Can chronic itching be caused by Neuropathy

Sorry, already replied.

@bobcutter I too have PN mostly on my feet and lower legs. 2 years ago, my big toe started to itch badly but only when I touch it. Then, a year later, I have itching all over. Im going to the doctor to rule out Liver, kidney, lungs. Have you ruled these out?

I just found an article that directly links Small Fiber Neuropathy to itchiness!! So most likely our itchiness is due to the Peripheral neuropathy. Name of the article is Small Fiber Neuropathy at medlineplus.gov

Here is an article that states that Small Fiber Neuropathy might cause itchiness. And the itchiness gets worse at night. BINGO! I couldn't post the link because I am a new member. So here is the name of the article for you to Google. Small Fiber Neuropathy on Medlineplus.gov

I am shocked that any neurologist would not be aware of the itching symptom. Unless, in his experience, he never had a patient who had PN and itchiness.

Welcome @onlinescoop, I thought I would share a reference for you since new members to Connect are not allowed to post links for a short period of time to help keep spammers off of our community. This may not be the same article but I'm sure there is more than one if folks do a search.
-- Generalized chronic itch induced by small-fibre neuropathy: clinical profile and proposed diagnostic criteria: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31838774/

You are not alone with the symptoms. There are many discussions and comments from members on the topic of neuropathy and itching. Here's a link that lists the discussions and comments - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/?search=neuropathy%20and%20itching.

I have idiopathic small fiber neuropathy with only numbness and some tingling but no pain. I also experience itching skin but it's not constant for me. It's good that you are going to the doctor and asking more questions. Do you have a specific neuropathy diagnosis?

I self diagnosed with diabetic neuropathy [chest pain] though I may have others as I had tingling in my lower legs and issues in my lower legs due to CVI Chronic Venous Insufficiency. I had itching over my whole body which seemed to get worse later in the evening. During lumbar surgery recovery my hospitalist switched me from GabaPentin to PreGabalin aka Lyrica and since then the chest pain is gone and most of the itching has stopped. It may work for you if you can tolerate any side effects.

I have small fiber neuropathy and developed severe itching along my spine. I went to a dermatologist who said it was notalgia paresthetica, but I learned that many others with SFN also develop this itch. I use Sarna lotion (there is one with menthol and one for sensitive skin). It does help some. Others have suggested antihistamines which I normally take anyway in spring and fall, but oddly have not needed so much this year.

I had no idea of the itching being related to PN! Great to know; now I have something to ask my Neurologist.
Thanks.

@onlinescoop
Thank you I will check it out!

When I first got autonomic neuropathy about three years ago, my initial symptoms were that mushy feet feeling and extreme itching obviously it’s progress since then, but the itching has stopped. I don’t know if it’s due to the medication which I take which is gabapentin and pregabalin or it’s just due to the fact that with autonomic neuropathy, your symptoms seem to come and go as I said before it’s like having a person hold a voodoo doll and decide where to prick you at any given moment so my itching definitely subsided and I was on medication then actually not as much but it drove me crazy for weeks and then it simply went away and it hasn’t come back since and I have to admit that after 2 1/2 years going on three I can pretty much manage my symptoms which as I said before seem to come and go as they please so all I can say is maybe it’ll pass on that note. Have a nice day.

@slkanowitz
I agree with this person. Neuropathy certainly can cause itchiness. They even call it “neuropathic itch.”Your neurologist should know this. I suggest you find a new, experienced neurologist. When my itching starts I have to put on body lotion (fragrance free) right away when it starts. It usually subsides in a minute or two. If I don’t do it right away my itching can get severe and causes red areas under the skin which takes several days to clear up. Good luck.