Alcohol Treatment
★★★★★
I am careful to write "inhibits" rather than kills, because my current experiment is just four to five days old, and can be considered as an effective treatment, not an actual cure until such time as when I might report that all of my lesions have gone and no further lesions form in the next three months. A friend gave me a bottle of vodka brandy after I told him I might try drinking a few Brandy Alexanders to see if any change occurs with my skin lesions. I barely drank any cos I am not really a drinker. So the bottle sat around for past four months. until four days ago when I decided to dab some on to my scalp where I had been plagued with recurring plaques for the third time inside two years. This last phase beginning last christmas til now.
To cut a long story short, I am overjoyed to be able to tell you that my scalp feels totally rejuvenated. there is still one tender spot to touch, but in the space of less than four days, all plaques are gone from my scalp and now I am dabbing the alcohol on the several spots on face plus a couple on left shoulder. After two days these areas already look so much better. also I bathe mob once a day. Use aveeno. One does still need to pick clean the area, but it works easier after annihilating the virus.
(France)
10/14/2015
Hello, I'd like to try this treatment, but I'm not sure what "Vodka brandy" is. Is it just a mixture of the two? or perhaps a type of clear brandy similar to the French "Eau de Vie" or the italian "grappa" ie, a spirit made from grape pulp after wine fermentation? I've tried to find it on the net, but all I come up with is a cocktail using a mixture of Vodka and Brandy.
(Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
05/07/2016
(East Yorkshire U.k)
05/08/2016
Could you please give me more details. I've had 5months of maybe 2 hrs sleep and get more of them every day. I've been taking 100mg azathioprine for past 4 months with no results. Whole body apart from my face is covered. I would be eternally grateful if you could even offer the slenderest hope. I've had it jut over a year, diagnosed 5 months ago and been unable to work for last 4 months. Best Regards, Keith
(Australia)
09/24/2016
(Sonora, Arkansas)
08/13/2017
I do not think she is going to answer the very important question of "What is Vodka Brandy". You all are right. Vodka Brandy does not exist. I guess trying one or the other and see if that works. Isn't brandy that sweet stuff that is derived from wine? I am going to see if tequilla works. I do not think it is a good idea to "pick the nodule clean" because the nerve ending increases 3 times in size every time you break the skin.
(Spain)
10/13/2017
Dear Molly, do you, or any of the doctors you have seen, relate PN to nerve endings? It is very important to us because the doctors we have seen so far (in Spain) offer no treatments rather than steroid creams, light therapies, thalidomide, cyclosporine and so on, and refer to PN as an autoimmune desease, which is an extremely generic definition. Also, regarding "picking the nodule clean"... How exactly did you guys do that? What my mom who has PN does is like a brutal home-made surgery.. the itchiness and the overall condition drives her to do that. She has been suffering for more than 11 years already.
Thank you very much
Mina
In reply to Mina (Spain),
You don't say how bad your mom's PN is, but the following abstract suggest that Capsaicin (the heat in chili peppers) can clear some cases. Having used capsaicin previously, I can tell you that you have to be very careful when using it that you wash your hands well after applying it to problem areas. I made the mistake of rubbing my eye because of a slight itch and it burned for quite awhile afterwards! In the study abstract, they used capsaicin that was .025 to .3%. Here in the states we have one commonly available strength level of capsaicin cream, .1%. Higher percentages are available by prescription.
https://www.amazon.com/Zostrix-Strength-Arthritis-Analgesic-Capsaicin/dp/B000F5IEK8?th=1
This is stronger than the lowest dose that was used in the study, but lower than the highest dose. It may be possible to dilute this product further by adding it to a basic cream if you want to get to the lowest dose used in the study. A pharmacist can help you find a basic cream as well as the capsaicin cream as well as mixing directions to dilute it down to the lowest study percentage (.025%) or you can look for this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Rugby-Capsaicin-0-025-Compare-Zostrix/dp/B0036ITNKQ
The higher the strength of the dose, the greater the chance to feel the burn of the capsaicin!
Art
J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001 Mar;44(3):471-8.
Treatment of prurigo nodularis with topical capsaicin.
Ständer S1, Luger T, Metze D.
Author information
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Prurigo nodularis is an eruption of lichenified or excoriated nodules caused by intractable pruritus that is difficult to treat. Therefore the antipruritic efficacy of capsaicin seemed to be of particular interest because this alkaloid, extractable from red pepper, interferes with the perception of pruritus and pain by depletion of neuropeptides in small sensory cutaneous nerves.
OBJECTIVE:
The aim of this concentration- and regimen-ranging study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and practicability of capsaicin in the topical treatment of prurigo nodularis in a large series of patients.
METHODS:
A total of 33 patients with prurigo nodularis of various origins were selected to receive capsaicin (0.025% to 0.3%) 4 to 6 times daily for 2 weeks up to 10 months. The consecutive follow-up period was up to 6 months. In 7 patients, skin biopsy specimens were taken before, during, and after therapy and investigated histologically, immunohistochemically, and ultrastructurally.
RESULTS:
All 33 patients could be evaluated for efficacy. After cessation of the symptoms of neurogenic inflammation, such as burning sensations or erythema, all of them experienced a complete elimination of pruritus within 12 days. In addition, capsaicin largely contributed to the gradual healing of the skin lesions. After discontinuation of the therapy, pruritus returned in 16 of 33 patients within 2 months. At the ultrastructural level, no degenerative changes of cutaneous nerves could be found during or after capsaicin therapy. Depletion of substance P was demonstrated by confocal laser scanning microscopy thus confirming the specific effect of capsaicin in vivo.
CONCLUSION:
Topical treatment of prurigo nodularis with capsaicin proved to be an effective and safe regimen resulting in clearing of the skin lesions.
PMID:
11209117
DOI:
[Indexed for MEDLINE]
(Ga)
11/25/2017
Mina, I have had it for 11 years too. None of the above treatments worked for me. Alcohol made it worse. Order homeopathic medicine Argentum Nitricum 30 online for your mother. Get her to take it three times a day. Eat it when you haven't just eaten or before or after coffee/tea to get the maximum effect. Argentum Nitricum is made from silver nitrate. It soothes the nerves that have been excited. Take the 30 dose for 3 months and then switch to Arg Nit 200 to take every other day or until you don't need it. You can order Emuaid to put on her skin to speed things up. I believe it has Arg Nit in it too. Eat whole foods. I do not eat gluten, bread, crackers, chips, pastries. That helped 60%.Then I gave up all milk products. I am healing! Once you heal, you can probably eat them. Goat's milk is a good replacement.
(Indianapolis)
01/28/2018
(Seattle, Washington, Usa)
04/02/2018
I was diagnosed with prurigo nodularis Oct. 2017. I initially broke out with the warty wheels which quickly turned into open lesions in March 2017. Finally able to see a dermatologist in Oct. 2017, I began lightbox treatments 3 times per week and am still taking them now, March 2018. I have found that taking long soaking baths with one capful of benzoyl peroxide (acne wash brand name Humane and purchased on amazon.com) helps to dry and also sterilize the lesions. After drying I put on a thin layer of Lubriderm lotion. Repeat every day. Soon the lesions dry and go away. For itching Cortisone 10 OTC is excellent.
Anti-Viral Medications
★★★★★
(Texas)
10/19/2016
Anti-Viral Medications
★★★★★
I truly think this is viral. That's probably why tea tree oil helped some people.
As background...I also had MRSA from one of the squamous surgeries...and pseudemonas Aer...something after a MOHs surgery with a skin graft. One Doc gave me doxycycline IVs and I think Vancomycin for one of the infections. I noted several people online had MRSA and had one or two of these drugs. Maybe they set you up for PN...?
Another thing that helped was a chemo liquid for skin cancer called 5 FU...it only kills abnormal skin cells and helped stop the itching of PN and dried out the sores.
I recently had a painful reaction to the 5 FU on a fast growing bump. I had it biopsied and it was squamous cell cancer. This happened before I took the anti viral meds. A new dermatologist is going to try acutane next month for the prevention of any new cancers. I hope this helps someone.
(Australia)
08/10/2014
(Australia)
08/10/2014
I just want to kiss you Barb G of Naples.
I have made an appointment with my doctor tomorrow to receive a script for Valtrex. Let you know how it goes.
(Brisbane, AU)
08/10/2014
The home remedies you list for Nodular Prurigo are pretty useless. In fact, sunlight made my rash worse. Doxycycline dispelled the erythema, but didn't overcome the NP.
I am glad for your webpage, because I was running out of ideas and one of your posters has led me to try Valtrex anti-viral medication, so I'm feeling very excited about this. My condition was misdiagnosed by at least 5 doctors and two specialist since January 2012, only 1 GP was adamant about NP. Finally a third biopsy in March 2014 came back with NP as per Pathology Lab result. Consider if this is a virus, how it may be transmitted via blood transfusion - I'm no expert in immunology, so it's more of a query than a caution. Number of cases of NP are springing up all around me. Just saying, if a virus, then we should be so lucky as to know of one anti viral med that was a success in the cure for NP. Regards Anelissa (pseudonym)
(Houston)
09/03/2014
Good afternoon Anelissa, I was just wondering if you were able to meet with your doctor and have started on the Valtrex RX? Can you provide any feedback from your experience?
(Brisbane, Australia)
09/19/2014
★★★★★
Hi, I have completed 2 packs x 30 tablets,
2 x 500mg per day, and after 1 month of use, my NP has reduced by at least 60percent on upper body, and by 70percent on scalp. Continuing the script for another 14 days. Looking very promising. Cheers, Anelissa
(California, US)
10/19/2014
So apparently I went to 2 doctors that thought the bump on my elbow was psoriasis. Well it wasn't! It was prurigo nodularis. Steroids creams were ineffective after use for about 3-4 years. Finally went to a good doctor and he used a injection at the site for itch (good for about the month). Within a week...the bump became smooth/flat and it's starting to get better! Wish I knew earlier. I've also been using palmers cocoa butter...which offered amazing itch relief (even better than steroid creams! )..and I felt like it stays in the skin longer.
(Atlanta, GA)
10/24/2014
Thank you so much for posting. I have been using a topical steroid for my Pruigo Nodularis and have developed severe skin damage -- yet another skin issue! I will talk to my doctor about Valtrex immediately. I have been taking Prednisone on and off for the last year and that provides temporary relief. As soon as I come off , I start the burning and itching again. I am also taking 150 mg of Imuran since the middle of August. I don't see any difference.
(Naples, Fl)
03/15/2015
(Naples, Fl)
04/07/2015
Hello Barb G. I have an almost identical situation; multple MOHS and I had a Staph infection which preceeded a bad case of PM. I have tried everything my Dermatologist has recommended though I haven't tried Valtex. May I ask if the Valtrex continued to clear up the PM? I have had this for over 18 months now and will try almost anything. Thank you.
(New York, US)
04/08/2015
HELP! I Was recently finally diagnosed w PN. although Ive had it on /off for about 18 months. I went to 5 diff dermatologists who all told me I have dry itchy skin, never diagnosed me last april I went to a derm in NY known for eczema cures, he did a biopsy found nothing. I suffer from eczema/dermatitis time to time over the years so this was caused by and eczema breakout which I believe happened due to my allergies. Now I just went to another new dermatologist, who has diagnosed me with this . All he has me doing is using to diff topical steroid creams switching every two weeks and cerave cleanser and moisturizer. I've noticed an improvement but it hasn't fully gone away. I have been put on predisnone time and time again on /off which I hate. As soon as I stopped the predisnone I had a breakout w / vengeance like not other on my upper arm this time. Before my PN was only on my forearms. Now my whole upper arm is covered, and there must be at least 20 on my upper arm. The steroids are not working that well. I've decided to try cryotherapy. Hopefully it works , my derm wants me to stay on the steroids for amonth then consider light therapy. I need to be over with this.
(Brisbane)
07/01/2015
I've now seen how this virus can move around in deep skin tissue. Every so often one gets trapped inside a hair follicle, along with other debris. The follicle swells up like several times its size. And the area inflamed and starts itching. Only a bit of rubbing action is enough for the follicle to snap off at its base, and the follicle with the gunk in the follicle enclosed like sausage meat, does a neat spiraling upward trick, whereby the two ends of it are pointy like pins and can dig their way back deeper into the skin. With or without rubbing , it positions itself so that it can bring its ends together and thereby seal itself like a circular tube, with the virus nicely protected inside it. The surrounding skin now itches a lot and very quickly the tube circle becomes harder and harder, beginning to form a plaque. The tube gets rock hard like finger nails. It takes weeks to pick it out even tho its so near the surface. To make matters worse, the tube contains keratin and whatever else making it a sticky Slough inside the well or centre area of the circle that is the tube. Anyhow, what the alcohol does is kill the virus, and that lowers the inflammation immediately. But to get satisfaction you still scratch around the area to pull bits of the hardened tube out. In the absence of medication that destroys this virus and its fortifications, it's unfortunate that It requires a gauging action to get the hard tube out. ETIOLOGY.my perspective.(above) Next: how I have eliminated the virus from my scalp.
(Hong Kong)
08/31/2015
Anelissa,
How's your progress of using Valtrex to treat? I really want to know your result and the details. How long does you take the pills? The dose? And does the NP come back after stopping the treatment?
Thanks
(Nipomo, Ca)
12/04/2015
Anelissa from Brisbane,
You are very knowledgeable about this. I was diagnosed yesterday and am very sad that so little is being done to understand the cause of this and solve this condition. I am wondering about the plaque you mentioned. Is it a white fibrous looking tissue that forms as the sore is "healing"? The dermatologist said it is protein?? What do I do when it is in this stage? I am currently on a topical steroid (that seems to do nothing). I heard that Emuaid works on healing the sores quicker, but does the Valtrex stop them from returning? I am so thankful that I found this site. I am sad to hear that you all are suffering from this, but glad to hear that I am not alone. I have also found that even when I get a scrape from something totally unrelated (scraped my shin on a boulder), as it is healing, it also turns into one of these white, hard scabs. It must have something to do with the way our bodies are laying down and forming new cells and tissues. Does any Brandy work or does it have to be a specific type?
(Oregon)
01/25/2016
(Australia)
11/01/2016
Anelissa from Brisbane - Thank you. This is the first time I have heard someone describe the same symptoms of this skin disease which first presented for me 3 years ago. I have never been able to explain to my GP exactly what this keratin type 'gunk' is inside the nodule, and you have described it perfectly. Even the way you say it needs removal before the lesion stops itching. Wish I could find a definitive explanation of this terrible skin disease.
(Wv)
02/17/2018
With regard to using anti-viral meds (ie, Valtrex) for treatment of Prurigo Nodulares. This person posted back in 2014. Are there any more comments or threads of discussion on this?
I was diagnosed with PN & am trying whatever I can. My dermatologist seems to be letting me take the lead on my treatment. Not a good sign!
Any information you have is greatly appreciated. I've nearly become a recluse with this disease & want it gone!!
Thank you!
(Tennessee)
02/17/2018
Dear Lisa,
Elderberry and Olive Leaf are two great herbal antivirals. If you want to try an antiviral, one of them may be useful.
You might also consider Essiac Tea which helps a lot of chronic conditions.
~Mama to Many~
Lisa,
I posted an abstract of a study on the subject of PN last year that showed very good results in the patients involved with that study. Hear is a copy of that post. Also below that post is a reply post from someone who read that post and also got good results this year! If you try it, I hope you have just as good results! I can see how you may have missed my original post, because some how my post has been somewhat displaced and the reply post actually appears well before my post. Hopefully EC can move those two posts around so that they actually make sense in relation to each other and for people such as yourself who are trying to find a remedy that works!
Art
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
In reply to Linda (Texas),
Below is a link to an old and obscure abstract suggesting that capsiacin cream may have profound effects on people living with prurigo nodularis (PN). In the study it was found that all patients with PN who used topical capsaicin cream were able to eliminate pruritus within 12 days! From that point, gradual healing started. In the study, they used capsaicin cream that was 0.025% to 0.3%. By comparison, this cream is .01%:
This one is .1% :
Not to minimalize the effects of this cream, but I have tried it before and it felt like it was burning. You must be very careful when handling it also as you never want to have any on your hands and then rub an itchy eye!!! It's hot stuff to be sure, but if it can do what the abstract suggests, it may be worth the effort if you can handle the heat of it. Capsaicin is known to help ameliorate pruritis (itching), but sometimes I wonder if it is able to do that simply because it is so hot itself that the burning sensation just over powers the itchy sensation??
Here is the abstract:
J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001 Mar;44(3):471-8.
Treatment of prurigo nodularis with topical capsaicin.
Author information
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Prurigo nodularis is an eruption of lichenified or excoriated nodules caused by intractable pruritus that is difficult to treat. Therefore the antipruritic efficacy of capsaicin seemed to be of particular interest because this alkaloid, extractable from red pepper, interferes with the perception of pruritus and pain by depletion of neuropeptides in small sensory cutaneous nerves.
OBJECTIVE:
The aim of this concentration- and regimen-ranging study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and practicability of capsaicin in the topical treatment of prurigo nodularis in a large series of patients.
METHODS:
A total of 33 patients with prurigo nodularis of various origins were selected to receive capsaicin (0.025% to 0.3%) 4 to 6 times daily for 2 weeks up to 10 months. The consecutive follow-up period was up to 6 months. In 7 patients, skin biopsy specimens were taken before, during, and after therapy and investigated histologically, immunohistochemically, and ultrastructurally.
RESULTS:
All 33 patients could be evaluated for efficacy. After cessation of the symptoms of neurogenic inflammation, such as burning sensations or erythema, all of them experienced a complete elimination of pruritus within 12 days. In addition, capsaicin largely contributed to the gradual healing of the skin lesions. After discontinuation of the therapy, pruritus returned in 16 of 33 patients within 2 months. At the ultrastructural level, no degenerative changes of cutaneous nerves could be found during or after capsaicin therapy. Depletion of substance P was demonstrated by confocal laser scanning microscopy thus confirming the specific effect of capsaicin in vivo.
CONCLUSION:
Topical treatment of prurigo nodularis with capsaicin proved to be an effective and safe regimen resulting in clearing of the skin lesions.
PMID:
11209117
[Indexed for MEDLINE]
Please keep us posted on your progress!
Art
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Capsaicin Cream
Posted by Marilynn (St Louis Mo) on 01/18/2018
I took advice found on this website after suffering w Prurigo nodularis for a year and half. Caipasin cream has worked wonders for my skin. This skin issue is like chicken pox but lesions are much larger.
(Australia)
12/09/2022
★★★★★
Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment
★★★★★
My prurigo advanced and now is attacking my gums! It is sooo painful that I have made my own elaborate remedy, but I have to say that after putting everything together the Aruvedic way is much, much simpler!
My prurigo has improved, so here is my remedy:
1) drink a prebiotic every day to help the lactobacilus and bifidus bacteria outgrow the bad bacteria competing in your body. I immediately saw results when my coated tongue cleared up.
2) eat a slice of fresh aloe three times a day. This kills off candida which weakens your immune system and heals your intestines. It makes you regular, but it does not give you diarrhea. If you cannot get fresh aloe, you can order pills online.
3) Rub aloe on skin at least once a day, wherever there are nodules. If you don't have aloe, rinse with warm chamomile.
4) Then, drink at least one to three cups of chamomile tea, because it is a powerful cleanser.
5) And last, but not least, take homeopathy: Nitric acid 200x every other day or Lachesis 200x. It resolves that irritating stuff sitting under the skin. Washing it out with warm chamomile kills any bacteria.
So, I hope you can see why I should have stuck with the Aruvedic medicine. It has been around a lot longer than you and I! If you cannot get gandhak, you can try my method. I was going crazy, but I think I have healed 2/3rds of my nodules and I am looking forward to being node free! Whichever method you pick, stick to it religiously. It takes a long time to heal since your skin is your largest organ!
God promises that there is a cure for every illness. We just have to sleuth it out. The mistake I made over the years (11) was thinking that there was just one medicine for an answer. It isn't that simple. Good luck and never give up!
Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment
★★★★★
I decided enough and rang my family who live in Pakistan.. My late grandfather was a well established herbalist (Ayurvedic). I cried and told them my situation and asked if they knew any cure .. They told me that they remember my uncle had it years ago and my grandfather treated him .
I was told to stop all chemically stuff and start on herbal treatment as this will cure it from the roots and will never return.. I was willing to try anything. I was asked to source an Ayurvedic named Gandhak (detoxified sulphur). I suggest you do your own research. It took me days to find a herbalist here in UK who sold it...and he confirmed my aunt's suggestion for treating this skin disease..apparently when I researched it further I discovered this is what homoeopaths give to their patients for skin conditions too but very low doses. So patients keep going back for ages. I've seen it in a well known British store in the homeopathic section.
I managed to get 250 grammes powder from UK. My aunt told me to take one level teaspoon in morning and one at night on an empty stomach with a cup of whole warm milk that should have a teaspoon of clarified butter mixed into it.. So I put the gandhak in my mouth it feels very dry as its powder and then I quickly drink milk over it (very important to take the milk mixture with it).. I was skeptical ..
I'm on day five and what a difference, everything is starting to dry up.. The itching is still there but I was told it would take while to go down and be patient.. I have never seen it healing so quickly in the 3 years. I'm amazed. So take it for 7 days then miss 4 days then 7 days miss 4 days keep repeating this pattern until it dies down.. Shouldn't need to take it more than 6 to 8 weeks.
I was also told to take a teaspoon of evening primrose oil in morning and teaspoon of blackseed oil at night as this moisturises your body from the inside.. So does the milk and butter mixture.
It's early stages but I can miraculously see it working.. My aunt said do not have a soak in the bath as this keeps the wounds seeping, instead have a bucket bath or shower Twice a day. Final rinse should be to put 2 caps dettol into a bucket and pour on yourself (this might not work for all its to help to reduce itching). If you've got it on your scalp then pour the dettol mixture from head to toe.
Come out of shower/bath then put evening primrose oil mixed with wheat germ oil and massage it in ... I'm so relieved and shocked at the difference its made...aunt told me to remember ayurvedic medicines take longer to work but get the disease from the roots unlike steroid creams tablets which are temporary and poison our bodies.. I've also been told to purify my blood from all the toxins I. Have taken in using medicines over these three years
.. It's called neem(from a neem tree)
I got neem powder boiled 50grammes in 300 grammes of water until it halved in consistency. Sieve this and take two tablespoon in morning and two at night with loads of water as it is the most bitterest thing I have ever tasted .. It takes some getting used to..but it purifies your blood is anti fungal, antibacterial etc ..so is the gandhak I hate taking this the neem its so bitter. But I'm going to persevere..
You are welcome to contact me through this post if I can help anyone I will and am willing to update my progress...
Please do your own research on gandhak and neem and take it at your own decision..
I felt I had to post this because of the suffering I've gone through over these three years and could see no end to it.. And hopefully it might help others.
Also lather yourself with mixture of equal amounts of mustard oil evening primrose oil , wheat germ oil and raw organic coconut oil.all over ..massage it well into the skin to keep it moist and to help with itching
Rukhsana
Capsaicin Cream
| 5 star (3) | 75% | |
 (1) |
25% |
★★★★★
Complete remission going on 2 months. Did 2 rounds of capsaicin 0.05% (mixed 0.075 & 0.025) once or twice a day. First round (2 weeks of use) got 3 weeks remission then relapse. Used another 2 weeks then remission going on 2 months now. I had a severe case lasting a year and a half until I finally got a biopsy. Found capsaicin idea online (German study). Careful, don't get in eyes!!
It is also worth mentioning that you should thoroughly wash your hands after using as it lingers on the skin for quite awhile after you think it may have all rubbed off and if you were to touch your eyes hours later, you will wish you had washed your hands well because it will be like you got chilli pepper in your eyes because that is what it is derived from!
Art
Capsaicin Cream
★★★★★
(Charlotte, NC)
10/05/2022
Capsaicin Cream
★★★★★
Posted by Linda (Texas) on 07/02/2017
Trading ideas with other victims of prurigo... Sorry...no cure..... I have been suffering for nearly three years.. I have gone from a cheerful, busy commercial photographer to a mostly in 'my p.j.s depressed lady in her 70s.... I have worked with my primary care doctor, my dermatologist and my allergist trying to find some relief... and for me, I have accomplished a little but, want to share it... I take 2 Benadryl every morning, and more every six hours if I need them.. I find if I can just not begin to touch my skin as soon as I wake up, it is helpful... and the Benadryl does stop my itching. We tried 24 hr. anti- histamines for the itching, but,,,,,, about 7-10 hours later you begin to itch and you still have a lot of medication in your body so I take 2 Tylenol or 2 Bayer aspirins to stop the inflammation and the pain' I also have Tramadol with Tylenol if I need it for pain... so far I have not had to use it.
I live in S. Texas and I am exposed to the sun all the time.. I find it very irritating to my skin... not as a' feel better' idea. I also had my allergist with blood work, not skin patches, test for some allergies I may have in food and environment that could be irritating my prurigo infected skin and she found, citrus, ( which I was eating all the time), and tomatoes, as well as well as outside mold came up positive.. I am seeing her tomorrow because I have kept a journal of what I had eaten before a new outbreak... This is the best thing I have done... I have lowered the debilitating itching and pain somewhat.
I told my dermatologist that I knew this was not as interesting as treating and curing cancer or some other dread disease, but, that I did think it was treated just as skin sores...... I went on to explain to him, the depression, the shame ( yes, seeing yourself covered in sores has some sort of shame connected to it,,, at least by me... like a leper! ) it, the inability, especially for women to get dressed in regular clothes, bras, spanx, slacks, sweaters, etc is just short of torture... I did read that when one scratches their sores, it stimulates the nerves, as if they are being exererized and actually cause more pain in that area as time goes on.. I do have a great tube of medicine to put on the lesions.. it must have a wax base because it stays on and also cuts off air and prevents itching,,, it is fluocinide .05..... You may have some luck with it.. and lastly if I have an open lesions, I put an otc antibiotic ointment on them and they seem to heal more quickly.
I don't think any of you will disagree with me that your friends and family, just don't '''get ''' how a few sores can be so bad..... They have not lain in bed all night trying to find a distraction to keep from just crying out from pain. Do any of you ever feel like you have ants biting your sun broiled skin? I do.. I have never written about anything like this,,, and I don't pretend to know if any of these ideas help you.... and oh,,, be very careful with your soaps, gel, and shower supplies,,,,,,, use a s little as possible...and try to skip a shower once in awhile....and for goodness sake don't dry,,, just wrap a Egyptian cotton towel around you and '' air dry as you slather Cerave on your damaged skin.
Would love to have suggestions.. never heard of this stuff til I got it...."
Below is a link to an old and obscure abstract suggesting that capsiacin cream may have profound effects on people living with prurigo nodularis (PN). In the study it was found that all patients with PN who used topical capsaicin cream were able to eliminate pruritus within 12 days! From that point, gradual healing started. In the study, they used capsaicin cream that was 0.025% to 0.3%. By comparison, this cream is .01%:
This one is .1% :
Not to minimalize the effects of this cream, but I have tried it before and it felt like it was burning. You must be very careful when handling it also as you never want to have any on your hands and then rub an itchy eye!!! It's hot stuff to be sure, but if it can do what the abstract suggests, it may be worth the effort if you can handle the heat of it. Capsaicin is known to help ameliorate pruritis (itching), but sometimes I wonder if it is able to do that simply because it is so hot itself that the burning sensation just over powers the itchy sensation??
Here is the abstract:
J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001 Mar;44(3):471-8.
Treatment of prurigo nodularis with topical capsaicin.
Author information
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Prurigo nodularis is an eruption of lichenified or excoriated nodules caused by intractable pruritus that is difficult to treat. Therefore the antipruritic efficacy of capsaicin seemed to be of particular interest because this alkaloid, extractable from red pepper, interferes with the perception of pruritus and pain by depletion of neuropeptides in small sensory cutaneous nerves.
OBJECTIVE:
The aim of this concentration- and regimen-ranging study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and practicability of capsaicin in the topical treatment of prurigo nodularis in a large series of patients.
METHODS:
A total of 33 patients with prurigo nodularis of various origins were selected to receive capsaicin (0.025% to 0.3%) 4 to 6 times daily for 2 weeks up to 10 months. The consecutive follow-up period was up to 6 months. In 7 patients, skin biopsy specimens were taken before, during, and after therapy and investigated histologically, immunohistochemically, and ultrastructurally.
RESULTS:
All 33 patients could be evaluated for efficacy. After cessation of the symptoms of neurogenic inflammation, such as burning sensations or erythema, all of them experienced a complete elimination of pruritus within 12 days. In addition, capsaicin largely contributed to the gradual healing of the skin lesions. After discontinuation of the therapy, pruritus returned in 16 of 33 patients within 2 months. At the ultrastructural level, no degenerative changes of cutaneous nerves could be found during or after capsaicin therapy. Depletion of substance P was demonstrated by confocal laser scanning microscopy thus confirming the specific effect of capsaicin in vivo.
CONCLUSION:
Topical treatment of prurigo nodularis with capsaicin proved to be an effective and safe regimen resulting in clearing of the skin lesions.
PMID:
11209117
[Indexed for MEDLINE]
Please keep us posted on your progress!
Art
Castor Oil, Essential Oils
★★★★★
Colloidal Silver
★★★★★
After 24 hrs, the difference is amazing. This solution is used for burns and all skin problems. I posted this immediately, as I don't want anyone else to suffer with this, like I have.
Good luck.
(Sc)
10/12/2017
★★★★★
Silver has helped me too, I also use tea tree oil and cold pressed coconut oil along with it!
Dakin's Solution
You can make it with 4 cups of water, 2 teaspoons of Baking soda and 1/4 cup of "regular" original bleach.
I use a water bottle to spray my legs and itching ceases immediately, the dark hype-rpigemented skin halo is returning to normal skin each week of use and the lesions are shrinking and drying up. Its incredible and highly suggest this as I literally tried everything from iodine, turmeric, 35%h202, glycolic acid, coconut oil, vicks, licorice extract, baking soda, apple cider vinegar, and much more.
General Feedback
Sorry...no cure..... I have been suffering for nearly three years.. I have gone from a cheerful, busy commercial photographer to a mostly in 'my p.j.s depressed lady in her 70s....
I have worked with my primary care doctor, my dermatologist and my allergist trying to find some relief... and for me, I have accomplished a little but, want to share it...
I take 2 Benadryl every morning, and more every six hours if I need them.. I find if I can just not begin to touch my skin as soon as I wake up, it is helpful... and the Benadryl does stop my itching.
We tried 24 hr. anti- histamines for the itching, but,,,,,, about 7-10 hours later you begin to itch and you still have a lot of medication in your body so I take 2 Tylenol or 2 Bayer aspirins to stop the inflammation and the pain'
I also have Tramadol with Tylenol if I need it for pain... so far I have not had to use it.
I live in S. Texas and I am exposed to the sun all the time.. I find it very irritating to my skin... not as a' feel better' idea
I also had my allergist with blood work, not skin patches, test for some allergies I may have in food and environment that could be irritating my prurigo infected skin and she found, citrus, ( which I was eating all the time), and tomatoes, as well as well as outside mold came up positive.. I am seeing her tomorrow because I have kept a journal of what I had eaten before a new outbreak... This is the best thing I have done... I have lowered the debilitating itching and pain somewhat.
I told my dermatologist that I knew this was not as interesting as treating and curing cancer or some other dread disease, but, that I did think it was treated just as skin sores...... I went on to explain to him, the depression, the shame ( yes, seeing yourself covered in sores has some sort of shame connected to it,,, at least by me... like a leper! ) it, the inability, especially for women to get dressed in regular clothes, bras, spanx, slacks, sweaters, etc is just short of torture...
I did read that when one scratches their sores, it stimulates the nerves, as if they are being exererized and actually cause more pain in that area as time goes on..
I do have a great tube of medicine to put on the lesions.. it must have a wax base because it stays on and also cuts off air and prevents itching,,, it is fluocinide .05..... You may have some luck with it..
and lastly if I have an open lesions, I put an otc antibiotic ointment on them and they seem to heal more quickly.
I don't think any of you will disagree with me that your friends and family, just don't '''get ''' how a few sores can be so bad..... They have not lain in bed all night trying to find a distraction to keep from just crying out from pain.
Do any of you ever feel like you have ants biting your sun broiled skin? I do..
I have never written about anything like this,,, and I don't pretend to know if any of these ideas help you....
and oh,,, be very careful with your soaps, gel, and shower supplies,,,,,,, use a s little as possible...and try to skip a shower once in awhile....and for goodness sake don't dry,,, just wrap a Egyptian cotton towel around you and '' air dry as you slather Cerave on your damaged skin.
My name is Linda and I live on the Texas Coast...
Would love to have suggestions.. never heard of this stuff til I got it....
Hydrogen Peroxide, Coconut Oil
★★★★☆
1 )clearing spots using Hydrogen peroxide 9% 30 vol. I use a earbud dipped in peroxide and dab each spot, this usually foams up and cleans out the spot ( the spot foams less as the spot heals ) . This can also help stop the itch. When doing this please cover your fingers with latex gloves etc as the bleach whitens the fingers, but this is painless and not long lasting
2) after cleaning out spots take coconut oil, take about a teaspoonful onto your hands, rub together to melt and proceed to massage onto where spots are. You can also use grape seed oil with camomile or lavender oil.
3) I found that I can use Apple Cider Vinegar on my scalp or skin if the itch is really bad.
4 ) it is really important to keep the skin supple and besides if you have plenty of oil or emollient so that if you do scratch it does less damage.
If by any chance I find something else I will get in touch.
There is one other thing I have done to keep myself calm and less anxious is I take some Kalms which is also natural.
PN Triggers
★★★★★
Anyone else have a biopsy or freezing of skin cancer spot before your onset of PN?
(Cleveland, Ohio)
09/10/2022
★★★★★
The positive reason for outbreak was because the the skin was injured during the biopsy, like for mind it all started with me knicking my ankle on a metal bed frame and it broke the skin just a bit, within a month I had a bump appear on my other ankle (PN USUALLY COMES SYMMETRICAL) now 8 years into it both my legs are covered, I go and get cortisol shots which help very little in all the nodules, I am also prescribed prednisone which works good but once you stop they all outbreak again! I'm still searching for some kind of help.
Salt Baths, Sunlight
★★★★☆
I have had this skin disease for years. The only thing that has worked for me is a combination of salt baths and sunlight. During the winter months, when I can't get to the beach, I put sea salt in my bath and soak in it. It clears up infected sores and dries them out and they form a crust which can be pumiced off with an emery board of callus pumice. It also helps to decrease the itching and therefore the scratching as well. When the weather gets warmer, I lie in the sun. Sun exposure is the best treatment. I have gone from approximately 200 sores on my arms and legs to about a dozen.
(Blue Springs, Mo, USA)
04/11/2013
I've had Prurigo Nodularis 27 years now. I had read something interesting. Have or do any of you had throat or tonsil conditions?
(Virginia Beach, Va)
05/30/2013
I seem to have this skin condition. I have hyperthyroidism. I went through a very stressful situation when I started getting the itch. It started on my arm. Initially the itch looks like a bug bite. It was very itchy. The more I scratch, the itchier it gets until it turned to be an open wound. Then I started noticing that the top portion of the itchy wound is filled with fluid. The itching didn't stop. I was placed on Prednisone for 10 days and the itching ceased but then I started to develop itch on my legs and lower back. I need the itch to go away. Dr don't seem to know what it is.
(Union)
08/26/2016
I am 67 years old. Have had prurigo nodularis for years, it got worse when I got chronic fatigue and Epstein bar virus. It is in my system since l988. It has gotten worse every time I am severely stressed out. I too think this is viral, because I have virus(s). I also have a low thyroid. I wonder if a sun lamp would help? What exactly is Valtrex/ Is it what doctors give you when you get shingles? It seemed worse after my mother died, 7 years ago.
(Tennessee)
08/27/2016
Dear Sophia,
Yes, valtrex is an antiviral drug.
If you are dealing with a chronic virus, you might consider extra virgin coconut oil. We have had amazing results using it for viruses. It sounds so simple but it sure does help.
I use 1 tablespoon three times a day for viruses. I once took it for a year for my low thyroid and it actually appeared to heal a different autoimmune disease I had. But if you are petite or prone to digestive problems, you could try 1 or 1 1/2 teaspoons three time a day.
I put it in my oatmeal for breakfast. I mix it into cooked vegetables. I mix it with blackstrap molasses and peanut butter to make a fudge.
You could try epsom salt baths or a magnesium supplement to help with stress.
There is a lot of information on this site. I encourage you to keep reading and be encouraged. I think that you can be helped with your condition!
~Mama to Many~
(Ireland)
09/28/2016
Prurigo Nodularis:
Thank you all for your suggestions. I have suffered from this skin complaint for the past 7 yrs and after reading all of your testimonies, I feel that I have a couple of things in common with other sufferers.
I contracted MRSA during a stay in Hospital, and being Viral, I was quarantined for a month. A few other people have mentioned this, so it must be one of the common factors.
I have Hypothyroidism - chronic fatigue - and have to take hormone tablets every day. This obviously effects the body's natural Immune system and ability to fight disease - especially anything Viral.
Stress is huge factor with the Skin. It is the biggest Organ of the body, and is the one in contact with the outside world. It effects our self image, and our self esteem. It represents our Individuality, so if we feel 'threatened' by our environment, it can result in skin ailments. We must treat the cause - not just the symptoms in order to get rid of it for good.
The Doctors know little of how to approach this skin disease and Steroids don't work. We are the only ones who are willing to put the effort into finding a cure for ourselves, so it is vital that everyone stay in touch with this site to report any finds (good or bad) and hopefully we can come up with an overall 'salve' and 'organic' treatment. I believe that Nature has the answer to every problem, it's just a matter of finding it.
I have used Chamomile Tea for dabbing on my skin and found it very soothing and it helps to calm down the itch and redness. There is a cream available online from Amazon called 'Kamill' which contains Chamomile and Bisabolol and I found instant relief from it. Aloe Vera is a good gel and moisturiser. Oatmeal is good in a bath.
I am fascinated by the Ayurvedic treatment mentioned by Rukhsana, using Gandhak (detoxified sulphur) and Neem powder. and I am going to try this treatment myself.
I will keep you posted on any other treatments I come across and check in here regularly. Wishing you all the best.
(Ct)
09/30/2016
In July of 2016 I had terrible itch which turned out to to be this PN or Prurigo Nodularis....very painful about 14 bumps on left leg and 3 on other under my buttock area.top leg...I commute with airline job and very stressful job..so stress and being away from family got me itching so an extreme and these lumps, appeared ...felt like bee stings and then would zing around elbows where itches broke out ..my skin on arms feel lumpy ..the more I itch it opens the histamine in my body to itch more....I have been put on dyoxoline also..they have dried up a bit but I still have like a heat rash on back n arms..is this part of PN or something else..and if I go in salt water at beach...will these become more infected as they are open lesions?...can anyone one tell me?.
I am also slathering triamcinolone acetonide cream for some relief 2 x a day morn n nite...and on Claritin for itch from histamines...some days I feel no one cares...and myregular doc just put me on netrexolene to block itch. That's used for opiate patients for drug addicts.. I don't want to mix this with dyoxoline.
cuz I hate takin any pills...will be 62 in December..this itch is pushing me towards retirement...has anyone tried Emuaid creme...
(Connecticut)
10/02/2016
I have narrowed it down to prurigo nodularis which had formed on my ankle. I don't know if it initially started with a bug bite but my ankle area has been itchy during winter months and I attributed it to tight socks . I would scratch until sores appeared. This summer nodule seemed like a winter sock itch, that may have started with a mosquito or flea bite. I developed a hard bump which itched like crazy. When I looked closely at it, it reminded me of a wart. I had luck in the past with banana peel and a wart, but didn't have any bananas, so I took a leaf from a Jade plant, a juicy succulent, exposed the juicy inner flesh and taped that with paper tape over the bump. Next day I scraped off the softened skin. The itching had stopped. Today is the third time I've finished removing the taped jade leaf and scraped away the softened skin and it is flat! It doesn't itch! I will continue to tape jade leaf on it for a while. After looking up jade leaf and the juice in it, I see it has been used to remove warts. I wish you all good luck with this method.
(Ireland)
10/14/2016
Hi Linda, I found a cream called 'Kamill' effective for the itch. Also Chamomile tea - drink some and use the rest to dab all over sores. You can mix your own moisturiser with Coconut oil and Tea Tree Oil, wheat germ oil and evening primrose oil. If you like you could also try the Ayurvedic method explained by Rukhsana in April (listed above) which I am trying now as it attacks the root of the problem as well as the symptoms. Let us know how you get on, as it's important for suffers to keep in touch here and report back anything positive they have found. Best of luck.
(New York)
04/22/2017
I have had this condition for many years now. I read another article that said that you can get this if you have thyroid problems. Well, the dermatologist and then also my regular doc, gave me some lotion to use on this. It started to help, the stopped working and it bleached my clothes. I have had to use a wide variety and it is not 100%. I found that hydrogen peroxide helps dry them up. Then, I have been using something called Manuka Oil, which I purchase on Amazon. Then, I get itchy from them being dry, so I use shea butter that I purchase from Amazon also. I fight with drying them up and the dryness. I am also going to try some of your remedies. They sound pretty plausible.
(San Jose)
08/13/2017
I have had PN for 6 years everything Doctors suggested didn't work so I have many scars.
What I found recently was I changed my shower head to Aquasena to remove containments in the water, I wash with Dr .Bonner peppermint oil soap, after I dry (always a fresh clean towel) then I dab SeaBreeze toner on all the spots (it cuts the iching down 90%) sometimes I use perxoide on stubborn spots to dry them out.And finally I use either vinegar or Lysol laundry sanitizer in my washer to kill any bacteria or virus.
I started this March 1st and there is a major difference in recurrance or drying up and fading of existing spots. I also took for 100 days D'Limonene supplements 1 per day. The Brand I took was Jarrow.
I believe this is some sort of either bacteria or virus, and I do this maybe helpful to someone too.
(Northampton)
08/15/2017
