Neuropathic Itch

[bradenroger]

Around 2 years ago I developed an incredible itch which endless scratching did not alleviate it. After using a number of OTC creams, an astute pharmacist told me that I probably had a neuropathic itch so creams or ointments would not be of any use. My itching seems to be confined to the back of my neck and my elbows, especially my right elbow.  The itch is unpredictable in both its frequency and intensity.  I have a bright young dermatologist at Ramatibhodi Hospital in BKK who has been doing his best to help me. I am taking Pregabalin 75mg. at night and Selrotine 50 mg. in the morning. These meds have helped but I still have the extreme itching from time to time every day.  It is worse at night but the meds I believe are helping me sleep. From what I can read on the internet my meds are the ones most recommended and it seems that the neuropathic itch is a life sentence. I don't know what caused me to become afflicted at my age.  I am 74. I'm writing to solicit any information or experiences that any of my forum colleagues might have had about this annoying problem. Thank you so very much.

L. Roger Braden

[retarius]

I have neuropathic pain and itching and take pregabalin 150mg twice a day and duloxetine 30mg twice a day....I have good control over the pain and itching in warmer weather. I'd look at upping the dose and possibly switching to duloxetine that has a neuropathic pain indication from the US FDA. The origin of my pain is diabetes which attacks distal nerves. Yours is in the neck and elbow which are not distal and so the origin of your itch will likely be different. Perhaps a blood supply issue in the affected areas? My pain started as an itch and got progressively worse over a couple of years until the symptoms became violent shooting pains. I would have it diagnosed in a pain clinic if I were you. 

[metisdead]

Moving to the Health and Medicine forum. 

[richsilver]

I have had the same problem and I have discovered that 300 mg of gabapentin (generic and cheap) in the morning and 600 mg before bed mostly controls the itching.  I suggest trying it.

[scubascuba3]

Could also be diet related, maybe worth allergy tests, clinics have lots of options these days

[bubblegum]

I also use the cheaper gabapentin but still have an ich at times. Usually with cold weather. Sometimes the powder that Thais use helps but then use the cooling variant.

[Sheryl]

The first step is to try to identify the cause. Sometimes there is no definable one but other times it reflects a systemic disorder of some type.

 

I suggest you consult a neurologist.

 

Are you (or could you be) diabetic?

[bradenroger]

Thanks so very much for all the comments and recommendations so far. For Khun Sheryl, I believe that I am borderline diabetic according to my primary physician in the US.  I take Metformin daily and from my blood tests, it seems to be under control. Thanks again.