What do you do for Neuropathy itch?

Posted by Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor @artscaping, Apr 27, 2020

Good morning everyone. I am desperately in need of help with what is called Neuropathy itch. I have SFN (small fiber neuropathy) and am a medical cannabis user for pain. I don't know what to use for this itching. It appears that it reaches through several skin layers. No matter how much you scratch you make it worse, not better. Once you start itching, it's over....your are stuck scratching.

Have you tried certain baths? Oatmeal? I have a steroid cream called Triamcinolone Acetonide. Not exactly a wonder drug. Is there a better one?

The itching results in a terrible level of anxiety. I try to run away from it and cannot. It reminds me of summer in Minnesota when the mosquitoes launch their attacks. I am female with "O" negative blood which they just devour.

Even if you have a solution for other than neuropathy, please share and I will happily do the research. The stress of isolated living and a form of depression that is about our global community also creeps in.

The only thing that works right now for food is gelato.......Salted caramel, if you please. I hope you are all well and blessed with good health today.
Chris

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Skin Health Support Group.

Hank | @jesfactsmon | Dec 17, 2020

In reply to @artscaping "Good evening @bjbednarz. Good for you. You tried something and analyzed the results. Unfortunately, you chose..." + (show)

@artscaping
Chris, I am so sorry to hear of your fear-induced itch attack. What a torment! I can't believe what you live with, I have tremendous sympathy for you. Also deep admiration for how much you help others on this site. You are valued!

I'd like to ask about something I just remembered. Didn't you mention a while back about a skin cancer that had shown up somewhere on your body? I remember this but do not remember hearing about any sort of outcome. I am wondering what the status or resolution of that is/was? Best to you, Hank

lorirenee1 | @lorirenee1 | Dec 17, 2020

In reply to @artscaping "Good evening @bjbednarz. Good for you. You tried something and analyzed the results. Unfortunately, you chose..." + (show)

@artscaping Hi Chris, Just so sorry that even fear creates your itch. Just God awful. Itch is pure pain when bad enough. At least I hope that your hip joints will do better now, and that your Jan. 3rd left thumb journey is a good one. I think you need a good hug, so I am giving you a giant one, right now. Can't catch Covid, either. You are so charming, and do so much for others. I want you to feel better. Itching is pure nightmare when severe. Love to you, Lori

Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Dec 17, 2020

In reply to @jesfactsmon "@artscaping Chris, I am so sorry to hear of your fear-induced itch attack. What a torment!..." + (show)

@jesfactmon, you remember the squamous cell surgery. Wow.....I have a hard time keeping all this medical stuff straight. Thank you for caring. It looks like the crunchy thing on my sternum has been removed successfully including the margins. Here's the deal....like others, the squamous cell is the type that spreads so I go back in January to make sure there are no other ones lurking. Of course, Miss Suspicious (me) is always looking for new areas to be concerned about. Wouldn't you know?

This is the same clinician who handles the "itch" and we hope to make some progress with that annoyance. In case you are interested here is another issue I noticed. During my "fear" exposure, I put compression sleeves on my arms and gloves on my hands. That does work well. So what do you think this sneaky itch did? Attacked my legs. That is what let me know it was stress or fear-related. I paid the price and ended up with areas of pooling blood that my MFR therapist worked on for me today.

It is amazing how we learn, isn't it? We can read posts on Connect and do our research and yet until it happens, we are pretty much in denial.

Nice to have you fill in the gaps for me. And your friend @lorirenee1. Now, SHE doesn't let me get away with anything. Have a wonderful day tomorrow and be kind to yourself.

Chris

sunnyflower | @sunnyflower | Dec 18, 2020

In reply to @artscaping "@jesfactmon, you remember the squamous cell surgery. Wow.....I have a hard time keeping all this medical..." + (show)

HI Chris, sorry I haven't been around in a while but wanted you to know your in my heart and thoughts/prayers and hope your itch problem/s are subsiding at all? I'm so sorry you've had this itch to add to your afflictions!!!! No fair!!!! Warmest regards, Sunnyflower

lorirenee1 | @lorirenee1 | Dec 18, 2020

In reply to @sunnyflower "HI Chris, sorry I haven't been around in a while but wanted you to know your..." + (show)

@artscaping, Hi Chris, I was just reading about severe burning sensations and itching sensations caused by stress. The article was mostly about severe burning, but also did mention itch as a severe stress reaction. It said that sometimes anti depressants can relieve the itch and burning a lot. The article made me think of you, and I am wondering if you have ever tried an anti depressant for itch. My love to you, LoriRenee1

Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Dec 18, 2020

In reply to @lorirenee1 "@artscaping, Hi Chris, I was just reading about severe burning sensations and itching sensations caused by..." + (show)

Good afternoon my friend. Thanks for your care and concern. I am grateful that you are forwarding items about my itch mess. And it is a mess. I have only had this for about 9 mos. April 27, 2020, was my first post. Do you think it could be COVID stress?

Last year I tapered off "nortriptyline" and on to "duloxetine". Both are somewhat anti-depressants......wonder if the change in medications is a possible culprit?

Gathering reliable information about our friend "neuropathy" is like the proverbial needle in a haystack............

May you have peace and ease, today.
Chris

sunnyflower | @sunnyflower | Dec 18, 2020

Hey Chris, sometimes itch can be from liver toxicity. Changing meds, taking lots of meds, etc. You may want to ask your doc for a liver panel if you haven't already. Just brainstorming. Sorry if this has already been addressed. I 've missed a lot lately! Warmest wishes, Sunnyflower

Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Dec 18, 2020

In reply to @razzle50 "Chris I feel your itch and have been to many drs for this. Finally found one..." + (show)

@razzle50, Greetings and thank you. I have learned something new. I will investigate that further.

lorirenee1 | @lorirenee1 | Dec 19, 2020

In reply to @artscaping "Good afternoon my friend. Thanks for your care and concern. I am grateful that you are..." + (show)

@artscaping Hi again, Chris, Yes, finding answers is the needle in the haystack. About 35 years or so ago, I wound up at Mayo Clinic for an odd inablity to heal from strep throat. I started developing some odd sensations, which vanished on their own, in about 2 weeks. One lf my symptoms was severe itch. I do remember a doctor at Mayo saying clearly, "Sick people itch. That is all we really know." That comment stayed with me, throughout the years. I think there is somewhat better treatment now, but when it is utterly severe, they don't have answers. As I write, my butt is absolutely on fire. I am pretending to be on a hot water bottle, and sunning my butt. I try my damndest not to let the oddness of neuropathy overwhelm me. I now use a curable app to try to turn down my amplified pain system. We all here have a full time job in just managing our bodies, and getting through one day without being nuts. (And I was nuts before this all happened!) Again, virtual hugs to you. LoriRenee1

sunnyflower | @sunnyflower | Dec 19, 2020

HI Lori Renee and @artscaping, "Sick people itch"! I've never heard that and worked in health care 20+ years. I I were a provider, I would run a liver panel/profile to see what's going onw/ the liver b/c sometimes when it's toxic, patients will itch. Sorry you're hurting so bad Lori. Bummer. So sorry! Praying for relief for you both and many blessings, Sunnyflower

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