I have itching on both arms around the elbow - #9352
77 yr old, male, good health, no prescription medications. I had lab tests which said severe allergic reaction to insect stings. the reaction is not respiratory, it is itching. in August of 2024 I got several stings and developed severe itching on the forearms. I was given a steroid injection and 5 days of steroid pills. over a month the itching receded. now I still have itching just around my elbows on the top of the arm, mostly in the evening, not as severe as before. I have not been stung since August, is this still a residual reaction ?
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It seems that the itching around your elbows, even after the insect stings have occurred months ago, could still be a residual reaction from the allergic response you experienced in August. In Ayurveda, this could be seen as a disturbance in the skin’s vata and pitta doshas, which might have been aggravated by the allergic reaction and subsequent use of steroids. While the itching isn’t as severe, it may still be lingering due to an imbalance in your body’s natural healing process. A gentle approach using herbal oils like sesame oil or aloe vera gel may help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. It’s also beneficial to incorporate cooling and anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric and neem to reduce pitta. If the symptoms persist or worsen, a consultation with an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized treatment is advised.
It is possible that the itching around your elbows is a residual reaction to the insect stings you experienced in August, especially considering the delayed onset of symptoms and the fact that you haven’t been stung since. When the body experiences an allergic reaction to insect stings, it can sometimes result in lingering skin reactions like itching, even after the initial reaction has subsided. The fact that your itching is not as severe and is localized to a specific area suggests it could be a residual inflammatory response, potentially triggered by the immune system’s previous sensitization to the insect venom. It’s also possible that other factors, such as dry skin, irritation from clothing, or changes in weather (e.g., dryness in the evening), may be contributing. To manage the itching, you can consider using mild, soothing topical treatments like aloe vera gel or calamine lotion, and keeping the skin moisturized. If the itching persists or worsens, it would be a good idea to consult a dermatologist or an allergist for further evaluation to ensure that it’s not a sign of another allergic condition or skin issue.
Sounds frustrating for sure… Itchiness that hangs around is never fun. The itching you’re describing, showing up mostly in evening and around the elbows, might still be a lingering reaction from those stings in August. Even though it’s been a while, sometimes skin and immune responses can be a bit stubborn. Your body remembers these stings a little too well!
Now, let’s think ayurvedically for a sec. The reaction could be linked to an imbalance in the Pitta dosha, which, when aggravated, can lead to inflammation and itching. You might also be dealing with some residual Ama (toxin) accumulation from the inflammatory response, which can persist in the body and cause sensations like itching.
To help balance things out, focusing on diet and lifestyle can be beneficial. Try minimizing spicy, sour, and salty foods for a while as these could increase Pitta. Instead, cool foods like cucumber, melons, or coconut might soothe your system. A calming evening routine also might be useful—consider practicing calming yoga or simple meditation as a way to ease the body into a restful state. If there’s any acces heat, it should eventually cool off.
You could use natural remedies like applying aloe vera gel or a paste made from sandalwood and turmeric, known for its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties to the itchy areas. Always patch-test first tho, just to be safe!
If this persists or worsens, it’s usually a good idea to check in with a healthcare provider who knows your history.
Remember, while Ayurveda provides great insights, keeping communication open with your doctor, especially given your history with allergic reactions, is really important. Safety first—always, right?

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