What do you do for Neuropathy itch?

@user_che214927 Hi Barry, thank you so very much for the reference. I have heard of the book and will just order it. So far I have failed at not scratching. My sweet partner gently rubs (not scratches) my whole body until I stop agonizing. Then what? Currently, I am using Doxepin at bedtime and medical cannabis both tincture and topical to make it through the day. I am afraid not to treat even without current symptoms because I don't want to be caught in one of those vices of suffering.

May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris

Good Point about medical marijuana. I have also had allergic skin rashes even from very low doses and some CBD oils for anxiety. For itching, I recommend Clear Benadryl lotion, Clear Caladryl and Aveeno Eczema Oatmeal lotion really work topically. From Sam's club they carry a whipped Vit. E or Coconut lotion that has few additives and preservatives and works even on the eyelids. I take a cool shower, use a shea butter soap only and afterward use only lotion with NO preservatives. Raw shea butter comes in many forms online and is great after a hydrating wet down of the skin. Believe it or not water can be very drying to the skin, so always apply to skin when wet. Hang in there. Feeling the need to itch is exhausting!!
My dermatologist recommended methotrexate and folic acid for a few weeks, but this causes stiff tendons which can cause other problems, however it is working well. I can feel the pitch stopping from the inside which is a relief. Still have some surface itch, but manageable. So far so good.

@user_che214927. Good afternoon Barry. My book came today......so will be able to catch up with you a little bit.
Like you, I have been using the Doxepin at night and it has helped. You say your itching has almost vanished. That is good news. I am needing help in learning not to scratch. At this point, I am trying to you my mindfulness techniques to help my brain decide not to scratch. Baby steps at this point, but today I concentrated on stopping my brain from acknowledging an irritant during a Zoom meeting. It was somewhat successful so perhaps it is time to give directions to the itch.
How long have you been relatively itch free at this point?

I am still reading and learning. It does appear that the research industry has spent more time and money on other facets of Small Fiber Neuropathy like pain and those needle-like tingles instead of the "itch". I will keep waving the flag for the itch. At this point, there are a few diagnostic tools. It appears that there are several types of neuropathic itch and a need to develop testing and treatment modalities that word. I will keep waving the flag for the demise of the "itch".
May you be safe and protected.
Chris

Hi @artscaping Chris, I know you have had this discussion about itch going since April. I know you have probably tried everything by this point, including Aveeno anti itch cream. But it struck me tonight that my wife has been using that to very good effect recently. She has PN as well as fibro. In April '19 she started having severe itching. I think I told you about the sonicare toothbrush idea before. That helped her for quite a while, even up into this year. But after subsiding for a few months her itch came back in the last 2 weeks and it is very bad, what she refers to as the "deep itch" that is inside her foot not on the surface, so the sonicare is useless now. During the days she deals with the itch when it is active by doing her best to ignore it. She rarely scratches except VERY occasionally when she just can't keep from doing it at least somewhat. She only uses the Aveeno before going to bed (saving it for when it is the most important time) , and so far, this past couple weeks anyway, it has been calming the itch down so all she has to deal with in trying to get to sleep is the PN burning in her feet, but not the itch also. It has been a godsend for this alone. Just wanted to pass this on to you as it seems remarkable that this one thing seems to be working for her, at least for now. I, of course, have no idea why. Best, Hank

@hotfooted shared some information in a private message with me that may be useful for folks that have itching with their neuropathy and are taking gabapentin and magnesium. Excerpt from following page -- "Gabapentin works in the brain to prevent seizures and relieve pain for certain ... If you take an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium, wait at least 2 hours ... Call your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, trouble breathing, ..."
Gabapentin (Oral Route) Precautions - Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/gabapentin-oral-route/precautions/drg-20064011?p=1

From @hotfooted - "just saw my old post about the itching and why I stopped taking Gabapentin and Magnesium… I recently started taking Gabapentin again and the newest directions state Not to take them within 2 hours of each other.. I had forgotten the reason why I stopped taking Gabapentin previously and my doctor didn't have that bit of information either.. Now I take them at least 2 hours apart and am having no problem so far! Thought I should get that bit of information out there in case someone else is having the same problem…"

Great tip since a lot of folks with neuropathy take gabapentin.

@johnbishop. Thank you John for the information from @hotfooted. I am struggling with the neuropathic itch. Maybe I better take a look at gabapentin. Do you have any more information about the neuropathic pruritus? Thanks......

May you be content and at ease for this lovely event coming up. Congratulations and best wishes to your family.
Chris

Sorry I don’t have any other information. I was just wondering if taking another med or over the counter supplement with magnesium within 2 hours of the gabapentin may be a possible cause of the itch.

@johnbishop.......thanks John........I don't take magnesium and I only take gabapentin at night.....3 X 300. I would love to get off gabapentin because of the fuggy brain issues. Have a lovely weekend.
Chris

If you look at a message 2 or 3 months ago you will see the solution, I have used, as part of my Neuroplasticity practice. It disappeared totally after just 2 days totally resisting the urge to scratch. GONE, GONE, AND ONE MORE GONE , FOR LUCK. You don't want just relief, but banish the urge permanently. Good luck and best wishes from Australia.

Doc prescribed hydroxyzine for itching for that deep itching.