Can Candida Cause Itching Arms?

candida and itching connection

Susan’s arms have been itching for months, especially on the inner skin between the elbow and shoulder, and near the underarms. At first she thought it was a bug bite, but as the skin would turn raw and red from scratching, begin to heal, and then worsen, she was at a loss. Going to the gym has become painful and embarrassing, as Susan used to enjoy toning her arms with free weights and taking a light jog on the treadmill.

Doctors have given Susan anti-itching cream, cream for dry skin, antihistamines for possible allergy attacks, and psoriases cream. She has bought numerous creams over the counter, and as she puts it, has enough half-filled tubes to fill an Olympic size swimming pool.

Susan mentioned that she has been diligent in applying the creams, and has taken internal supplements such as acidophilus bifidus in half a billion. She has also experienced vaginal itching. Susan doesn’t notice the problem as much, but thinks that it must be related to her arms. She switched her underwear to cotton instead of polyester and silk, went to an all natural laundry detergent, and has stayed away from any scented body washes and lotions.

Susan is in her early 60s, and went through menopause nearly ten years ago. She knows that it could not be an STD as she has not been sexually active since her divorce fifteen years ago. Susan wants to know if it could be candida, and what she should be doing to alleviate and heal her body.

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Vaginal Itching

Vaginal Itching is an important sign for yeast overgrowth. It could also signify an STD, bacterial, parasitic, or stress-related concerns such as GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder). If the skin is dry, this may signify psoriasis or eczema. Articles about vaginal itching and how to determine what the underlying cause may be are available.

Itching Arms

Itching is typically the sign of dry skin, especially in winter months where heaters are being used. However, when the itching is constant, around for periods longer than two weeks, and resistant to hydrating lotions and other treatments, an underlying health problem is likely.

Specific itching arms can be the result of several health conditions. If the itching continues for more than two weeks, is severe and disruptive to daily life or sleeping well, or is a symptom along with fatigue, urination or bowl changes, or a rapid change in weight, seeing a doctor is advisable to determine whether there might be a serious health concern.

Brachioradial Pruritus

One of the most common reason for itching arms is brachioradial pruritus (BP). Signs include severe itching, stinging, or burning. There is no rash or other visible evidence. The affected area is usually from the wrist up to the elbow, but the upper arms and shoulders are not uncommon. The cause of BP is unclear, however there are a few hypothesis.

BP may be from neuropathy: a collection of underlying health conditions that result in nerve problems. About one third of diagnosed neuropathies have unknown causes. When doctors cannot diagnose the conditions, they label the neuropathy as idiopathic. More recent evidence suggests that the impinged nerves are because of the cervical spine.

People who have continual and long-term exposure to the sun may develop an allergic reaction. People who have BP and live where drivers sit on the left side in the car have a higher percentage of their left arm being affected. The same is true for those who live in countries where the driver sits on the right side.

For BP treatment, ice packs tend to reduce the itching sensation. Topical capsaicin can relieve pain from neuropathy, while steroid cream may calm the itching and pain. Oatmeal, brewed black tea bags that are cooled, menthol, and antihistamine spray may also suppress the symptoms and promote healing.

External Causes

There are several external conditions that can cause itching. Psoriasis and eczema are not uncommon, and may link to candida. Chickenpox, shingles, hives, lice, and scabies are other possibilities. External skin conditions–particularly those caused by parasitic, viral, or bacterial infections–will often include blisters, small bumps, rashes, and leathery skin.

If there is a circular rash that is inflammed and red, this may be ringworm: a fungal infection that may signify candida overgrowth.

External allergic reactions from household products such as soap, cosmetics, cleaners, or laundry detergent may cause an allergic reaction. Natural allergic reactions, especially from wool or pets, are also possible.

Internal Causes

Itching skin can be a sign of celiac disease, thyroid concerns, iron deficiency, or liver disease. Drug reactions are also possible, and are often accompanied by scaly or thick skin, red spots over the body, and trouble breathing.

One sign of leaky gut and parasites is itching on the body. Both leaky gut and parasitic infections have similar symptoms of candida. A candida cleanse can support healing for these conditions as well, though some diet restrictions and recommendations can differ. Articles on leaky gut and parasites are available to learn more.

A zinc deficiency can cause itching skin. This deficiency can also cause poor absorption of other nutrients, and provides an easier space for parasites, bacteria, and candida to overgrow in the intestinal lining.

Candida and Itching Skin

Candida lives on the skin as well as in the body, and both areas are prone to overgrowth and infection. Cutaneous candidiasis, or candidiasis of the skin, occurs when the fungi multiplies beyond a healthy level. An important sign of cutaneous candidiasis is an inflamed red and itching rash on the skin, usually in folds of the skin.

Anti-fungal creams and powders can alleviate and heal affected parts of the body, however if the infection reoccurs, consider what might be causing the infections. Good hygiene is important to preventing candidiasis of the skin. This includes drying the skin thoroughly after showering, swimming, sweating, or anytime the skin becomes moist. Candida thrives in damp and dark areas. Warm weather, especially for those who sweat, provides an ideal environment for candida to rapidly reproduce. Tight clothing and irregular changes of undergarments are other considerations.

Internally, a weakened immune system has trouble naturally destroying excessive candida. Antibiotics can also weaken the immune system, as these medications destroy both good and bad bacteria. If on an antibiotic, feeling ill, overcoming a sickness, or simply desiring to improve health, an advanced and gentle probiotic such as Canxida Restore is important to take to restore balance in the gut for healthy digestion, immune support, and overall wellbeing.

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Remedies and Prevention

No matter how much the skin itches, avoid excessive scratching. Thick skin that has had repeated rubbing and scratching can develop into lichen simplex chronicus (LSC). LSC forms from continued physical injury, including excessive scratching and rubbing of the skin. The itching will only worsen with LSC. Common factors that lead to LSC may be as simple as bug bites and dry skin, or the result of poor circulation, scars, eczema and psoriasis, or anxiety and nervous tension that irritate the skin.

Ice packs and external creams may help for some causes, but many people find that these are only temporary solutions. Natural and comprehensive topical creams are difficult to find, especially if the cause is unknown. Canxida Cream is an example of a gentle solution for a wide variety of skin conditions. Aloe Vera gel soothes and heals irritated skin, while apricot kernel oil is an antioxidant that supports hydration. Olive, oregano, and tea tree leaf oils fight bacterial, parasitic, and fungal infections.

If the cause of itching may be internal, changing to a candida cleanse diet supports those with multiple conditions outside of candida, such as leaky gut or parasitic infections. Regular exercise, good hygiene, and a healthy environment that includes periods of relaxation are important to maintain a healthy body.