Can chronic itching be caused by Neuropathy

Hi Rosebud,
I never thought of my itchy scalp as having anything to do with my idiopathic neuropathy, until I read your comment! After a visit with the grandchildren, over Christmas, I was blaming them for what I thought was nits!!
No evidence whatsoever! My itch begins at the hairline at the back of my head, but often extends to all over my scalp- no dry skin, no sores, no change in shampoo- more annoying than anything else. I have not even mentioned this to doctor. I try to just not start the scratching!
My major 'infliction' from the neuropathy is my rapidly deteriorating loss of balance - which I am currently combating with a very simple set of exercises to work on 3 times a day, re-establishing my proprioceptors- only in week 1, but very hopeful!
Sorry, I cannot offer any solutions!

Thanks for the reply.
Yes mine started in exactly the same spot as yours at the back and now progressed to all over.
Good luck with your neuropathy exercises.

@risebud itching is absolutely a problem with neuropathy.
My scalp itches for days at a time, then nothing. My ankles itch, and various other places.
I can put anti-itch cream on my skin but not the scalp.

Thanks yes I’m surprised the neurologist didn’t think my itching was caused by neuropathy.
And that’s interesting about your ankles as one of mine itches from time to time.

Itching can certainly be from peripheral neuropathy but I have not heard of it affecting the scalp, just the areas where other symptoms are, like feet, legs, hands etc. It should respond to gabapentin or Lyrica. Another common cause of scalp itch is seborrheic dermatitis and itch may be the only symptom. It responds well to Neutrogena T-sal shampoo and may be worth a try. Put the shampoo on scalp first and leave it while you shower. Rinse hair last, so the anti inflammatory salicylate has longer contact with skin. Itching is common in autoimmune disorders, allergies and certain blood disorders so that might be considered and tested if itching is all over. Rx betamethasone solution is a potent topical steroid that is watery and can be applied to scalp. Your dr may be willing to let you try that, particularly if you have a dermatologist.

Thanks for the reply.
The Dermatologist has ruled out psoriasis as I have no dry scalp or rash whatsoever.
He has admitted he has no idea.
His only suggestion was take antidepressants and said then you won’t care about anything.
Not very professional I must admit.
I have had a lot of Allergy tests and nothing shows up there either.
I’m using tgel and other medicated shampoos but would like to get to the bottom of why I’m itching all over.
I’m not keen on taking medication as I feel it’s just a Band-Aid effect.
I’m back to neurologist next week for a nerve conduction test so hopefully he will come up with an answer this time.
Thank you much Appreciated.

Hi Rosebud @risebud, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @slkanowitz @SusanEllen66 @allwheeldrive and others. There is another discussion on neuropathy and itching that you might find helpful for other suggestions.
--- What do you do for Neuropathy itch?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-do-you-do-for-neuropathy-itch/

Hoping your neurologist appointment next week will give you some answers.

If you’re itching “all over” I would suggest getting tested for autoimmune disorders as they often coexist with PN. If the AI disorder exists and is treated it can help keep the PN from getting worse.

Definitely neuropathic. I’ve written elsewhere here that scalp itch was a problem for me long before I was diagnosed with SFN. Also deep inside my right breast. Both generated lots of expensive treatments, which didn’t help at all. It’s neuropathic, and still occurs frequently, but I just scratch the itch, then don’t give it any more thought.
As for your neurologist , that’s a real red flag. I definitely would not want him along in my neuropathy journey!

I've had back itching for years. I use Sarna cream to alleviate the itching...works wonders! Biopsy of back area was taken years ago and showed nothing. Keep your itchy area really clean by using a bath or shower brush with soap. Washcloth use was no help. Also try Zyrtec daily and you will get some relief.