Scratching the Surface: The Itching Lupus Battle

Let's be honest, lupus likes to throw shade at every aspect of our lives. We all know the fatigue, the joint pain, the brain fog that makes you forget why you walked into a room. But there's one enemy that deserves its own spotlight: the most annoying, unrelenting itch.

The itch I can't scratch

Itching, for many lupus warriors like me, can be relentless. This isn't your average "need a good back scratch" itch. It's the kind of itch that whispers taunts at 3am. The kind that turns movie nights into silent scream fests. And the kind that makes you question your sanity when you find yourself eyeing the dog's chew toy to scratch your skin away.

This itch can be downright maddening. An insatiable sensation that seems to creep under your skin, making you want to claw your way to relief.

Scratching the surface

Now, before you envision me scratching myself into oblivion (because, trust me, the thought has crossed my mind), let's delve a little deeper. Lupus, bless its autoimmune heart, can cause a variety of skin issues. One of them is the itchiness. I have found this to manifest in several ways for me. Firstly, the infamous butterfly rash that graces my cheeks and nose with a rosy hue and an intense urge to scratch. Secondly, discoid lesions that become angry red patches. Lastly, hives that come and go like unwelcome houseguests.

Understanding lupus itchiness

So, what exactly causes this infernal itching? For me, I’ve learned it's all part of the autoimmune mayhem that is lupus. When my immune system decides to go into overdrive and attack healthy cells and tissues, it often targets my skin. This inflammation usually manifests as red, scaly patches. These are known as lupus lesions and mine have a tendency to itch like there's no tomorrow.

AND here's the kicker, scratching these lesions only makes it all worse. Not only does it exacerbate the inflammation, but it can also increase the risk of infection and scarring. Half the time it’s like me like trying to put out a fire with gasoline. A futile effort that only results in more damage.

Cooling the itch down

First things first, we need to address the fire. Literally. I’ve learned that inflammation often leads to increased skin temperature. That increase intensifies the itch. Here are a couple of ways I’ve learned to cool things down:

Chill out

This may seem obvious, but a cool compress is always my best friend with my itch fits. I soak a washcloth in cool (not ice cold!) water and gently pat the itchy area. When it gets to affect my whole body, I take cool showers. I rinse and repeat as needed.

Aloe vera to the rescue

Aloe vera has been a big help as well. My doctor explained that it has cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been a lifesaver in soothing the itch. Oftentimes I look for aloe vera gel that's free of dyes and perfumes. Other times I use the aloe plant and apply it liberally to the affected area.

Hydrate and moisturize

When my skin is dry, I find it to be the happy home for itching. In order to keep the sensations at bay, I had to learn to prioritize hydration. I've learned the importance of keeping my skin hydrated and moisturized to prevent dryness and irritation. Opting for gentle, fragrance-free products and moisturizers. Products enriched with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, and oatmeal has been a game-changer for me. Plus, there's something so satisfying about slathering on a luxurious lotion. It's like giving my skin a much-needed hug.

Stress less, itch less

Sometimes, I’m able to use a more holistic approach. Specifically tackling my stress levels. As I deal with lupus, I know stress can exacerbate my lupus symptoms. This includes the infamous itching. Consequently, I’ve learned to use relaxation techniques. Deep breathing exercises and meditation help. They manage my stress and help the itching to quell some.

Distract and conquer

Sometimes, the best way I deal with the itch is to distract myself from it entirely. I've become somewhat of a master at finding creative distractions. Therefore, diving into a gripping novel or binge-watching my favorite TV show helps some. Indulging in some therapeutic coloring even takes my mind off of it. By redirecting my focus elsewhere, I’ve been able to temporarily forget about the itch and reclaim some mental peace.

Gentle reminder

In general, these are just some suggestions that I’ve used. They work sometimes, but not all the time. It's important to talk to your doctor about your specific situation and explore treatment options that might be right for you.

Living with lupus itch

While living with lupus, especially the itch, it can be a daily battle. But the best thing is it can also be managed. This itch may be a persistent foe, but I try not to let it frustrate me too much. By incorporating these tips and working with my doctor, I have found ways to manage the itch. This helps me to reclaim some peace of mind and scratch-free skin!

Laughter helps

So, to my fellow lupus warriors facing the itch head on, know that you're not alone in this fight. While we may never be entirely rid of the itchiness that comes with lupus, armed with the right strategies and a healthy dose of humor, we can certainly keep it in check. So, here's to scratching less and laughing more. We're here to support each other and maybe even laugh about the absurdity of it all.