Hydroxy and itching

[catwoman4]

I have been taking hydroxychloroquine for some years now but have recently started itching, mainly scalp and neck and shoulders. I have heard that this medication can cause photosensitivity, wondered if anyone out there has had the same and if so, what I can do to help it.

[Sheila_G]

I am just on mxt now but my back and scalp itch. I have very dry skin.

[Caza]

Yes. At the beginning of 2020 I was feeling really well & decided to take myself off hydroxy. It was my own decision & I didn’t consult with my rheumatologist. Three months later back almost to square one 😞. This time with advice I started to take them again. Had a rash unbearable itching feeling sick etc… spoke to my consultant who advised me to drop the dose down to 300 mg a day. 3 months later the symptoms are improving. But for the itching/rash I found a cream on the internet. It’s the cheapest body lotion I’ve ever used. It comes from Spain. It’s brilliant best ever. My itchiness & rash has completely gone. It isn’t the nicest smell but it works. piriton I used before I got the lotion.

[springcross in reply to Caza]

Can I ask the name of it Caza please, I get really irritating itching on my back. x

[Caza in reply to springcross]

I got it on Amazon

Red & white bottle of body lotion

[springcross in reply to Caza]

Thanks very much Caza, I'll look that up. xx

[rabbits65 in reply to Caza]

Please can you send the photo again as it’s cut the bottom word off the name of lotion. Thank you. 😊

[Caza in reply to rabbits65]

Hope this is clearer for you

Body lotion

[rabbits65 in reply to Caza]

Thank you very much it’s gone full now. 😊

[Cal48]

Yes with some makes of hydroxychloroquine but ok with plaquenil.

[Garnacha]

Hi I'm on hydroxychloroquine (aswell as etoricoxib, methotrexate, lefluminode & 5mg of prednisolone) I was started on hydroxychloroquine a year last March & found when in the sun my arms & chest itched like mad, used factor 20 sunscreen which helped, since the introduction of the other meds its even worse so avoid sitting in the sun where possible & use factor 50, I used to love sitting in the sun reading or sipping a glass of wine, that's more or less stopped due to meds, great fun 🙄🤣

[craigsif]

I used hyrdoxychloroquine several years ago, I informed the doctor I have an allergy to quine, he laughed said don't worry it's the smallest amount!! Started it couple of days into the course I felt ill, so visited a GP surgery as I was having problems he took on look at me and Said stop now, then phoned my GP who agreed. Said if I felt worse to go straight to A&E! Even have to avoid Indian tonic water.

[Cal66]

Hi catwoman Try an antihistamine, it will help to control the itch. Also yes you have heard correctly about eyes and photosentivity, but also 2 years ago I was told that I have Toxic Retinitis because of the toxicity on Hydroxychlorine so please be careful.

[Caza in reply to Cal66]

Can you tell me more about this please. I can’t seem to find out the symptoms. I’m having real problems with my eyes. You can private mess me if you prefer. Many Thanks

[Cal66]

Hi catwoman, first visit your optition for eye tests, you may need new glasses. If still having problems ring your Rhuematologist secretary, ask for a referral to a hospital that deals with eyes & ask for a Specific test forMacular Retinitis.

Also if you want to know more go on the Macular disease website and type in Toxic Retinitis. Toxic Retinitis is none reversible, its progressive, so please look into it soon. Good luck

[Caza in reply to Cal66]

I’ve had three appointments at the hospital all three were cancelled the last one I turned up as asked to do to find no doctors were available. I wrote & complained now have an appointment for next week. Up until Covid I was having regular checks but this year I’m definitely having problems with one eye. 🤞 they’ll be fine.

[Cal66 in reply to Caza]

HiStill ring sec, just in case it gets forgotten about in your appointment. NY sister rang the sec to complain for ne as I hadn't an appointment in year and half, now I have had steroid injections and a Zoldronic infusion for my osteoporosis as he was worried about me, but had still forgotten that I had not seen him.

I will keep my fingers crossed for you and please keep me updated about your eyes, that is if you don't mind.

[Caza in reply to Cal66]

Ps: have just got new glasses 🤓