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Real members of MyMSTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Chelmsford, MA

I get itchy and when I scratch it doesn't relieve the itch. Its almost like an itch below the skin. One of many strange sensory issues.

February 21, 2014
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Answer Summary

Members with MS widely related to the deep, under-the-skin itching sensation described in the post, with many sharing that scratching until... Read more

Members with MS widely related to the deep, under-the-skin itching sensation described in the post, with many sharing that scratching until they bled was a common and distressing experience. Several members offered practical relief strategies, including pressing a firm comb or brush against the itchy area, squeezing the limb instead of scratching, using 4-5% Lidocaine cream, taking Benadryl, or asking a doctor about gabapentin. A recurring theme was comfort in knowing others shared this experience, with many noting the itch would sometimes fade on its own over time.

A MyMSTeam Member

Try coconut oil or cream butter it worked for me

February 22, 2014
A MyMSTeam Member

I get this as well up both sides of the under arms and up my armpits all the way down near my bra area and goes down to my elbow, it’s all sorts of messed up. I realized it happens to me because of stress, I also get chronic stress hives also due to stress. The stresss causes the itchiness, I read to be mindful of it when it’s happening and it will subside… it’s horrible tho I know 😕

November 15, 2022
A MyMSTeam Member

Yes sir my left shoulder blade area I can't barely get to it and it itches off and on all the time. It's a itch I can't quite scratch and I know it's a form of pain but it's a pain if you know what I mean.

August 28, 2022
A MyMSTeam Member

I have experienced what I refer to as “MS itch” for years now, sometimes in isolated spots like my ankles, the top of my hands and my knees or thighs or sometimes all over my entire body. It can last for hours and on a scale of 1-10 rank as high as a 10 in terms of intensity.
My MS specialist prescribed me gabapentin, 300 mg twice a day, to help quell the itch. It’s helped quite a bit.
I will still get itchy once in a while, but it’s far less frequent than before I began the gabapentin.
I hope this offers some relief. I know how that MS itch can make you feel like your skin is on fire. I, too, have scratched until I’ve bled. It’s horrible!
Good luck, everyone! 😊

July 3, 2022
A MyMSTeam Member

I get that in my lower arms. Rather than scratch, I've found it helps to just squeeze my arm with my hand. That provides some relief and eventually it goes away in about 30 minutes.

May 12, 2014

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