Prurigo Nodularis
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Natural Remedies for Prurigo Nodularis: Soothing Itchy Skin Naturally

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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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.

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....

Alcohol Treatment
Posted by Mina (Spain) on 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

Vaseline
Posted by Lindab (Vancouver Bc Canada) on 11/01/2014
 ★★★★★

I've had Pruigo Nodularis for over 3 years now on my cheek, started after a bout with shingles followed by 3 years of extreme stress.......I just came back from a dermatologist who told me to keep Vaseline on it...I've been doing that for 10 days now, I put a bandaid over the Vaseline at night & during the day if I'm not going out anywhere. End result is that it's looking much better! .....Don't know if anyone has been able to get any of the nodules out but I have and thought they were tiny cysts.....I have a family history of asthma and hay fever, but don't have that myself....I also have hypothroidism.......I'm hoping that the Vaseline treatment will help in the long run. Before I saw the Dr I had started putting on Nivea Q10 nightcream which also helped....seems these things need a good heavy duty moisturizer which seems to keep the itch away.

Anti-Viral Medications
Posted by Samantha (Houston) on 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?

Anti-Viral Medications
Posted by Anelissa (Brisbane, Australia) on 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

Anti-Viral Medications
Posted by Hyman (Hong Kong) on 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

Anti-Viral Medications
Posted by Jennifer (Nipomo, Ca) on 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?

Salt Baths, Sunlight
Posted by Mm (Virginia Beach, Va) on 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.

Salt Baths, Sunlight
Posted by Allie B (Ireland) on 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.

Salt Baths, Sunlight
Posted by Nancy (Connecticut) on 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.

Salt Baths, Sunlight
Posted by Allie B (Ireland) on 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.

Capsaicin Cream
Posted by ITry (Charlotte, NC) on 10/05/2022

Capsacin burned my skin so badly I had to wash it off. Is there a special place to get the Capsaicin that doesn't burn?

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment
Posted by saj (uk) on 03/31/2025

Salam Rukhsana,

I have just read your blog regarding nodular prurigo. how are you doing now?

my mother 81 years old has been diagnosed nearly 2 years ago. She has health conditions and on many prescribed medication treatments.

Do you have any advice or suggestion how to help my mum to stop itching, which leads to cure her skin condition.

many thanks

saj

Anti-Viral Medication
Posted by Marcita (Texas) on 10/19/2016

Amy, when you begin taking Valtrex did you still itch? When did the itching lessen for you? or were you using Valtrex in conjunction with something else?

Alcohol Treatment
Posted by Patti (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) on 05/07/2016

Hi, my mom has this horrible condition. I'm inquiring as to whether your case has subsided. Thanks.

Alcohol Treatment
Posted by Keith (East Yorkshire U.k) on 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

Alcohol Treatment
Posted by Mac (Australia ) on 09/24/2016

It would be nice to receive a reply from Anelissa because I too cannot find anything at all concerning Vodka Brandy.

Alcohol Treatment
Posted by Molly (Sonora, Arkansas) on 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.

Alcohol Treatment
Posted by Ginayvonne (Indianapolis) on 01/28/2018

Allison, I am considering the argentum nitricum as well. I have had PN for several years. Nothing has worked. Has your PN resolved with the use of arg nit? Did you experience any side effects from taking arg nit? Thx, Gina

Alcohol Treatment
Posted by Heather C. (Seattle, Washington, Usa) on 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
Posted by Anelissa (Australia) on 08/10/2014

Thank you for recommending valtrex. I will ask my doctor to prescribe that for me, as I have been thinking it is virus related. Eliminated bacterial cause by using three different antibiotics. Virus makes total sense to me.

Anti-Viral Medications
Posted by Ng (California, US) on 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.

Anti-Viral Medications
Posted by Scott (Naples, Fl) on 03/15/2015

I also have PN. It started 15 months ago and has not improved after months of mirtazapine to reduce itching and soaks followed by Triamcinalone application. You have mentioned "5 FU". I am wondering if you are referring to Efudex. Please clarify this for me. Thanks.

Anti-Viral Medications
Posted by Mary (Naples, Fl) on 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.

Anti-Viral Medications
Posted by Maria (New York, US) on 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.

Anti-Viral Medications
Posted by Debi (Oregon) on 01/25/2016

Please let me know if the Valtrex worked. It's making me very sick but will be worth it if it works. I've been going to doctors for this for 3 years and they have never suggested it. Thanks for any help you can give me.

Anti-Viral Medications
Posted by Lisa (Wv) on 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!

Anti-Viral Medications
Posted by Renee (Australia ) on 12/09/2022
 ★★★★★

Valtrex REALLY helped me as a sufferer of 27 years!!! Thank you 🙏

Salt Baths, Sunlight
Posted by Sophia (Union) on 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.

Salt Baths, Sunlight
Posted by Linda S. (Ct) on 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...

Salt Baths, Sunlight
Posted by Sarah (New York) on 04/22/2017

Interesting, yes. Tonsillectomy after having Strep Throat and Mono (Epstein Barr virus), which someone else here mentioned.

Salt Baths, Sunlight
Posted by Kathy (San Jose) on 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.

Salt Baths, Sunlight
Posted by Sylvi (Northampton) on 08/15/2017

Yes, as a teenager I suffered sore throats and I have been itching for about 20 -25 years and only just this week I have been told it could be prurigo nudularis. For years they told me it was eczema. I'm going to see the skin specialist.


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