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Question re itching and Humira

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 12/4/2017 3:53 PM (GMT 0)
So, I have been on Humira for 5 months now. A few weeks ago I started to experience itching and what felt like a rash/scaly place at the edge of my scalp (on the back of my head, so I can't see it.)
In the last week, the itching as spread all over my head, and occasionally in my ears, and eve sometimes my eyes. (Although, it's a little hard to tell... I don't know about anyone else, but once I start thinking about the word "itch" I itch everywhere!)

I happened to have an appointment with my dermatologist for a body scan last week, and she dismissively said, "Oh... looks like a little seb derm" and prescribed an expensive shampoo. I read the scary label and decided to forgo using it until I tried some OTC medicated shampoos.

I am wondering if this is a Humira reaction. I put calls into my Humira nurse and GI. GI's office called back and said to skip the Humira. Haven't heard back from the nurse yet.

I was wondering if others had experienced this.
Today was to be my last dose anyway, with surgery in less than a month.
Posted 12/4/2017 4:14 PM (GMT 0)
I think this is one of those things where there are multiple causes. To me it sounds likely it could be an effect of Humira. However, for what it's worth, I used to experience it myself for years on and off (and have never been on Humira, I should mention). Then, for an unrelated reason, I started taking Omega 3-6-9 supplements. The most noticeable effect was that the seb derm cleared up immediately and has never returned (I continue to take the supplements). A friend once described the same scalp issues so I told her my experience. She tried the supplements and had the same results.

These are just two anecdotes so is not all that meaningful... but thought I would share it anyway in case it was of any help.
Posted 12/4/2017 5:50 PM (GMT 0)
This is exactly how it started several months ago. The back of my head started itching and of course, I can't see it. I had my stylist check a few months ago and she said there was no dandruff. She said she's been having the same issue and is going through menopause which I am too so I thought maybe the dry skin was due to that. The dandruff just started last week, or at least I just noticed it then. I saw it in the hairline on my forehead first and thought I had gotten some powder in my hairline when I did my make-up, upon further examination it was white, dry skin and of course I started scratching off all the dead skin, which was not a quick process! Didn't see anything for the next 5 days and then yesterday I noticed it's back with a vengeance. Guess the lesson here is that you can't eliminate the problem by scratching it all off! If it's Humira related I guess it's a small price to pay but geez, it's really embarrassing and noticeable.

Post Edited (Mrs. Brady) : 12/4/2017 11:26:20 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/4/2017 6:20 PM (GMT 0)
I had the itching too; usually for a few days after my injection. I would take an antihistamine and it would go away until the antihistamine wore off.

I would also get a very bad dry mouth on Humira. I tried the mouthwash (Biotin) but it didn't work that well.

I was very happy to get off of Humira.

This was a few years ago but I think my GI said that people have more allergies (allergic reactions) to Humira than Remicade but Humira is made from a human molecule and Remicade is made from a mouse molecule.
Posted 12/4/2017 8:22 PM (GMT 0)
Ive itched like crazy but I think its more uc than medication -- although who knows. I'm more prone to allergic skin reactions now with skin and hair products. Switched to a shampoo for sensitive/itchy scalp (try dove or head and shoulders brands which are cheaper than dermatologists brands) right now am having a horrible itchy rash/bumps from something, probably sunscreen.
Posted 12/4/2017 11:26 PM (GMT 0)
I have a fine rash on the back of both shoulders, visually it is almost impossible to see it, but run a hand over my skin and it feels like fine sandpaper.

It could be Humira, but I am still suffering from Prednisone withdrawal and so I figured it could be that as well. I did have the same rash on my face which lasted two weeks and it has gone now.

I guess now that you are having surgery it makes things easier in the sense that you can just stop the Humira.
Posted 12/5/2017 1:20 PM (GMT 0)
There's a lot of skin issues with UC patients, especially those with more aggressive cases of UC. Dry itchy skin, dandruff, eczema, psoriasis, contact-dermatitis, etc. Try limited contact with harsh soaps, shampoos, and hair products and see if it helps. Try over the counter dandruff shampoo and then go with very mild products good for those with sensitive skin and rashes (ask your pharmacist). We already know that our immune system is a bit wacky, attacking out large intestine isn't always enough, and sometimes there's other targets like out skin or scalp.
Posted 12/5/2017 2:04 PM (GMT 0)
I have itching on my back from I think the Humira but no where else
Posted 12/6/2017 5:22 PM (GMT 0)
All my itching went away after I discontinued Humira and it left my system. I haven’t had itching issues since.
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