Itchy scalp due to neuropathy

Hi @igl, The itch can definitely cause some consternation especially when it's the scalp. I have neuropathy but no pain so I'm not taking any medications for the neuropathy. I have sometimes had itchy scalp but also arms, legs and unmentionable areas also. For me I don't know whether or not it's due to my neuropathy. I have used anti-itch creams which have helped some but not really made it go away entirely.

Both @artscaping and @leeisme have started discussions mentioning itching and you may find them helpful.
--- The "itch".....An update about testing and treating.: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/the-itch-an-update-about-testing-and-treating/
--- Anybody else have these weird symptoms?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anybody-else-have-these-weird-symptoms/.

I don't think anyone but the neurologist knows what they would recommend after you meet with them. It would be great if PT might help though. While we wait for others to respond, I thought you might like to read this reference on neuropathy related to itchy scalp.

"Neurogenic causes of scalp dysesthesia occur with damage to the central or peripheral pathways of itch sensation, resulting in modification and heightened sensitivity of nerves that result in abnormal sensations in the absence of or out of proportion to external stimuli."
--- Scalp dysesthesia: a neuropathic phenomenon - PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35122352/

This brings back memories. Long before I developed neuropathy pain, and was diagnosed with SFN, I had itchy scalp. And also itching in one breast. So much effort was made to find the reasons for this itching - the things you mentioned. My scalp was completely clear, no redness or obvious irritation. Itch, itch, itch. Fast forward to the present, where I have been taking various seizure meds for neuropathy pain for at least six years. That took care of most of the itching. Itching is a common symptom of neuropathy. I would get to a neurologist, and see if you have other symptoms of neuropathy. Help is available!
My scalp is itching some as I type this!

Interesting. I have itchy scalp and I've also gone through the various types of remedies and finally gave up and decided it must be part of my general allergies. I never considered PN. OH well, just another symptom.

Have endured itching in various areas, including the scalp, for years with no definitive answers from any of my doctors. Convinced that most take on "Here's another hypochondriac, lucky me" attitude. NO, not imagining the itches, which can be very disturbing. Besides other medical problems, I have CNS disorders, which were evaluated and found negative to MS, Graves, etc. (thank God!) but itchy areas can ignite at any time, even while asleep and awakening me at night. My primary suggested that it is related to my fibromyalgia (have had that for over 30 yrs now). Along with it can occur a "traveling" sensation of the itch: jumping from one area to another, almost electrifying but wanes then ignites again. I bought a back scratcher and love it!! But only use it on areas of back that I cannot reach. I try imagery, attempting to diminish the itch but does not always work. Horrible when this happens in public! One day in a supermarket, I went behind a tall display so I could scratch my shoulders/neck...another time (pre Covid) the dressing room of a local store was my haven. I grabbed a couple of items to take into the dressing room that had no employee standing guard anyway.
Itch can appear anywhere on my body: face, scalp, neck, shoulders/arms, hands, torso etc all the way down to toes. Not present all the time, thank you God! I'm gluten-sensitive and follow a GF diet/lifestyle, but my husband isn't GF so our kitchen can have occasional cross-contamination (as careful as I am with having my own baking bowls, etc, even my own designated KA stand mixer). Toaster oven has designated side for GF, but hey, contamination can happen, so whenever it does, I can have a bout of itching as well as possible stomach/GI issues.
ICE helps, but not always practical or able to do so.
Just another "thing" to deal with. I don't angst anymore on the causes, I just try to not allow it to add to my anxiety and sense of being overwhelmed. More serious issues to contend with that need my attention since they affect my overall well-being and daily life.

I never connected a scalp itch problem I developed several months ago with arachnoiditis. It's helpful to know what the likely source of the itchiness may be, even if there is no solution for it.

I have PN along with Addison Disease. There is a particular place under my back shoulder that itches terribly. It feels like the itch is not skin but deep in muscle. I have a few back scratchers. Then I noticed my scalp itched and blamed it on products or poor rinsing. I am not worried about a cure but would like to know a reason.

Hello @sonjamcgee, Welcome to Connect. @margaret10 talked about Addison Disease in another discussion here https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/874358/ and may have some thoughts about the itching.

Have you mentioned it to your doctor or neurologist to see if they may have some thoughts?

I have the same problem but mostly in the middle back I use a potato masher to reach back there. I started taking omega 3 and 6 fish oil to lubricate joints and hope it helps with the dry skin and itching on other places.
I have a recurring pain on my right side below the rib cage. It feels like I am being squeezed to death. When that subsides then its very itchy. My legs get itchy as well I tried all kinds of cream to soothe the itch but nothing seems to work. I am now trying calamine lotion for poison ivy itch skin looks white and pasty after that application. I finally got assigned a doctor who is not interested in my request to be referred to a neurologist as I have had numbness, cold feet, electric shock and itching for almost a year now. I am however going to see an endocrinologist have seen a eurologist nothing wrong with my kidneys, pancreas or prostate. Had three CT scans, four xrays in different places, multiple blood work and now waiting for MRI and Brain scan with a colonoscopy to follow. I tell ya its been a major disappointment to find out that no one knows what to do with nerve damage and pain, some sites say damage can be fixes most say it can't. I am at a loss.

You could try a podiatrist for the numbness if it is in your feet. Has anyone performed the needle prick or tuning fork tests on your feet? If not, a podiatrist should be able to do these basic tests for peripheral neuropathy. If the tests are positive, that would provide an objective basis for referral to a neurologist for an EMG test. Neurologists are overwhelmed and primary doctors are therefore sometimes reluctant to make referrals without hard evidence. It can create a terrible situation for patients.

Me too!! So tried different shampoos… lately I’ve noticed itching on my cheeks. I thought I was just crazy. Thought maybe I had mosquito bites but haven’t seen any mosquitoes here now you’ve got me thinking it could be the darn neuropathy. The only thing neuropathy doesn’t seem to affect is my desire for sweet rolls!
Wishing you all peace and comfort, Bcool123