Diclofenac topical and Itching: What Users Say

• use...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 7, 2013

Diclofenac topical for Pain "I use this gel for both a general-purpose anti-inflammatory and for tendinitis in my wrists. It works well with inflammation, and it works miracles on tendinitis. Within seconds of applying, I'm able to move my wrist with almost no pain. Causes skin irritation if used too often, however."

• joh...
• April 23, 2012

Diclofenac topical for Keratosis "Lesion on elbow, area of rough, scaly skin, itchy. Doctor didn't know what it was, but had lesion surgically removed. It returned even bigger, about 20mm in diameter. Saw specialist who did biopsy. Non-malignant. Treated with Solaraze. Lesion changed to open sore. Stopped treatment until sore healed. Used Paw Paw ointment to soften it. That worked. Resumed Solaraze. Other smaller lesions have appeared close by. Will see specialist soon for assessment."

• Liz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 16, 2021

Diclofenac topical for Osteoarthritis "I was given samples of this for arthritis pain in my foot due to a previous injury. I used just a little bit of it each day to make sure I wasn’t allergic. I thought after a few days it was safe, but then about 4 days later, I broke out in this horrible rash on my foot. It itches, burns, I can’t sleep at night, and it’s gone from red to purple and now swollen and red with some boils. If you have any allergies, please be careful with this medication. It’s been a week, and my foot is still awful looking."

• way...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 1, 2018

Diclofenac topical for Osteoarthritis "I am a type 2 diabetic for about 20 years now, and last year my one knee really got sore, and walking was tough. I used all kinds of pain creams on my knee, but nothing worked. I got a cortisone shot, and it worked for about a month, but it really elevates the blood sugars. Now I have been using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on my feet for a few years to get rid of the nerve pain because nothing else worked. So I shaved my knee and tried the DMSO, and like the foot pain, I find it gives me about 10 days of relief. My family doctor is not a fan of the cortisone shots and says the DMSO is safer. I am now trying DMSO mixed with some Voltaren. I leave it on for an hour, then wash the knee and apply aloe vera to reduce the itching from the Voltaren. The 50/50 mixture itches more than the DMSO. But I can walk without hobbling along like Chester."

• jac...
• May 7, 2018

Diclofenac topical "Dr. prescribed for tendon/muscle problems in my elbow. Had injections that helped but were extremely painful. Used Pennsaid for 10 days and pain was mostly gone. Then, elbow swollen, reddened, with blisters and itching. Stopped using Pennsaid. Two weeks later, swelling, redness, and most blisters were gone. Itching continues. Use caution with this product, obviously didn't work for me."

• Not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 21, 2017

Diclofenac topical for Pain "I used the gel once, as prescribed, and broke out in a rash all over my body. The rash is called erythema multiforme. I was covered in bright red, raised welts and hives for close to two weeks. The experience was itchy, uncomfortable, and overall unpleasant. My Dr. said to stop using the gel, but the most frustrating part was there was nothing anyone can do. It simply needed to 'run its course!' Use at your own risk!"

• new...
• January 22, 2020

Diclofenac topical "I did an MRI, and the doctor found out that I have mild tendinitis in my biceps. So, he prescribed me this medication, Pennsaid, to use twice a day. So, I used it for just one day because on the second day, my elbow and forearm were red, swollen, and burning. On the second day, it started to itch so badly. I would like to post the pictures of my arm, after 10 days, it is still itching, scabbing, and looks burned. Reading the other reviews here, I figured out how expensive it is, and it is prescribed for osteoarthritis. I am convinced that the doctor was negligent in prescribing me such strong medication that obviously was not indicated for my case."

• new...
• January 22, 2020

Diclofenac topical "I did an MRI, and the doctor found out that I have mild tendinitis in my biceps. So, he prescribed me this medication, Pennsaid, to use twice a day. So, I used it for just one day because on the second day, my elbow and forearm were red, swollen, and burning. On the second day, it started to itch so badly. I would like to post the pictures of my arm, after 10 days, it is still itching, scabbing, and looks burned. Reading the other reviews here, I figured out how expensive it is, and it is prescribed for osteoarthritis. I am convinced that the doctor was negligent in prescribing me such strong medication that obviously was not indicated for my case."

• MoB...
• November 10, 2017

Diclofenac topical for Pain "My pain management doctor prescribed this for hip bursitis. I have not experienced any pain relief from it at all. I’ve been using this topical gel for several months, and it was only until approximately four months later that I associated itching all over my body after I use the gel. I thought it was my imagination, but I have tested it out several times. I am not itchy in the area that I apply the gel, but it must get into your bloodstream, and I have several areas of my body that start itching at the same time. So, in addition to not feeling any pain relief, I am reacting with all-over body itching. I will now report this back to my doctor and hope to find pain relief for my hip."

• Poo...
• July 20, 2009

Diclofenac topical for Pain "Is expensive but takes the edge off. I use for L-spine DJD and combine with 300 mg Neurontin for best effect. Less problems with gastrointestinal upset without hassle of narcotics. Some skin irritation (ask for a sample if you have sensitive skin). Some trouble keeping in place."

• Nam...
• July 20, 2019

For Pain "After several days of using topical diclofenac, I got a skin rash between my legs and pelvic area. There was an itch, and the skin color changed even though I didn’t use it there. Apparently, it is some type of allergy."

• sjc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 24, 2018

For Pain "My doctor prescribed this med to relieve inflammation in my ankle and heal (Achilles tendonitis). After using it for less than a week, it caused a terrible red, burning, and itching rash that has not gone away for two weeks."

• Fra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2017

Diclofenac topical for Keratosis "Scalp soreness and itching (I am very thin on top). Solaraze worked very, very well for me."

• Car...
• November 3, 2019

Diclofenac topical for Osteoarthritis "Prescribed Pennsaid for knee pain/torn meniscus. Great for pain, but now have hot, itchy, red, and swollen skin in the area of application. Never will use this again. Be cautious!"

• Blu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2021

Diclofenac topical for Pain "This is what the VA is pushing for pain relief... does nothing! In fact, my leg swelled, reddened, and became itchy. Stopped using it."