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What do you do for Neuropathy itch?

Skin Health | Last Active: Mar 6 10:24am | Replies (313)

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@bjbednarz

I've tried multiple anti-itch creams and lotions. I found online a nerve-itch cream. It didn't work either. Aspercreme with Lidocaine is the only thing that helps. It advertises that it calms inflamed nerve endings, and it does do just that. It just does not last very long.

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Replies to "I've tried multiple anti-itch creams and lotions. I found online a nerve-itch cream. It didn't work..."

Hi @bjbednarz , as Chris @artscaping points out, people suffering from neuropathic itch have tried all sorts of things to deal with it, and many develop their own regimen of what works for them. My wife (who has PN in her feet/ankles) is tormented from time to time by this very intense, excruciating itch that seems to come from inside of her feet, not the skin but actually inside, therefore scratching does nothing and topicals mostly do not help. The first time it happened it brought from her a cascade of desperate tears and sobs, even screams. I couldn't believe what I was watching, it was horrifying.

Of the topicals that she has tried the only one that has given SOME temporary relief is Aveeno Hydrocortisone Cream. But topicals have not been that helpful. But what has helped her a lot the past 18 months has been a vibrator applied to her feet when the itching is happening. She has two different vibrators, one being a hand held that has a deep vibration. The other is a sonicare toothbrush. I know it sounds weird, but it has been the most helpful of anything she has found overall. She does not use the bristle side but the back side of the brush against her feet. I already posted a detailed description of how she came to use it, linked here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-do-you-do-for-neuropathy-itch/?pg=2#comment-394931

Before you dismiss this idea out of hand as sounding too nutty, just think about it, especially if you happen to own a sonicare to test this out (she now has an extra one she keeps handy dedicated just for the itch). Before she tried it I was VERY skeptical, but somehow it worked. And still does, not always but I would say usually. And when it does work the itch will, more often than not, subside completely.

Best, Hank