Multiple sclerosis (MS) can cause changes in skin sensation. Itching, also known as pruritus, is an uncommon but uncomfortable symptom of MS.

This type of sensation is medically known as cutaneous dysaesthesia. It is often seen in people with neurological, or nerve-related, diseases, including MS. Itching can be aggravating and sometimes painful. When it lasts a long time, a constant itch can greatly affect your quality of life.

A recent study on chronic pruritus in people with MS found that, among 77 participants, 35 percent experienced pruritus. The most commonly affected parts of the body were the face, scalp, extremities, and torso. However, there is limited research on how many people with MS experience itching as a side effect of treatment.

Read on to learn what may cause itching with MS, and what you can do to get relief from this frustrating symptom.

MyMSTeam Members Describe Itching in MS

MS-related itching can happen anywhere on the body. It may affect one or both sides. It most often affects the face, torso, arms, and legs.

On MyMSTeam, many members have shared their experiences with itching. One member asked, “Does anyone get itchy skin with MS?” Over a hundred members responded:

• “I sure do … I feel like mine is due to meds.”
• “My back itches early on in my case, but then later it goes away.”
• “My legs itch terribly when I’m in bed at night.”
• “I’ve got a couple of dry, itchy spots on my arm. I’m not sure whether it’s related to MS.”
• “I always itch at my injection site.”
• “Thought maybe it was eczema to begin with, as it was in patches, but now it is generally around the area where MS hugs me.”

“I’ve got a couple of dry, itchy spots on my arm. I’m not sure whether it’s related to MS.” — A MyMSTeam member

People with MS can feel itchy in different parts of the body. The causes can vary from person to person. Some members notice itching as a side effect of their MS treatment. Others find it is related to MS itself or to other medical conditions.

What Causes Itching in MS?

Sometimes, itching can be caused by MS itself. In MS, abnormal sensations such as itching are a type of neuropathic (nerve) pain. This kind of itching is not usually linked to an MS relapse. You may feel itchy even if you are not having a flare-up, a new lesion, or other MS symptoms.

Although itchiness is felt on the skin, this kind of itching is not caused by a skin problem, such as allergies, irritation, or a rash. Instead, this sensation happens because of nerve damage caused by MS.

Itching with MS is not caused by a skin problem. It’s a result of nerve damage from MS.

In MS, your body’s white blood cells attack the central nervous system. The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord. MS attacks cause inflammation and strip the body’s nerves of their protective coating (myelin). This process is known as demyelination. Without myelin, nerves can’t send electrical signals to the brain properly. As a result, the brain misreads these nerve signals as sensations you already know, such as burning or itching.

Can MS Treatments Cause Itching?

Some MS medications can cause itching. This may happen as a side effect or as a sign of complications from treatment. “Yes, I have very itchy skin,” one member said. “But it’s made worse by my skin drying out from all the meds I’m on.”

For example, alemtuzumab (Lemtrada) is an intravenous infusion treatment for MS. It lists itching as a common side effect.

One oral medication, called diroximel fumarate (Vumerity) often causes skin flushing and itching. Some people taking the medication have also reported shingles, an itchy and painful skin condition.

Some injectable medications, such as interferon-beta 1a (Avonex or Rebif), can cause skin itchiness at the injection site. In more severe cases, they may trigger allergic reactions that include itchy hives or swelling of the throat. If you think you’re having an allergic reaction to a new medication, seek emergency medical care right away.

If itching becomes severe or does not go away, talk with your doctor. Never stop taking any MS medication without first speaking to your neurologist.

How Is MS Itching Treated?

In some cases, MS-related sensations like itching may go away on their own without treatment. They may also go away and return at different times. Placing an ice pack wrapped in a cloth on the itchy area may help numb the itching sensation and provide temporary relief.

Members of MyMSTeam have shared lifestyle changes and home remedies that have helped relieve their itch. “Alcohol definitely makes my itch worse,” one member said. “I restrict myself to a glass of wine now and again with my wife.” Another said they like to “use ice packs to shock the skin” when the itching becomes unbearable.

Drugs To Treat Itching With MS

If MS-related itching becomes too uncomfortable or has a significant impact on your daily life, your primary care doctor or neurologist may prescribe medications to help manage this symptom.

Because itchiness in MS is not caused by a problem with the skin or an allergic reaction, over-the-counter topical treatments, such as corticosteroids and oral antihistamines, usually do not help. Moisturizers, creams, and lotions also tend to be ineffective. This is different from itching caused by dry skin or eczema.

Instead, doctors may prescribe medications that treat nerve-related symptoms. These include anti-seizure medications such as gabapentin, carbamazepine, or phenytoin. Some antidepressant medications, such as amitriptyline, may also help with neuropathic pain and abnormal sensations. Before starting any new medication, talk with your doctor about possible benefits and risks. Some of these drugs can have significant side effects.

While itching with MS can be frustrating, you’re not alone. Itching is not a common symptom of MS, but it is treatable.

Join the Conversation

On MyMSTeam, people share their experiences with MS, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Are you living with MS and itching? Let others know in the comments below.