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Notolgia Paresthetica (itchy back)

Posted by itchy85 @itchy85, Nov 2, 2024

I've been suffering from this affliction for several weeks, and have tried all the recommended suggestions for relief, except to take gabapentin. Has anyone found that helpful, and at what dosage? I'm by myself, and am experiencing terrible itching across my back. It causes considerable anxiety and stress. Thanks for any info.

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itchy85 | @itchy85 | Dec 22, 2024
In reply to @fourof5zs "@itchy85 I have an applicator like this one (link at end of this writing) at Amazon..." + (show)
Profile picture for ZeeGee @fourof5zs

@itchy85

I have an applicator like this one (link at end of this writing) at Amazon to help me put lotions and medication on my back and legs .. I am not promoting this product .. just telling you there are contraptions out there to help us. They used to sell these at drug stores/pharmacies and stores such as Walmart. I believe medical supply stores sell such things. The way the world has gone you are more likely to find such things on the internet. There are different styles of applicators .. so look around.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098PM5TZK

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Thank you for this info. I have a similar device.

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aghost | @aghost | Dec 23, 2024
In reply to @fourof5zs "@itchy85 I have an applicator like this one (link at end of this writing) at Amazon..." + (show)
Profile picture for ZeeGee @fourof5zs

@itchy85

I have an applicator like this one (link at end of this writing) at Amazon to help me put lotions and medication on my back and legs .. I am not promoting this product .. just telling you there are contraptions out there to help us. They used to sell these at drug stores/pharmacies and stores such as Walmart. I believe medical supply stores sell such things. The way the world has gone you are more likely to find such things on the internet. There are different styles of applicators .. so look around.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098PM5TZK

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Thank you!!!! I ordered.

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backitch76 | @backitch76 | Oct 23, 2025

I have been experiencing constant, debilitating itching on my back since July, 2025. Today is October 22, 2025. 4 months of misery. My dermatologist says the only treatment is NOT TO SCRATCH OR RUB OR USE SOAP on my back. Tells me to shower with cool water, let water only run down my back. Air dry. (I use fan or blow dryer.) I go through a tub of CereVue Anti-Itch Lotion a week. The only time I get relief is with ice pack. I got two full-back size packs, but when they lose their cold, the itch comes right back. I cannot take Gabentin, as I take other pills for my heart and also anti-depressants. I am 76-years old, and my quality of life is terrible. I made appointment with an allergist, but my dermatologist says that if it were an allergy, it would be all over my body; not just my back. Makes sense. I am miserable. I know I have osteoarthritis which gets worse. Any suggestions?

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sstopalian | @sstopalian | Oct 23, 2025
In reply to @backitch76 "I have been experiencing constant, debilitating itching on my back since July, 2025. Today is October..." + (show)
Profile picture for backitch76 @backitch76

I have been experiencing constant, debilitating itching on my back since July, 2025. Today is October 22, 2025. 4 months of misery. My dermatologist says the only treatment is NOT TO SCRATCH OR RUB OR USE SOAP on my back. Tells me to shower with cool water, let water only run down my back. Air dry. (I use fan or blow dryer.) I go through a tub of CereVue Anti-Itch Lotion a week. The only time I get relief is with ice pack. I got two full-back size packs, but when they lose their cold, the itch comes right back. I cannot take Gabentin, as I take other pills for my heart and also anti-depressants. I am 76-years old, and my quality of life is terrible. I made appointment with an allergist, but my dermatologist says that if it were an allergy, it would be all over my body; not just my back. Makes sense. I am miserable. I know I have osteoarthritis which gets worse. Any suggestions?

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@backitch76 I have it too. This is not a skin problem. It is a problem related to the spine. Like a neuropathy. I have used a lidocaine spray or patch if you have help to put the patch on your back. (The spray and patch is what my dermatologist and physiatrist suggested.)>

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jeanned | @jeanned | Jan 27 5:12pm

I have had a cervical fusion and lumbar laminectomy which has caused my notalgia paresthetica to go into high gear. and after using menthol, camphor, lidoderm patches, steroids (which don't work) lidocaine and prilocaine cream, TENS, massage, ice and Gabapentin 400 mg. TID without much success I am stumped.
Has anyone tried Botox or cryolipolyis (like coolscultping)?
Any other ideas? I will try meditation next so I don't go completely crazy!

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kellar6533 | @kellar6533 | Jan 28 2:21am

@itchy85 Had this for many years recently had intrinsic factor tested and now dx woth PA (pernicious anemia). I get B12 shots now and the itching is almost completely gone.

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jeanned | @jeanned | Jan 28 5:55pm
In reply to @kellar6533 "@itchy85 Had this for many years recently had intrinsic factor tested and now dx woth PA..." + (show)
Profile picture for kellar6533 @kellar6533

@itchy85 Had this for many years recently had intrinsic factor tested and now dx woth PA (pernicious anemia). I get B12 shots now and the itching is almost completely gone.

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@kellar6533
Thanks. I will ask my internist re: this. My B12 level has been normal but didn't have the intrinsic factor done. Was your B12 level low?

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kellar6533 | @kellar6533 | Jan 28 11:01pm
In reply to @jeanned "@kellar6533 Thanks. I will ask my internist re: this. My B12 level has been normal but..." + (show)
Profile picture for jeanned @jeanned

@kellar6533
Thanks. I will ask my internist re: this. My B12 level has been normal but didn't have the intrinsic factor done. Was your B12 level low?

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@jeanned my b12 was high actually

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