“I’ll scratch and scratch. It makes me crazy!” reported one member of myRAteam. “It feels like something is crawling on me,” said another. “I’m literally digging myself raw,” shared a third member.

Itching is not a classic symptom of RA, but members of myRAteam say they experience itchy skin patches, rashes, and hives. With RA, itching can affect the joints or show up on other parts of the skin or even the eyes.

Because itching isn’t a classic symptom of RA, not everyone with RA will have this symptom. If you have RA and are experiencing itching, this article can help you understand what’s happening and give you a starting point for talking with your doctor.

Does RA Cause Itching?

Itching with RA can have several causes. It may result from swollen joints, complications of RA, other health conditions, or even side effects of some RA medications.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Medications

RA medications are a common cause of itching reported by myRAteam members. Rather than just affecting the joints, this symptom is more of a general itching or hives. Itchy, raised skin rashes may signal an allergic reaction to medication.

Itching can also be a side effect of some RA medications. For example, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like methotrexate may cause itching. DMARDs help slow down the disease and protect the joints. Biologics might also cause itching. These are drugs made from living cells that target specific parts of the immune system. Itching is also a common side effect of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors like upadacitinib (Rinvoq). JAK inhibitors block certain enzymes that affect the immune system.

“Since my first drug infusion, I’ve been itching,” one myRAteam member wrote. “It’s an unbearable itch. The worst areas are on my hands and feet.”

Members have reported that some medications prescribed for RA joint pain trigger “unbearable” itching. “Does your RA medication make you itch like crazy!?” asked one member. “It has been a lifesaver, but I can only take it at night because I also need Benadryl to prevent scratching.”

Another member agreed: “I had crazy itching and a pimply rash between my fingers from my RA medication. It’s now on my allergy list.”

If you experience itchy skin or hives from taking an RA medication, contact your doctor immediately. They can help you find out what’s causing the itch and recommend ways to relieve it.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Inflammation

Some members of myRAteam complain of itching from inflammation caused by RA. “I get itchiness around the joints when swelling is occurring,” explained one member.

Research studies have found that RA and other inflammatory autoimmune conditions are associated with chronic hives. Medically known as urticaria, hives are typically very itchy. They can be acute (lasting less than six weeks) or chronic (lasting longer than six weeks). Doctors aren’t exactly sure what causes chronic hives in people with RA.

Other Conditions

Other health conditions, whether or not they’re related to RA, can trigger itching.

Severe, long-term RA can put you at risk for a complication known as rheumatoid vasculitis. This condition involves inflammation of blood vessels, causing itchy skin and eyes. “My rheumatologist is looking at vasculitis as another add-on to my diagnosis,” shared one member.

Kidney disease can also cause itching. People with RA have a higher risk of kidney disease than people without RA. About 25 percent of those with RA develop kidney disease, compared to 20 percent of the general population. Your doctor can run blood and urine tests to check how your kidneys are working.

Another member shared, “Many of us also have fibromyalgia, which can feel like ants are crawling all over your body, especially during the night.”

Other health conditions that cause itching include:

• Allergies
• Psoriasis
• Eczema
• Liver or thyroid disease
• Certain types of cancer
• Multiple sclerosis
• Diabetes
• Shingles

It’s possible to have RA and one or more of these conditions.

“I have skin issues that I thought were eczema,” said a myRAteam member. “After getting a diagnosis, it’s definitely psoriasis.”

Scratching Itchy Skin

Scratching itchy skin can cause inflammation and more itchiness as a result. This is known as the itch-scratch cycle.

If you keep scratching, it can lead to lasting skin damage. “Whenever I scratch around a knuckle, a more pronounced bump appears a day or two later,” one myRAteam member said. “The joints in some of my fingers and toes are starting to show damage from itching,” shared another.

Itching With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Members’ Remedies

To reduce itching, you can buy topical corticosteroids (steroids) and antihistamines over the counter. Opt for non-sedating antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin) to avoid feeling sleepy during the daytime. But if itching keeps you up at night, you could consider a traditional antihistamine that contains the active ingredient diphenhydramine.

Members of myRAteam often pair those medications with their own home remedies. However, you should talk to your doctor before treating itching on your own. Your healthcare provider can help you determine whether your itching is related to your RA or something else, and give you advice on how to manage it. Here are some other tips that members of myRAteam have shared.

Hot or Cold Compresses

“I find immediate relief from applying a wet washcloth to my feet. It can be cold, warm, or hot, whatever you want at the time. Many nights, I fall asleep with these wet clothes on the itchy area. No more itching! Just sleep,” said one member.

Ice or Cooling Products

“An ice pack will take the itching away,” said another. “It’s my sister’s favorite thing. If I tell her this or that itches, she says, ‘Put ice on it’.”

One member described using a cooling gel to help with their itchy skin: “I use either lidocaine cream or a roll-on cooling gel.”

Coconut Oil

“For dry, itchy skin, coconut oil works wonders. I slather myself up some nights — coconut oil in my hair and on my face. By morning, everything feels moisturized. And coconut oil doesn’t leave oily marks on my pillow like some other oils do,” wrote a member of myRAteam.

Cannabidiol, Where Legal

“I’ve been using a couple of drops of CBD (cannabidiol) oil on the palms of my hands, and it has really helped the itchiness,” shared one member.

Oatmeal Baths

Another myRAteam member recommended the following strategy: “Grind up oatmeal and use it to make a soak for your legs — or make a paste out of it and apply to itchy spots.” Colloidal oatmeal can be effective for some people with itchy, irritated skin due to its anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and protective properties.

Talk to Your Doctor

Itching isn’t a typical symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, but it can still happen — whether from the disease itself, your medications, or another health issue. If you have itchy skin, talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out what’s causing it and suggest ways to get relief. Keep in mind that any new treatment or product could cause side effects or interact with your current medications. Always check with your healthcare team, especially if the itching continues even after you’ve tried making changes.

Find Your Team

On myRAteam, the social network for people living with rheumatoid arthritis and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with RA.

Have you ever wondered, “Can rheumatoid arthritis cause itchy skin?” How do you manage skin problems or other RA symptoms? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.