Answer Summary

Members shared widespread experiences of intense itching and rashes while taking methotrexate, describing symptoms ranging from red itchy... Read more

Members shared widespread experiences of intense itching and rashes while taking methotrexate, describing symptoms ranging from red itchy patches on feet and ankles to severe full-body itching from head to toe, with many scratching until raw or bruised. Several members offered practical relief strategies including Benadryl, antihistamines like Allegra and Pepcid, prescription steroid or betamethasone cream, calamine lotion, hydroxyzine for nighttime relief, and homemade aloe vera treatments applied directly to skin and scalp. A recurring theme was the difficult decision many faced between continuing a medication that effectively controlled their RA pain versus stopping due to intolerable side effects, with some members discontinuing methotrexate entirely due to persistent rashes, ulcers, hair loss, or more serious complications like pulmonary fibrosis.