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Neuropathic itch anyone?

Posted by sporty333 @sporty333, Jan 10 10:58am

Hi, I have this long standing itch that I’ve had for 28 years now. It’s all over and much worse in the very cold weather. I saw a dermatologist but she forwarded me on to a neurologist.

The only thing to date that helps me with the symptoms is a hot steamroom. It seems to settle down the itching for a while, till the next day when I need another one.

The only thing the neurologist could offer me is the drug gaba whatever it’s called.

Just wondering is anyone else out there has experienced symptoms like this. Has anything helped Ect?

I really don’t want to go down the drug route…

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Brain & Nervous System Support Group.

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jenatsky | @jenatsky | Jan 11 10:45am

As someone who suffers with nerve damage to my spine with OA and OP I feel your itch. Here’s some info to help you understand. Also, I’ve read and heard that shingles can cause this without a rash. Have you had a shingles vaccine? I know you said you’ve had this for 28 years.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6106783/

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jan 11 7:41pm

@sporty333, there are several discussions about neuropathic itch that you might find helpful like this one:
- What do you do for Neuropathy itch? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-do-you-do-for-neuropathy-itch/

See all https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/

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sporty333 | @sporty333 | Jan 12 1:31am
In reply to @jenatsky "As someone who suffers with nerve damage to my spine with OA and OP I feel..." + (show)
Profile picture for jenatsky @jenatsky

As someone who suffers with nerve damage to my spine with OA and OP I feel your itch. Here’s some info to help you understand. Also, I’ve read and heard that shingles can cause this without a rash. Have you had a shingles vaccine? I know you said you’ve had this for 28 years.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6106783/

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@jenatsky hi there,

Thanks for the response and the information. I guess it sounds like me! It’s something in that realm anyway. I have no signs of damage to my skin or any rashes or anything. The cold weather certainly makes it worse! I’m struggling right now.

As for shingles? I had that as a child/teenager. I remember that but nothing I’m aware of since. My itch came on when I crashed back in 1998…..diagnosed with M.E. It came on then but I have no idea what caused the itching!

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jenatsky | @jenatsky | Jan 12 7:10am

You might consider seeing an infectious disease doctor? You may have an allergy to an environmental factor.

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bodyscratch | @bodyscratch | 3 days ago

I find a scalding hot shower stops the itch, until the next day! Luckily you have a hot steam room to go to which is gentler on the skin.

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Nanniesue4 | @nanniesue4 | 2 days ago

I had it for 1 month it was exhausting couldn’t find the cause. It was just my back and the back of my head. It was worse at night. I don’t know how you put up with it for that long. Kudos to you your much stronger than I because I about lost my mind. Finally put Flonase spray on it and it would settle down.

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scotiagirl | @scotiagirl | 2 days ago

I've tried every ointment imaginable and the only thing that helps is Tiger Balm. It takes about 20 minutes to kick in and the effect lasts for about 3 to 4 hours. I think it works because it basically overwhelms the nerves, it short-circuits them.

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rockon79 | @rockon79 | 1 day ago

I have had a severe, at times unbearable itch on the front and back of both calves for about 15 years now, long before the major lumbar stenos pain exposed that and other spinal difficulties. The stenosis has been addressed by two, I hope, successful surgeries, the last being 7 months into a year of healing time, but that itching continues. During the milder months that itching is non-existing but when cold it inflicts me with such a vengeance and intensity that it defies any where near a proper description. I have suffered the unbearableness of severe untreated chronic pain, and it is difficult to equate that torture to anything else, but this itch comes close. Cortisone cream helps some what and Benadryl cream is much more effective, but only if used occasionally. The best remedy I have found is not to scratch when it starts, which takes discipline because even if my pant leg touches it it intensifies, but to scratch unleashes a deepening and never ending awfulness. I truly believe it is nerve related. In some ways that makes sense and in other it does not to me. I don't know much about this or if there is any effective treatments-any information would be appreciated, Thanks

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sporty333 | @sporty333 | 12 hours ago
In reply to @rockon79 "I have had a severe, at times unbearable itch on the front and back of both..." + (show)
Profile picture for rockon79 @rockon79

I have had a severe, at times unbearable itch on the front and back of both calves for about 15 years now, long before the major lumbar stenos pain exposed that and other spinal difficulties. The stenosis has been addressed by two, I hope, successful surgeries, the last being 7 months into a year of healing time, but that itching continues. During the milder months that itching is non-existing but when cold it inflicts me with such a vengeance and intensity that it defies any where near a proper description. I have suffered the unbearableness of severe untreated chronic pain, and it is difficult to equate that torture to anything else, but this itch comes close. Cortisone cream helps some what and Benadryl cream is much more effective, but only if used occasionally. The best remedy I have found is not to scratch when it starts, which takes discipline because even if my pant leg touches it it intensifies, but to scratch unleashes a deepening and never ending awfulness. I truly believe it is nerve related. In some ways that makes sense and in other it does not to me. I don't know much about this or if there is any effective treatments-any information would be appreciated, Thanks

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@rockon79 yeah but my itching is all over. A lot of you guys seem to have it localised. I’ve started a drug. Been on it 7 weeks but no change as yet. Still in hell 🤨

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dobie1947 | @dobie1947 | 8 hours ago
In reply to @rockon79 "I have had a severe, at times unbearable itch on the front and back of both..." + (show)
Profile picture for rockon79 @rockon79

I have had a severe, at times unbearable itch on the front and back of both calves for about 15 years now, long before the major lumbar stenos pain exposed that and other spinal difficulties. The stenosis has been addressed by two, I hope, successful surgeries, the last being 7 months into a year of healing time, but that itching continues. During the milder months that itching is non-existing but when cold it inflicts me with such a vengeance and intensity that it defies any where near a proper description. I have suffered the unbearableness of severe untreated chronic pain, and it is difficult to equate that torture to anything else, but this itch comes close. Cortisone cream helps some what and Benadryl cream is much more effective, but only if used occasionally. The best remedy I have found is not to scratch when it starts, which takes discipline because even if my pant leg touches it it intensifies, but to scratch unleashes a deepening and never ending awfulness. I truly believe it is nerve related. In some ways that makes sense and in other it does not to me. I don't know much about this or if there is any effective treatments-any information would be appreciated, Thanks

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@rockon79
I have an itch from the right side of my scalp to the bottom of my right eyelid.
I had they believe shingles of the cornea two years ago. I was given hydrocortizone in different strengths It basically bothers me at night and early morning. I am on a steroid for my scalp for two weeks. It helped a little. I am hoping it will go away with time. Nothing seems to help. Any suggestions

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