Connect
Chronic itchiness
Hello,
My mom has been having chronic body itching all over her body for about 2 years now. There are no rashes or bumps. We have consulted an allergist who said there are no allergy explanations. We have consulted a neurologist who simply said it’s “short fiber neuropathy”. We asked why and she said “sometimes we just don’t know”. Her nephrologist (who also ruled at uremic pruritus) said there is always a reason for something. Her neurologist isn’t really digging into it much, and just throws higher doses of gabapentin at us. Problem is: it doesn’t seem to be stopping the itching that well and is very sedating. My mom also has developed full body numbing and psychotic symptoms as well as feeling she’s been raped when she sleeps (no one is near her when she’s awake) and that something is cutting her. Is this really neuropathy? What else can be done to figure this out or at least stop the itchiness? What has worked for other people? I’m very concerned and saddened at how it causes my mom so much stress and that she struggles to wear any type of clothes (goes in a robe when appropriate). She also is very sensitive to smells which she wasn’t before.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.
Connect
I had similar bouts of that itching from hell prior to havibg lumbar surgery in December of 2021. It sort of coincided with the onset of peripheral neuropathy, tho I didn't connect the dots at the time. I never asked any medical personnel about it. I was taking GabaPentin [either 3 x 300 or 3 x 600mg daily] which was essentially useless. During surgical recovery my hospitalist [bless her heart] switched me over to PreGabalin. That fixed the pain in my left chest area and pretty much wiped out that infernal all body itching. For that reason I'll probably be on it for the rest of my days. Other than ED and some balance issues I don't suffer much in the way of side effects from it. There is some tiredness, but I'm not sure that I can ascribe that to the PreGabalin.
Maybe it will work for her. Currently I'm on 75mg 3X per day. Going to try 50mg at next refill.
Did the neurologist order any kind of imaging tests?
zachary 777, gabapentin can cause altered thinking in older adults. It can also cause numbness or increased numbness.
I'd want her to see a rheumatologist to rule out autoimmune conditions that can cause persistent itching. There may be a different type of medication that would help.
I'm glad you are looking out for your mom.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@zachary77
Itching so bad that I almost scratch off my skin is something that happens to me. It is especially bad on my ankles.
If I don’t start scratching it is usually “there” but quiet. However, if I feel the itchy starting, and I touch it, I can scratch forever.
I use a crème for eczema, and/or a lidocaine cream. The lidocaine is better because it calms and eases pain.
***I am concerned about her psychotic episodes… Please check with her doctor who prescribed her medication, or the pharmacy. That is not neuropathy causing her symptoms it sounds like a bad side effect from the drug!
That would be a high priority for me!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsDoes your mom have liver issues? HE, hepatic encephalopathy, and itching are both symptoms of cirrhosis. There is more information here
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cirrhosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351487
Hoping you get the answers you seek.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI have had itching for at least 10 years now, mainly my legs and middle of my back. I was told to try voltaren cream. It kind of worked but since then I have discovered and been using CeraVe itch relief cream (red and white jar not the lotion) it seems to help me pretty well. As for your Mom’s other symptoms I can only pray that she finds the cause and some relief. I also tried gabapentin and took myself off it after a week because I didn’t like the way it made me feel it might have something to do with her other symptoms