Brachioradial pruritus (BRP)

Brachioradial pruritus (BRP) has characteristic symptoms described by patients as itching with special characteristics such as tingling, burning and stinging. The characteristic locations are the dorsal aspects of the forearms and lateral aspects of the upper arms. There are few physical findings, and histological changes are sparse."

Source : Acta dermato-venereologica,Vol 91, Issue 2

The painful and troubling condition is becoming more common - affecting fair-skinned middle-aged people in sunny climates who participate in outdoor sports such as golf, tennis, sailing &etc.

The cause is currently unknown. There's no treatment other than the use of UV protection creams which can help to prevent further episodes.

It's currently thought-of as a neurological condition rather than via skin damage. There is no associated histamine reaction as in other sun-induced skin problems.

There is some evidence that it may be associated with underlying disease(s) of the nerves in the neck.

We conclude that sun exposure is an important aetiological factor for the majority of patients with BRP who live in temperate climates, but that for a group of patients without seasonal variation of symptoms cervical spine pathology may be the cause of symptoms. Sun protection reduces the symptoms of BRP, in particular in patients with seasonal symptoms."

[source as above]