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A MyMSTeam Member asked a question đź’­
Indianapolis, IN

Since ms I've notice that when I get an itch on my arms it feels like someones pricking me with a pin and then my right arm jerks or my hand twitches, but any place else on my body the itching feels normal. Is it me or does anyone experience this?🤷🏽‍♀️

February 16, 2020
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A MyMSTeam Member

I take zyrtek daily for the random itching. Try magnesium glycinate supplement. Helps the neurotransmitters at cellular level and may ease the spasticity, spasm, itches, and jumping, I have it all too.

February 17, 2020
A MyMSTeam Member

There are topical treatments that can help itching: Cerave cream, calendula cream, collodial oatmeal moisturizers and oatmeal bath. lavender oil, coconut oil, Manuka honey body butter, Shea Butter. Vitamin C (Esther C form) and benadryl can also be helpful.

February 17, 2020
A MyMSTeam Member

MSF 14 Itching
I hope this helps.
Itching is just one potential sensory disturbance of MS. As with other symptoms of MS, itching may come on suddenly and occur in waves. It may last a few minutes or much longer.
Itching is one family of these disturbances. It’s different from allergic itching because MS-related itching isn’t accompanied by a rash or skin irritation.
There may be other causes of MS-related itching. Some disease-modifying medications are administered by injection. These may cause temporary skin irritation and itching at the injection site.
An allergic reaction to medications like interferon beta-1a (Avonex) may result in itching as well. An allergic skin reaction to some drugs that are given intravenously (by IV) may cause the skin to itch.
In clinical trials, one of the common side effects of the oral medication dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) was the sensation of itching.
Treating MS itching
If itching is mild, no treatment is necessary. Over-the-counter topical treatments aren’t useful for this type of itching.
If itching is severe, prolonged, or begins to interfere with daily living, talk to your doctor. Medications used to treat dysesthetic itching include anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and the antihistamine hydroxyzine.
Medications
According to the National MS Society, there are some medications that are successful at treating this type of itching. They are:
• anticonvulsants: carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenytoin (Dilantin), and gabapentin (Neurontin), and others
• antidepressants: amitriptyline (Elavil) and others
• antihistamine: hydroxyzine (Atarax)

February 17, 2020
A MyMSTeam Member

I do not get itching, but the sudden jerk/movements happen in my legs when I am being still. It doesn't happen daily either..but its very annoying.

February 17, 2020
A MyMSTeam Member

Yeah i scratch but it either moves or it hurts to scratch since the feeling isnt an itchy one @CherylWaltmaN

February 17, 2020

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