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I have just recently started itching a lot. I thought ot was dry skin since I live in Arizona. I've lived here for years; this is new.

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Tucson, AZ

I've always had dry skin. I've used many different products to relieve the itching. Cold water stops it instantly. But when it dries the itching just comes back again. For about 20 years I've been using Aveeno Lavender scented for calm relief 😌 the scent is great and the lotion is nice and thicker than others. But earlier I thought about the Cocoa Butter lotion (you know the big bottle that squeezes out too much every time you pull it out. It's so watery but it's so nourishing, like my body… read more

August 12
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A MyMSTeam Member

I get “itches” and mostly I try to ignore them. I find oil works better than lotion.

August 15
A MyMSTeam Member

I get the sensation of itchy skin and eyes but it is just my nerves going all wack a doodle on me I have horses and they have a leg ice boot with Velcro I bought one for myself it’s amazing when I think I’m itchy. I’m in AZ also it’s great when it’s triple digits too!!

August 15
A MyMSTeam Member

Hi @A MyMSTeam Member, while cold water eases the itching it will dry out your skin if you do it too often. Try icing instead as it eases the itching 🤗💜

August 13 (edited)
A MyMSTeam Member

I used to get hives a lot I take Benadryl when I have hives. You should also try Cortisone cream.

August 12
MyMSTeam

It's great that cold water brings instant relief — that actually makes a lot of sense! The cooling effect helps numb the nerve signals causing the itch. It's a trick many people with MS use, like wrapping an ice pack in a cloth and applying it to the itchy area.

Here's something worth knowing though: with MS, itching can Show Full Answer

It's great that cold water brings instant relief — that actually makes a lot of sense! The cooling effect helps numb the nerve signals causing the itch. It's a trick many people with MS use, like wrapping an ice pack in a cloth and applying it to the itchy area.

Here's something worth knowing though: with MS, itching can actually be a nerve-related symptom called cutaneous dysesthesia, rather than a skin issue. This means the itch comes from nerve signal disruptions, not dry skin — which would explain why even your trusty Aveeno isn't fully solving it this time.

When itching is nerve-related, topical creams and lotions (even the good ones!) typically don't address the root cause. That said, keeping skin moisturized never hurts, so the Cocoa Butter experiment is worth trying!

The bigger picture here is that this is a new symptom, and new symptoms with MS always deserve a conversation with your neurologist. They may consider options like:

- Gabapentin (an anti-seizure medication used for nerve symptoms)
- Carbamazepine or phenytoin
- Certain antidepressant medications that help with nerve-related sensations

Please don't wait too long to bring this up — new or changing symptoms are always worth flagging!

August 12

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