itching

[ghost39]

I go to bed last night and constantly itched everywhere. It went on for hours and was horrid. Has anyone else experienced this with their MS.

[essdipity]

Well for me, itching *started* a relapse. It was a very slow sort of thing though.

My itching started over my upper back, face and scalp. I had no idea what was going on, and wound up seeing my PCP and my allergist. Nothing significant was wrong, but I did note that the problem was nearly (not totally) all on my left side. But it was so widespread that I didn't think it was MS-related.

After weeks of things getting worse, the itching became more or less severe stinging, and the inside of my mouth got into the act. Once again on the left. Because I had had MS problems involving my mouth before (left side of tongue, mostly), I then decided I had to contact neuro.

I had 3 days of IV steroids. That helped during the process, but by night the itching/stinging would come roaring back. So I was put on high doses of gabapentin (Neurontin), which had to be built up, but once on a big dose, the problem went away and has stayed away. Whew.

That was last spring. I think for me the big issue was the one-sidedness. Much more likely to be a neurological thing that way.

ess

[ghost39]

I have RRMS, so hopefully not a relapse, just another annoying symptom.
Thanks for your insights :)

[Sailorsong]

Based on my treatment I doubt a MS Neuro would consider just the itching a sign of a relapse. My MS Neuro didn't offer me IVSM until I had multiple symptoms (new and worsening) occurring. When I has single symptoms that worsened or were new he just felt it was progression of the MS. But then again I'm PPMS so that may make a difference.

Dennis

[ghost39]

Could itching on its on be a relapse?

[kwarendorf]

My itching issue was confined to the back of my neck and left shoulder. Lotions and potions had no effect. Nothing worked to make it go away.

The itch showed up with my last relapse and went away with the 5 Day IVSM treatment I received for the relapse.

Kyle

[ghost39]

Thanks guys. It happened again last night! To the doctors I will go and see if I can get some medication like Colin suggested.
Many thanks.

[ghost39]

Thanks guys. It happened again last night! To the doctors I will go and see if I can get some medication like Colin suggested.
Many thanks.

[cramp_n_mystyle]

My itching started with my right leg.Like Dennis posted earlier,I would scratch until it bled! The itching wasn't persistant,thank goodness!I never know when it will start up.For a couple of years,the itching only occurred on my lower right leg.

A couple of nights ago,I couldn't stop scratching the top of my right foot! Oh no! The itching drives me crazy!

[byyygrace]

That was one of my first symptoms. All over itching-could be face, neck, and arms one time, then legs the next! Always worse at night! I take hydroxyzine for it at bedtime. It works great. Hope you get some relief!

Blessings, Colin

[Sailorsong]

I don't itch all over but my legs (especially the right one) will itch like crazy like you said.  Some times I scratch until they are bleeding. The itching seems to be brought on by my getting too warm (ie a hot shower/bath does it every time).  This is one more reason I keep my legs uncovered at night when I sleep.

My PC gave me a petroleum based ointment to put on my legs. Most of the time this helps as it changes the signals coming from my legs. I suspect that the times it doesn't work is when I am very overheated.

Dennis