What can actually help with the skin issues, sores, and itching that come with RA and its medications?
Dealing with rashes, itching, and slow-healing sores — both from RA itself and from methotrexate and sulfasalazine — is genuinely frustrating, especially when short-term fixes keep falling short. Here's what has helped Show Full Answer
What can actually help with the skin issues, sores, and itching that come with RA and its medications?
Dealing with rashes, itching, and slow-healing sores — both from RA itself and from methotrexate and sulfasalazine — is genuinely frustrating, especially when short-term fixes keep falling short. Here's what has helped others in similar situations. For itching specifically, some myRAteam members have found relief with:
- Coconut oil applied at night — one myRAteam member noted it moisturizes well without leaving oily marks on pillows
- CBD oil (where legal) — a myRAteam member shared that a few drops on the palms really helped with itchiness
- Colloidal oatmeal baths or paste — ground oatmeal soaks or applied directly to itchy spots; it has natural anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties
- Antihistamines like Benadryl — one myRAteam member mentioned needing it alongside their RA medication to prevent scratching For mouth sores linked to methotrexate, since up to one-third of people on methotrexate experience them, there are more targeted options:
- Folic acid supplementation — this is a big one. Methotrexate depletes folate, which causes many of these side effects. Studies suggest folic acid supplements can reduce mouth sores and related issues by up to 79%. Multiple myRAteam members reported their sores stopped after their doctor increased their folic acid dose
- Alcohol-free mouthwashes or prescription "magic mouthwash" containing lidocaine for pain relief
- Saltwater rinses to soothe discomfort while sores heal
- Switching to injectable methotrexate or splitting doses — both can reduce side effects without stopping treatment Since the itching and rashes were present even before starting medications, it's worth raising this timeline with a rheumatologist. RA itself can cause skin-related symptoms, and slow-healing sores in particular are worth flagging to a doctor.
Never adjust methotrexate or sulfasalazine doses without consulting a doctor first — but a conversation about folic acid supplementation and whether injectable methotrexate might suit better could be a really worthwhile next step.
May 6
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