For me, neuropathic itching has been a strange symptom of MS
The odd sensation seems to occur randomly and suddenly
One of my more unusual symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) is itching that is unrelated to skin irritation. It occurs randomly, maybe once or twice a month, and lasts about 30-60 minutes. I have only experienced this symptom in my upper extremities, such as on a finger, thumb, or the underside of my wrist, and it always happens on just one side. Also interesting is that scratching does not help to lessen the sensation.
The first time I experienced the itching, I didn’t know it was related to my MS. I assumed I had come into contact with something I was allergic to or had been bitten or stung by an insect. After applying an anti-itch cream to the affected area, the itching resolved, so I assumed the medication worked.
When it happened again, I thought it was really odd, as the skin in the affected area looked perfectly normal and intact. It wasn’t red, swollen, or hot to the touch, and there were no bumps or rash. At this point, I thought it might be due to my MS, and after a quick internet search, I found out that itching can indeed be a symptom of the condition.
Neuropathic symptoms of MS
Itching, also known as pruritus, is usually caused by direct skin irritation. But some people with MS may experience neuropathic itching caused by nerve damage in the brain and spinal cord. This means the itchiness originates from misfiring nerves rather than an external irritant.
In MS, episodes of neuropathic itching tend to come on abruptly and can last for seconds or minutes at a time. The sensation can occur anywhere on the body, and it may affect both sides of the body symmetrically or be limited to one specific area. It may be accompanied by other abnormal nerve sensations, such as burning, tingling, or a “pins and needles” feeling. MS itching is usually not associated with a rash, although excessive scratching can cause skin redness. Heat can also trigger or worsen the itching.
My experiences with MS-related itching are infrequent, mild, and of short duration. I haven’t noticed that it worsens when I am out in the heat, and it doesn’t occur in combination with other abnormal sensations for me. If the itching is more severe, it can interfere with quality of life and sleep. I don’t plan to seek help at this time, given my mild severity, but if it worsens, I plan to discuss it with an MS healthcare specialist.
Originally, I thought the anti-itch cream had worked, but in hindsight, I think the itching had just run its course and resolved on its own. Because neuropathic itching is not caused by a skin irritant, topical creams and scratching generally do not provide relief and may make it worse. If the symptom is triggered by heat exposure, cooling down or using cool compresses may help. Medications may be needed for more severe cases. Some treatments used to relieve other neuropathic sensations or pain can also help with this type of itching.
Living with MS means dealing with a variety of unexpected symptoms, and for me, itching has been one of the stranger ones. Even though my symptoms are mild and manageable, it’s reassuring to me that there are strategies and treatments available if the itching ever gets worse.
Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.
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Donna Gibson
I have itching on my knee caps. Sometimes I will scratch so hard that it will break the skin. I didn't know that it could be something thst happens with MS, I though it was just me. At my next appointment I will tell my health care Doctor because its driving me nuts. It's just one spot and yes it will last upto a half hr or so and it could be 8 to 10 times a month. I really got holes in my jeans where the itching is . Thanks at least now I know its related to MS.
Libbie Frank
I have the exact same thing, mostly on my left leg and also short-lived. sometimes I end up scratching it until it bleeds without noticing, usually at night.
Thanks, as I'm sure it's something that a lot of people haven't heard of.
Elizabeth Baran
I have the the itching also! I have at least 5 bottles of cream on the bathroom counter and I can go through all of them trying to stop the
The itching. One will work for a little bit and then it is on to the next one. I have than some itching liquid that is used for poison ivy does help a little. It is hard trying to fall asleep too
It makes me feel somewhat better that someone else has the same thing with the MS
Julie Covey
Recently, Ive been having it every few days, always on one side, in different places. Today I got it on one forearm when I was out shopping. I could not stop scratching it and since I am older, my skin is thin. Not a pretty sight.
Thanks for addressing this issue.
Angela Arnold
I had an itching episode when I was about 12 that lasted several days. No visible outward signs, just maddening itching on both arms and legs that could not be relieved by oatmeal baths, hydrocortisone creams… nothing helped. I remember rocking myself back and forth in the bed, because I couldn’t sleep. My mom told me to “stop scratching,” but would not take me to the doctor because she was divorced and had no insurance. The symptoms mysteriously went away. Fast forward many many years and an eventual MS diagnosis, and I now believe those were early MS signs.
I also have had restless legs since babyhood. I remembering being about 8 and trying to explain how it felt to my mother, saying out of desperation “my legs won’t let me sleep.” Her response? “I think you’re crazy.” I’ve never forgotten that.
I get occasional itchiness, and random sensations and tingling. And still have restless legs. Nightly gabapentin, for me, shuts that all down. For that I am immensely grateful.
Charlene Burgett
I get neuropathic itching as well. Usually, it is my upper arms and upper back around my neck. I saw a dermatologist, and she said it was psychosomatic. It is not. Discovered that I get Brachioradial Pruritus due to nerve issues...my MS. My problem is that I scratch and scratch until I bleed.
PRISCILLA EARHART
TRY BYOND BELIEF, https://www.facebook.com/ByondBeleaf/ from Selmer TN.
I have tried the creams, and the results of the pain/tingling has been wonderful!!
It helps the itching too!! Her story is AMAZING as she has helped her daughter LIVE with cancer-now cancer FREE!!!
I have had MS since 2005, and this is the best ointment I have used ever!!!
The miracle rub helps ME more for muscles and the triple threat ointment help more for nerves and muscles.
I do/and will use/try more products soon!!!!!
Trying one thing at a time to make sure I know what is working or not!!
Carolyn Pugh
I itch every day over most of my body…. my head and back are the worst. I actually have been itching for years prior to MS dx this past spring….I had brought this up to my doctors several times over the years and honestly don’t think the thought of neuropathic itch was on the radar screen. Since my dx I have been able to “link” many random symptoms.
Tom A
I experience what I believe is MS itching, but perhaps a little differently? Dr. Google goes into how the itch and scratch is a stimulus and response. The latter beginning as a reflex. Well, since my first episodes of spasticity 35 years ago, the reflexes at my knees have been amplified according to Dr.. Same now with anything touching the large toe, leading to clonus and a very sore toe. Noise can get it started, or any touch to the leg,…snug socks too. I wear diabetic socks and take them off when I want to nap. So when I want to nap, often I get itching sensations near something that is touching the face. This might also trigger an itch and scratch in the scalp somewhere. Depends on the material touching the face. It is normal, but seems to happen more frequently now; it is amplified. The same happens when getting my teeth cleaned at the dentist- it is more sensitive than it used to be many years ago. All of it is no big deal, except when you want to sleep. Clonazepam .5 mg helps to shut it off for me (make things less sensitive) if I want to influence a good night's sleep before a day of increased activity (being on my legs all day, for example). So for me, it seems MS has increased many simple reflexes.