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Itchy scalp due to neuropathy

Posted by igl @igl, Jul 8, 2023

Does anyone else have a problem with itchy scalp due to neuropathy? I've been through the Dermatologist route, tried natural and medicated prescribed shampoos and lotions, had pruitis tests - not excema, psoriasis, etc., and antihistamines. Last Dermatologist finally asked if I had neck issues. Yes! I fell and hit the back of my head hard and I sit at a computer all day. Said that was the cause. Next stop, Ortho Dr. said neck stenosis, disk degeneration - do P.T. Going to give that another try. Everyone thinks I'm crazy when I tell them I have scalp itch due to neuropathy. Should I see a neurologist? Won't they just prescribe P.T.? Anybody else?

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huhwhat1117 | @huhwhat1117 | 5 days ago
In reply to @newtoni48 "I don't see why it couldn't be neuropathy related. Since you've exhausted other avenues, a neurologist..." + (show)
Profile picture for newtoni48 (Jim) @newtoni48

I don't see why it couldn't be neuropathy related. Since you've exhausted other avenues, a neurologist would be worth a shot.
My polyneuropathy mainly causes numbness below the knee and and electric pains in my feet. It is also accompanied by itching in my feet.
Have you tried topicals as others have suggested?
My foot itching responds well to topical lidocaine, or if milder, trolamine preparations like Aspercreme or Sarna.

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@newtoni48 I have been to neurologist and he recommended the Gamma knife. Also its hard to put creams and patches on my scalp because of hair..

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newtoni48 (Jim) | @newtoni48 | 4 days ago

There are many lidocaine sprays on Amazon by Aspercrene, Bactine and others. Some of the lesser known brands go up to 5% ( most are 4%).
I haven't tried those, but they claim to be dry and non-greasy. Search for "lidocaine spray" if you'd like to check them out.
They're not expensive and may be worth a try.
If it seems to help, docs can prescribe higher concentrations.

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kayejen | @kayejen | 4 days ago

I am one of those that have scalp itching. I have not mentioned that to my neurologist pain doctor yet, but I do intend to mention it to him on my next appointment. I also have burning in my eyes, and I do wear eye protection while on the computer. I have read up on "Eye burning" with neuropathy and it does say that neuropathy can and will cause eye burning. PN is such a stressful and very painful DISEASE.

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andrewsmom | @andrewsmom | 3 days ago

The neuropathic scalp itch is from gabapentin. I had surgery and was given a number of drugs and as soon as I had control over my medications I chose to slowly taper off all of them. Down to Tylenol and gabapentin. Followed instructions to taper slowly as it’s a nervous system drug and didn’t want the side effects. Then the intense scalp itching started .. I went to dermatologist; there were no signs of redness and the steroid medication made it worse. My surgeons nurse did not know that gabapentin did this. I googled does gabapentin taper have a side affect of intense scalp itching and it confirmed it. The taper to get off has to be really slow with lowest doses of this drug.
Once the itching subsides still give it a week or 2 before loosing the last small doses.
My drs. all did not know this ((there were 3 that I talked to.)
This intense itching was worse than the nerve pain. I hope this helps!

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