[aussiemom]

Hi

I was dx'd with mild PN in my feet last Dec. I mostly just feel numbness around the arches, some times get cramps in the toes. I have Lidocane patches, and use them 3-4 times a week.

I've heard the symptoms of PN in the feet are numbness, shooting, burning.

It itchey feet also a symptom? They are itching on the bottom. I can't see anything to be causing this. I would say it's like poison ivy itchey.

I do take 600 mg ALA, as the PN was caused by diabetes. I take a bunch of meds for a bunch of problems, but have not added anything new for months. Or is this something I need to see dermatologist for? When the patches are on, they don't itch, but when they come off, it starts again.

Barb

[Brian]

Hi aussiemom, yes itching can be one of the symptoms besides the ones you already mentioned.
http://www.stoppain.org/pain_medicin...y.asp#symptoms

Brian

[mrsD]

Lamisil cream for a week.

You can have dormant fungus below the skin...and it typically can cause itching/burning.

When skin lesions heal from previous athlete's foot, the fungus can remain in the deeper tissues.

Lamisil is very potent and safe. It would be worth the try.
If it doesn't work, there is no loss. If it works, you will be happy.

There are side effects of itching reported for ALA...
http://www.nutritional-supplements-h...e-effects.html

I'd suggest you switch to r-lipoic instead. It is far better, and allows for lower dosing.
100mg a day is typical.

[jarrett622]

Yep, I get the itching sometimes. It's not as bad as it used to be. Course my PN symptoms in general aren't as bad as they used to be. I get it only once in a while now. Along with that I get extreme sensitivty to touch on the bottoms of my feet. So trying to scratch that itch is agony. Think of being extremely sensitive so that it hurts horribly when being tickled even just a little.

[dahlek]

I'd put in the 'stickies' but you should read..
http://telemedicine.org/stamford.htm

Read the introduction then go to diabetic neuropathies on this site...the intro IS important about explaining what all could be going on with your nerves and your skin....
Because your nerves aren't working right? Other aspects aren't either and ergo the itching like crazy! I get it in fits and starts and usually slather on lots of moisturizing lotions to keep the skin happy and keep the itching at bay. If it gets worse? First see your GP or Neuro...whoever is treating you for the diabetes and if that gets you nowhere see a dermatologist. There are a menu of topical anti-histamine or steroid lotions/ointments that are useful in treating whatever is going on. BUT be sure to see that docs are working in concert regarding possible reactions to any other meds you are on for other issues.
I've found the unscented lotions with the fewest ingredients are usually the simplist and best to deal with problems safely. I sure hope this helps...
Gotta admit tho...I'm feeling a bit itchy rite now! Power of suggestion? - j

PS Jarrett? You know, KNOW that scratching isn't gonna make that danged itch go away! Even tho it's SOOO hard NOT TO scratch!

[mrsD]

on my feet. But they are sensitive. If I step on a pebble outside, or a piece of Feline Pine cat litter..it hurts like the dickens!

But then I am not diabetic yet.

Burning is my personal trial and tribulation. If I don't have burning for a few days, I am very happy!

[Brian]

If i took any more than the 600 mg of Alpha lipioc acid i would brake out in a scaly rash which was extremely itchy, but it was not on my feet it was on my bottom of all places as soon as i backed off the dose the rash and itching went, i am now waiting for my R lipioc acid delivery.

Brian

[aussiemom]

Hi and thank you everybody!

My goodness, what a lot of big words in that link. I only understood about a third of them, but I did get some information there.

I guess the next step is to see my PM in a few weeks. I have cronic back pain, and a lot of nerve damage in the whole area. And a lot of irritated nerves. He wants to do RFA in the lumbar area, and I don't think I like the sound or out come of that. If it weren't for my TENS, I wouldn't be moving as much as I do. I'm wondering now if the itchy feet thing is somehow related to all the back issues, in addition to the D.

Barb