Is itchy skin related to MS?
Yes, itching can be related to MS. It's an uncomfortable but not uncommon symptom that happens because of nerve damage from demyelination. When MS damages the protective coating around your nerves, your brain can misinterpret nerve signals as sensations like itching or burning.
This type of Show Full Answer
Is itchy skin related to MS?
Yes, itching can be related to MS. It's an uncomfortable but not uncommon symptom that happens because of nerve damage from demyelination. When MS damages the protective coating around your nerves, your brain can misinterpret nerve signals as sensations like itching or burning.
This type of itching, called pruritus or cutaneous dysesthesia, is different from regular itching because there's usually no rash or visible skin problem causing it. It's nerve dysfunction sending the wrong messages to your brain.
MS-related itching can affect different parts of your body, most commonly:
- Face and scalp
- Arms and legs
- Torso
- Back
You might notice the itching in the same spot on both sides of your body, which is a clue that it's nerve-related rather than a skin condition. Can MS medications cause itching?
Yes, some MS treatments can cause itching as a side effect. Common culprits include:
- Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada) - lists itching as a common side effect
- Diroximel fumarate (Vumerity) - often causes skin flushing and itching
- Interferon-beta 1a (Avonex or Rebif) - can cause itchiness at injection sites
Some medications can also dry out your skin, making itching worse. As one MyMSTeam member shared, "I have very itchy skin, but it's made worse by my skin drying out from all the meds I'm on."
If you think you're having an allergic reaction with severe itching, hives, or throat swelling, seek emergency care. For persistent itching, talk with your neurologist before stopping any medication. How can you manage MS-related itching?
For nerve-related itching from MS, regular skin creams or antihistamines usually won't help since the problem isn't in your skin. Your doctor might prescribe:
- Anti-seizure medications like gabapentin, carbamazepine, or phenytoin
- Certain antidepressants like amitriptyline
- Hydroxyzine (an anti-itch medication)
At home, you can try placing a cloth-covered ice pack on the itchy area to help numb the sensation temporarily.
Sometimes MS-related itching goes away on its own or comes and goes over time. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of any medications, as they can have side effects.
February 4
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