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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Does RA cause itchy skin?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
February 6
 · 
Reactions
A myRAteam Member

Hi Roberta,
Mr RA journey started with a hydroxychoroquine which resulted in a full body skin raised red rash reaction after 4 weeks. It was an allergic episode that has taken me almost 4 years with a slew of meds to resolve.
I am now dealing with skin hyper sensitive skin. Albeit the rash is gone, I am taking meds pregabalin to help with the horrible skin itch. It does help , sort of if I take it 3times a day.
At least I can wear some sweaters now. Before my wardrobe was mostly oversized shirts that were baggy to reduce skin contact.

February 7
myRAteam

Can rheumatoid arthritis cause itchy skin?

Yes, RA can cause itchy skin, though it's not a classic symptom that everyone experiences. The itching can happen for several reasons related to your condition.

Common causes of itching with RA include:

- RA medications: DMARDs like methotrexate, biologics, and JAK inhibitors Show Full Answer

Can rheumatoid arthritis cause itchy skin?

Yes, RA can cause itchy skin, though it's not a classic symptom that everyone experiences. The itching can happen for several reasons related to your condition.

Common causes of itching with RA include:

- RA medications: DMARDs like methotrexate, biologics, and JAK inhibitors can cause itching as a side effect. Some people experience unbearable itching or develop itchy rashes between fingers from their RA medications.

- Joint inflammation: When swelling occurs around your joints, you may notice itchiness in those areas.

- RA complications: Rheumatoid vasculitis, a complication of severe RA, can cause itchy skin and eyes due to blood vessel inflammation.

- Dry skin: RA can dry out your skin, including your scalp, making it feel itchy.

- Related conditions: People with RA have higher rates of eczema (72% higher risk) and may also have psoriasis, both of which cause intense itching.

If you're experiencing itchy skin or hives from your RA medication, contact your doctor right away. They can help identify the cause and find ways to relieve the itching. Scratching can create an itch-scratch cycle that leads to more inflammation and skin damage, so it's important to address this symptom.

February 6
A myRAteam Member

My skin has been dry since forever. I use moisturizer every day. I have sjorgens so everything is dry. It’s a constant battle. Just one of the things that comes with RA.

February 19
A myRAteam Member

Yes, my skin is so dry, itchy, & bumpy & it is due to my meds per my Rheumatologist. My eczema seems worse too & I was also recently diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis & mild Psoriasis as well.

February 19
A myRAteam Member

Thank you I wasn’t thinking of allergy medicine to help stop the itch but that makes a lot of sense. I just started taking a new medication, Hydroxychloroquin, and thought it might be making the itching worse?

February 6

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