That relentless itch that jumps from nerve to nerve!

[Juleigh21]

This was my very first MS symptom. Started with my PCP, then a dermatologist, then an allergist. Finally, a doc decided to treat it with a neurologic med and hallelujah, it went away. I still get it occasionally. Anyone else have this annoying problem?

[ssdw1958]

What is the name of the drug and what are the side effects I’ve tried other medicines and have had side effects??

[RoseySawyer]

I itch at times. I don't really realize I'm itching until someone ask me why I'm itching.

[ssdw1958 in reply to RoseySawyer]

I also itch and I itch on the top of my head no I don’t have dirty hair but it is annoying. So glad you said that another reason I love this site. I find out that others go through what I go through.

[greaterexp]

I’m glad you brought this up. I’ve had that sensation in a few places for several years, but never thought about being related to MS. During the 20 years of not being diagnosed, those symptoms were annoying, but the only ones I mentioned to doctors were the headaches and aching legs until the relapse. For me, it usually feels like something crawling just under the skin. I wonder how it presents in others.

I’m glad you found something that helps you!

[Hidden]

Hi,

I have a similar issue. Would it be okay to ask which neuro med that helped in this?

Thank you in advance.

[rjoneslaw]

I take gabapentin no side effects. I had really painful itching before I started it.

[Amore55]

Mostly my hair, well my scalp itches like crazy even though my hair is clean. It drives me crazy! I get the “crawly bugs” on my arms, legs and face also. What fun we have! Love to all, Kelly xx

[erash]

@amore55

My scalp and the tip of my nose

It's an itch I can't seem to ignore

[Diva1976]

Yes so annoying! Last year they prescribed the generic for Zyrtec. It seems to help. I’ve suffered many years prior to being diagnosed MS. No one could ever figure out why I’m itching. I would Itch so bad, hives would pop up.

[jodigirl750]

Yes!!! I had a terrible itching episode on my front and back torso for months!!!! No where else. I scratched until I was bleeding and bruised. I knew it was a neuro MS issue. My mother also has MS and she had been through terrible fits on her whole body. Her Neuro gave her Benadryl. However, I still had to jump through all the hoops - PCM, allergist, dermatologist. After all the testing, my neuro made final call it was MS symptom and I was prescribed Gabapentin. Works like a charm!! I still have minor itching. Mostly starts on my chest as my signal. Now whenever I know I'm going into potential stressful situation (parties, traveling, certain people ) I start taking my Gabapentin. Annoying. But isn't that just MS in general...

[jodigirl750]

Yes!!! I had a terrible itching episode on my front and back torso for months!!!! No where else. I scratched until I was bleeding and bruised. I knew it was a neuro MS issue. My mother also has MS and she had been through terrible fits on her whole body. Her Neuro gave her Benadryl. However, I still had to jump through all the hoops, PCM, allergist, dermatologist. After all the testing, my neuro made final call it was MS symptom and I was prescribed Gabapentin. Works like a charm!! I still have minor itching. Mostly starts on my chest. Now whenever I know I'm going into potential stressful situation (parties, traveling, certain people ) I start taking my Gabapentin. Annoying. But isn't that just MS in general...

[jodigirl750]

Btw, to calm the itching, cover area with ice pack. Tip given to me by friend with MS that also is gifted this annoying symptom!!

[Juleigh21]

ssdw1958 My itch normally starts in my scalp and then it can go anywhere. Most docs prescribe gabapentin for it today. Hydroxyzine (Atarax) works best and the fastest for me. It does make me tired so I only take it at bedtime. Most docs don’t want to prescribe it b/c it’s an “old” drug.

[Doubled51]

Yes. In my left shoulder blade. Started with an itch and later turned into a burning torch. I take gabapentin for it and Cymbalta was doing great before I turned me into a zombie and I had to stop it.

Plus I have the weirdest crawling feeling in my right arm. Feels like what I’ve heard restless leg syndrome feels like. Neuro just prescribed pramipexole for it. It’s is a weird feeling that will drive you nuts.

Plus I had such an itch a couple of months ago that I finally went to a dermatologist. I had scratched so much I had gotten infected. Put me on 10 days of antibiotics and a topical creme. Cleared it right up. But it keeps coming back but I have the topical cream now so I start spreading as soon as I start itching.

Donnie

[cassielynn71]

Yes! That's exactly how mine started. It was horrible! My allergist, even with a positive ANA just left it as, we'll probably never know what it is. It kept me up at night. I slept with tight gloves and socks on. But that didn't help other areas like the back of my neck...it lasted a couple yrs. And every now and again it resurfaces. It still took another 6 yrs of on and off incontinence, migraines, nerve pain, stabbing pain behind my eyes, falling...a lot! But yes, it all started with that damn itching! I'm so glad you had a great allergist! But of course, I'm sorry it was from MS 😔

[Ikeeptrying]

Can you share what drug you used that was helpful? There's a bunch of us that need help with itching problems. Thank you.

[Juleigh21]

Ikeeptrying I posted yesterday that Hydroxyzine is what gives me the most relief for that aggravating itch!

[Ikeeptrying in reply to Juleigh21]

Thank you, don't know how I missed it.

[Juleigh21]

You’re very welcome Ikeeptrying ! I should have posted it in my original post. I guess I forgot..... not a new problem🙃

[cljones]

I had an episode with itching. I had my scalp itching but I thought it was dry scalp. Then I had itching on the palms of my hands that spread to my arms and chest. It lasted 3 days. I told my Neuro and all she said was take benadryl. Benadryl makes me climb the walls. She never said it could be the MS. What's new! Glad to know if it happens again.

[anaishunter]

interesting. I was itching all the time before my DX - scalp, arm, lower legs. It was moving around. And I never made the connection with ms.

It does not anymore. And I never made the connection with ms. Medicine (Ocrevus)? Supplements (Vitamin D)? who knows. I certainly started to feel a lot better right after DX when I started a high dose of Vitamin D.