Hello! Welcome to HealthcareMagic! Irritation in forearm may occur either due to- 1. Brachioradial Pruritus: Brachioradial pruritus can make you feel itchy, tingling or stinging or a changed sensation on the skin of either or both armsor forearm. Brachioradial pruritus develops due to damage to nerves in the cervical spine (neck). This may be caused by: a) Cervical spine tumors b) Cervical rib c) Compression of the nerves d) Cervical vertebral osteoarthritis e) Other spinal cord conditions. Continuous pressure on the spinal neurons conveying itch impulses can activate sensitization processes. When nerves transmitting light touch and pinprick sensations are over-stimulated, the patient may develop sensitive or sore skin, with intense responses to touch and pain (conditions known respectively as hyperesthesia and hyperalgesia). Brachioradial pruritus will typically affect one particular area of the skin (a dermatome), but may spread to other regions. The condition is more common in sunnier climates, as prolonged exposure to sunlight may harm nerve fibers in the skin. Brachioradial pruritus is usually diagnosed by taking a biopsy of a small piece of skin. This is then examined under a microscope, and doctors may see reduced skin tissue (skin atrophy) and damaged nerves. 2. Other Causes: a) Eczema- is a long-term non-infectious condition resulting in itchy inflamed skin, which gets worse at night. Eczema can develop anywhere, but is most frequent behind the knees and on the arms. It appears as red, dry and cracked patches, and you may see fluid-filled bumps on the skin. b) Lichen planus -is a chronic non-infectious inflammatory skin ailment. Patients usually get itchy forearms and inner wrists. There may be groups of lesions that are purple-colored, flat, have defined borders, and are covered with white lines, known as Wickham striae. The skin may look shiny and become scaly. c) Contact dermatitis- is a common skin condition caused by contact with irritants or allergens. It appears as an itchy rash, and you may also experience blisters, red bumps, thick scaly skin, and soreness in the affected region. d) Ringworm infection- appears as a circular itchy rash that is inflamed and reddened at the borders and normal skin-colored in the center. The rash is usually raised, and you may experience sores and blisters. Ringworm infection is very contagious. Hives is a common non-infectious condition with a welt-like rash, which may be extensive. The rash is red or pink, with raised itchy spots, and can last anything from a day up to 6 weeks. The itching can be intense, and occasionally patients experience burning or stinging. e) Certain drugs -may cause some people to develop itchy skin rashes, either as an allergic reaction to or as a side effect of the medicine. f) You may also notice red spots propagating all over the body, scaly or thick skin, and shortness of breath. Shingles affects previous sufferers of chickenpox, caused by the herpes zoster virus. When the virus becomes reactivated, patients feel tingling, pain and numbness. Above all may be the possible causes of irritation in forearm but exact causes can be diagnosed with proper investigation. Take care Regards, Akhilesh Kumar, Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist