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What do you do for Neuropathy itch?

Skin Health | Last Active: Oct 22 1:02pm | Replies (314)

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@jesfactsmon

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

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Replies to "Hi @bjbednarz , as Chris @artscaping points out, people suffering from neuropathic itch have tried all..."

@jesfactsmon Oh my goodness. Linda has also been in itch anguish, complete with sobs and screams. Jay saw this and was also shocked. He lay me down on the cool tile floor and began just to rub my body all over. He is not a therapist and yet somehow all of a sudden he had the "gift". Once it was released I fell into bed...with an extra dose of my nighttime medical cannabis. The inside pain is just excruciating. Has she had another incident? If not, how have you prevented it? Does the toothbrush work for inside pain? I can't seem to make it work for me.
Thanks for participating in this amazingly horrible affliction. Let's see what else we can find that has potential.
May you be safe and protected.
Chris