Those really itched. If you find something that helps, post it. I have tried everything I can think of. CandyMaggie

Thanks Candy! Since you've been on just about every treatment out there, every heard of or had a burning sensation on your skin. My face, necks and arms feel like they are on fire. Like I have the worst sunburn ever. No rash, just burns like mad. I'm taking benadryl and hydrocodone. That helps. Not sure where this is coming from. Just started about 4/5 days ago.
Thanks!
JC