I have itching on both arms around the elbow

Question

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 ?

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

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.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

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.

I have itching on both arms around the elbow - #9352

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