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!

Background: Age 66, Lipitor for 25 years (advised better to take small dose than not...for insurance). Also, Losartan, ADD, Clonazepam as needed, Testosterone, Estradiol, Finasteride, Minoxidil, and others, including OTC various supplements, pain relievers, PPI (Prilosec), Antacids, MTC Oil, Green Drink Supplements loaded with polyphenols etc. etc. including alcohol consumption (mostly wine, beer, tequila), one of them daily for last 10+ years (functional alcoholic). Had slight Osteoarthritis (autoimmune disease). not Diabetic according to tests.

Noticed Stage 2 CKD, monitored every 3 mos, watched while it got worse. Doc says OK. eGFR 59, 56, 54, 47!, 53.

Right foot began to tingle a few years ago. Was told by Podiatrist: not Morton's Neuroma, just a callous, shaved it down. no change. Year later: my PCP referred me to Neurologist. Said callous was just a wart(!) Did motor nerve conduction test...all OK, said it was PN. Prescribed Gabapentin (1200mg/day), sent me to Rheumatologist who prescribed Hydroxychloroquine 200 2 X/day, Meloxicam 25mg (strong NSAID). Meloxicam produced low kidney eGFR of 47. Yikes!

After going on Gabapentin for 10 mos, PN careened out of control to both legs, feet and hands. Freaked out. Dove into PN research (medical journals, YouTube, Neuropathy Specialists, anything "Neuropathy online . Engaged a Functional Doctor/Nutritionist. Blood test noted extreme inflammation. He prescribed extreme lifestyle and diet change to Paleo/Keto w/Intermittent Fasting with only Whole Foods (no preservatives... Difficult but have no choice). Eliminate Statins, Gabapentin, ADD meds, Clonazepam, OTC meds, continued supplements. Introduced a vitamin/herbal 3 month "cleanse", indicating it + diet changes was only way to see what's causing the inflammation, which is contributing to the NP.

Also Neurologist introduced electro-stim therapy to my legs & Feet 2
x per week - 24 sessions..

3 months into all of the changes above, I've lost 20 lbs, down to high school weight now. PN is localized mostly to bottom of feet (not hands, legs etc). Incremental improvement every week.

EXCEPT: Kidney still concerning - working with Nephrologist who said, stop all meds, OTC, and supplements that I can.

Now to your question: YES - I have skin itching (no rash, just needle pricks, and skin crawling, mostly in the evening and before bed. In the morning, all is fine (except numb tops and bottoms of feet.

Conclusion at this point: Alcohol triggered the PN. OTC meds contributed. High sugar, carb, chocolate diet, especially at night with alcohol, triggered onset of PN. Long term use of Prescription meds known to have PN as side effect laid the ground work for PN. Itching is most-likely caused by CKD as it is a known symptom. (Body not filtering properly, impurities (ureic acid, protein, etc) uses the skin "organ" in attempt to excrete impurities)

Apologies for long answer, but this autoimmune disease is very common, an can be caused be many things, The MD community will only treat symptoms. I've found it necessary to develop my own team and research, and use them all to move to a better state.

I will be introducing LLLT (Red light therapy) soon, due to positive scientific studies showing efficacy in controlling/reducing/eliminating PN.

Good evening @risebud and others who are discussing "neuropathic itch". My entire life for the last three years has revolved around the "itch". Thank goodness it is gone now thanks to twice-a-month injections of Dupixent. Previously I was struggling with itches and rashes from the atopic dermatitis initiated by face creams, shampoos, and even organic fumes. Even an Rx of Neosporin created a face rash. Let me start with the atopic dermatitis. That itch was always on the outside of my body, especially my arms, legs, and scalp. With my dermatologist, we tried many topicals and internals. I got new bedding, new clothes, and new towels, to go with new shampoo, new body and laundry soap.

I will attach some images so you can see what I am talking about. My face was very scary if I used sun tan lotions and other medications like Neosporin. So eventually, I truly thought I was free of exterior itching.

Then, I began having more itching within a couple of years of dealing with SFN, (small fiber neuropathy). There was no way to escape.....although I gave it a try. Scratching didn't help because the origin was interior. However, I still scratched the outside of my body and I spent one Christmas Eve in agony in the ER. My dermatologist even interrupted her vacation to direct available medical attention to help me another time. The interior itch also made me sick to my stomach and I would pass out. At times I just wanted to check out.

So.....there is a solution and you can check it out at http://www.dupixent.com. Don't hesitate to ask questions. I will help as much as is possible because I am not a medical practitioner. I shudder at the thought that you may be enduring a Neuropathic itch when there just might be a "cure".

May you be free of suffering and the cause of suffering.
Chris

Since August 13, 2022, I have been free of the neuropathic itch thanks to Dupixent.

Wow I’m so sorry you had to go through all that pain.
Thank you for all that information.
My problem is I don’t have any rash or dry skin it all seems to be invisible.
Dermatologist has told me it’s not psoriasis or any other skin condition.
I’m at a complete loss as to what’s causing the scalp and body itching.
No kidney or liver problems either.
Good luck in your continued healing.

i don't want to scare or alarm you. but i've read a couple articles sometime back. saying that type of itching might be from your liver. try Googling it. google the itching symptoms and about the liver. good luck, d