Itchy scalp due to neuropathy

I'm a little late to the party, but wanted to share that I have had an "itchy" scalp for almost a year. I am a 76 year old female. After seeing a dermatologist twice about the itching I finally decided to see a chiropractor. He took an x-ray of my neck. Seems that I was born with two fused vertebrae. C2 and C3. His thoughts on all of it was that the fused vertebrae, coupled with the degenerative disc disease in my spine, arthritis, and the regular aging process is why the itching is happening. In short, it is a neuropathic itch. I haven't seen a neurologist yet, because I don't want to go the medication route. I was on propafenone and metoporol for four years and recently quit taking those drugs. Sometimes medication works, but I have found that they come with a lot of extra baggage attached...the side effects can be worse than the symptoms! I eat healthy, maintain a good weight, exercise (I could do more), and try my best to stay clear of inflammatory foods. I have found that making a cold pack and putting it on my head helps alleviate the itching. Let's all keep forging forward. I am grateful I discovered this group tonight.

My adult son has a severe scalp itch that has led to bleeding lesions from scratching. He had spinal surgery almost 15 years ago to add rods and screws to support his spinal column, and a cage to protect his spinal cord in the front. The original issue was a large tumor that was growing between his spine and his esophagus.
Approx 2 years ago, the scalp itch developed, and has gotten worse over time. We have seen numerous doctors, including dermatologists and pain specialists. Finally, a second dermatologist suggested that the problem may be due to nerve damage caused by a buildup of scar tissue from the previous surgeries. My son has also had CyberKnife radiation in the region as a precaution. This has caused bloodflow issues with his carotid artery, leading to the use of Plavix to relieve vision issues caused by decreased bloodflow. I realize that these are seperate issues, but in the same region. I am looking for suggestions as to what to do next. Thank you.

I have neuropathic itching started in scalp and is now all over my body 24-7 since January 2025. I had Covid that caused viral encephalitis in hospital x 30 days had seizure when admitted to hospital and damaged my right cognitive brain damage. Benadryl helps with some of the itching but still there and now have a dry mouth and lips from that. I was given nalprexone low doss. Was given by skin group but he refuses to prescribe again. Cerave itch cream very little relief. Please help!

Try over the counter sensitive Sarna lotion & Vanicream lotion; they both work for me. Hope these are helpful to you.

With the itching, dry mouth do you have dry eyes ? If so ask about Sjögren’s syndrome

I will and thank you 🙏

I don’t have dry eyes and I think the dry mouth is from Benadryl.

@johnbishop

Hey John. I’ve been suffering from what started about 1 1/2 years ago as “just” chronic scalp itching. Now I get it elsewhere as well, including my ears, back of my neck, my back, on my lower middle chest and a bit on my arms and legs.

I’ve seen two dermatologists several times and even had biopsies with no definitive diagnosis. Out of desperation I’ve made an appointment with neurology for June.

I have two conditions that might be causing neuropathic itch. First, I have a severe stenosis at C5/C6 plus Kaiphosis, Scoliosis, bilateral sciatica advanced degenerative disk disease, mostly to my lumbar spine.

I also have chronic intestinal problems, following right hemicolectomy surgery in 2022. While I don’t have an official diagnosis I’m being treated with Cholestyramine for bile acid problems, which can cause chronic itching as well.

I’m hoping that neurology has ways to block the guilty nerve(s) or prescribe medication to help.

Hello @absoloodle, Welcome to Connect. It sounds like you have a lot going on but the chronic scalp itching is the worst of your symptoms to manage. Hoping you get some answers in your upcoming neurology appointment. I also have degenerative disk disease along with kaiphosis (undiagnosed) but don't really have the itching as bad as you.

You might want to take a look at the following discussion:
-- Neuropathic itch anyone?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/neuropathic-itch-anyone/

Here's a research article that might be helpful for preparing some questions for your upcoming appointment with neurology.
-- Neuropathic Itch: Routes to Clinical Diagnosis
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7959783/
Do you have any pain symptoms along with the itching?

I had shingles on my scalp, forehead and eye almost 5 years ago and have had Post Herpetic neuralgia and Itch ever since. I have had acupuncture, nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulator, lidocaine injections, ga.ma knife radiation and nothing worked. I am on Lyrica, amitriptylin, Hydroxelene and Gabapentin and I still itch so bad I scratch until I bleed.
Any other suggestions??