What do you do for Neuropathy itch?

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.

@tonyrrt

Hi There, not sure I'm in the right group, but I have some symptoms that I cannot seem to get any real answers for so thought I'd start here. Since Feb 2019 I've had these symptoms:
- Cigar smell that I and others can smell coming from my mouth(not a smoker)
- Itching and tingling when pressure is applied anywhere on my body.
- Pain on both arms bi-laterally below shoulders
- Arms feel tired
- Horrible burning in center of chest
- Occasional dizziness and shortness of breath
- When scratching or rubbing due to itching and/or tingling, the cigar smell seems to activate
- Back pain from shoulder to mid back on both sides
- dry mouth at times
- hoarseness
- sore throat
- often having to clear phlegm from my throat
One doctor thinks I have Acid Reflux and that explains the sore throat, hoarsness, phlegm, burning in chest and maybe cigar smell; but I can't find an answer for the other symptoms. Has anybody else had the tingling combined with tired arms, dizziness, tiredness and/or back and shoulder pain?

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Sounds like a silent heart attack (blockage) and sinus infection to me! I hope not but those all happened to me. Take care

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@ww2valentine

Hi Chris. The itching drives you crazy, I know. I had a diabetic neuropathy rash on my shins a couple of months ago. It was so itchy! The most effective home remedy I had was Vicks Vaporub, which helps some, but is ineffective against the rash. Finally I got an appointment with my doctor, and he prescribed a steroid cream by the name of Betaderm Cr (Betamethasone Val.) From the first use, this cream stopped the itch, and the rash disappeared quickly. I didn't want to use a steroid, but that cream was a lifesaver!

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@artscaping Hi Chris. I've been suffering from intolerable itch for a few years too. Diabetic neuropathy. I wanted to drop you a line in response to what @ww2valentine just posted to you because it triggered a memory for me. Whatever you do, don't try Vick's Vaporub vaginally! When I was a very young wife, and had no experience with yeast issues, I had no idea why I suddenly had an extreme case of vaginal itch. I didn't know what to do, and in desperation applied Vick's in the hope of relieving the intense itch. Wrong thing to do! The burning on that sensitive area of tissue was simply awful. I was finally forced to call a doctor for help, and learned all about female yeast infection. I realize that's not your problem, as such, but you have got the crazy-making symptom. I hope you'll find a solution soon. My best to you. Laurie

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It is real and it sucks. Before I knew what it was, some nights I had to get out of bed and run really hot shower water on my feet which seemed to settle it down. Here is what I do now: I apply lotion on my feet several times a day. I apply anti itch cream and cover with a large bandaid which helps a lot. I wear the bandaids 24-7 taking off only to shower if even then. The itching is flat out "maddening" but this strategy helps me manage "The Itch".

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Have you seen my post RE: Beta Alanine?? If you or anyone else here tries it, please let me know your results...Works like a dream for me and so easy to use...

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Hi Chris - I'm so sorry to hear that you too are suffering from the constant itch. I have autonomic neuropathy. One of the many symptoms I've been experiencing is that my trunk itches most all of the time, sometimes worse than others. Claritin is the one med that relieves some of the discomfort for me. (I tried Zyrtec too but the Claritin seemed to work better, at least for me.) Like Benadryl, it's used for allergies but it doesn't cause sleepiness.

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@arscaping I use a quarter teaspoon in about cup of warm (not hot) water. So far, works well after 3-4 years. But be careful. Turmeric is also a blood thinner. Old Karl

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Hello @runnergirl and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Thank you for sharing with our members what you have found to be helpful for you in dealing with your neuropathy itch.

How long have you dealt with your trunk itching?

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Hi @amandajro - Thanks so much for connecting. It's been about a year or so, progressively getting worse but controlled with the Claritin. My initial SFN symptoms started in my feet back in 2007. All of these random symptoms have gotten worse over the years, with an actual diagnosis in 2018 and finally just last year, 2020 it was defined as autonomic neuropathy. (13 years and 10 neurologists later.) I don't have many of the typical symptoms, but definitely numbness, tingling, and can no longer run. It's been devastating - I used to be a serious marathon runner. It's just heartbreaking. I was searching online for "athletes with small fiber neuropathy support groups" and this group came up on Google. I was wondering if there are any other athletes out there who are dealing with this condition too and can no longer participate in the sports they once loved. It's comforting being with others who can empathize. Thanks again, Amanda.

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@runnergirl I fully understand your handle now. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your running, I imagine that has been extremely difficult. I might recommend joining this discussion where you can (re)introduce yourself and share your love of running marathons to connect with others with similar losses and feelings.

-Member Neuropathy Journey Stories: What's Yours?:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/member-neuoropathy-journey-stories-whats-yours/
Again, welcome. I'm glad you found Connect!

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@runnergirl

Hi @amandajro - Thanks so much for connecting. It's been about a year or so, progressively getting worse but controlled with the Claritin. My initial SFN symptoms started in my feet back in 2007. All of these random symptoms have gotten worse over the years, with an actual diagnosis in 2018 and finally just last year, 2020 it was defined as autonomic neuropathy. (13 years and 10 neurologists later.) I don't have many of the typical symptoms, but definitely numbness, tingling, and can no longer run. It's been devastating - I used to be a serious marathon runner. It's just heartbreaking. I was searching online for "athletes with small fiber neuropathy support groups" and this group came up on Google. I was wondering if there are any other athletes out there who are dealing with this condition too and can no longer participate in the sports they once loved. It's comforting being with others who can empathize. Thanks again, Amanda.

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I have replaced vigorous HIIt with a stationary bike . Totally boring, but good for cardio and and good sweat. We need both each day and time or distance challenges.

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