Neurological itching and burning
 

I think I have discovered something that helps my intermittent neurological itching, and burning, that some of you might want to try.

I get this deep pin-point itch, that happens in exactly the same few spots every time; one spot on the bottom of my right foot, one on the crease of my elbow, one on the lower and one on the top part of my left arm. There is no rash or bump, and my doc has confirmed it is neurological itching (misfired pain signals).

The heat this summer was causing me to scratch holes in my arms while I slept.

If the itch affects me during the day, and not all are going at the same time, I apply ice packs for just a few minutes ~ not enough to actually numb the area . . . but I think it works by screwing up the brain messages. Sometimes this isn't practical though, especially if I am trying to sleep (with ice packs all over my body), or I have company . . . so I needed a back-up solution.

Someone here (HiCy Chris) mentioned trying antihistimines, and after some research and questioning about this solution (for neurological itching :confused:), I decided to try it. The Benadryl worked almost instantly! :)

As for the burning, this is something that I have been experiencing intermittently (mostly in my legs) since I ignored that tooth infection that caused a spinal lesion flare-up last year. Sometimes it is so bad, it feels like someone has a blow torch fired up on my legs. :eek:

This burning is hypersensitive to touch, so clothing, my sheets, ANYTHING almost sends me through the roof. Fortunately the weather has been nice, so I haven't needed to cover my legs up at all, but I was not looking forward to Fall around the corner!!

Last night when I was sitting with my housecoat touching my legs, I had a flashback to when I was a kid, and I remembered having a similar feeling on my legs. My mom told me I was allergic to "Cheer" laundry detergent, and I have faithfully used Tide ever since then. Late last year, I agreed to try another brand (cause my kids liked the smell :rolleyes:) . . .

I don't have any rash or dots or anything "apparent" on my legs, but I considered if it is possible that the burning could be aggravated by an "allergens" :confused:. I decided to try Benadryl for that too . . . Within 10 minutes, the severe burning I've in my legs had almost completely let up!! Honestly, I couldn't believe it happened, and I kept walking around and covering my legs with my housecoat, just to see if it would stir up again. It didn't, and I was able to sleep with the sheets on my legs all night.

This morning the burning is there, but is only a problem if I touch it. I don't know if the Benadryl is only going to take care of the "hypersensitivity to touch" part of this problem, or if it might stop the less severe burning that happens most of the time . . . but I am going to be trying this solution again to see what happens.

I can't live on Benadryl, and I don't know if a less potent antihistimine would do the job . . . but I do know I am not going to use that "nice smelling" laundry detergent any more.

So, neurological itching and burning sensations might be helped by antihistimines. If you have that problem, and can take Benadryl, I'd try that first. It is the most fast-acting one out there, and you should be able to tell pretty quickly if it is going to help.

Cherie

i'm very glad that you found something to help relieve your pain/sensitivities cherie.

it's a great idea to look into different laundry detergent.
you might try something used for baby clothes. the name escapes me right now.

I use Tide, too, and have never had a problem with it. But I do have the irritating itchies on my back right at the bra line. I have it whether I have my bra on or not. My Neuro said it was the MS and I should take OTC remedies like Benedryl. But I only take it at night because it makes me so sleepy. I just put up with the itchies during the day. I wonder if there is anything that has a "no drowsy" formula that would still work?

Claritin, which is OTC is non drowsy. Maybe that would help? I think Dreft is the name of the laundry detergent used for babies clothes. I remember using that.

That's right...Dreft is its name!

Since the non-fragrance detergents and softeners/dryer sheets have been available, I've used only those.

Cherie, I'd be curious to see if switching makes a different for you. I hope it does. :)

So I mentioned this to my doc today, and he said that many people report success with their MS symptoms by using antihistimines. :confused:

He said I can use Benadryl daily, if it helps, so long as it doesn't make me drowsy (which it doesn't). The Claritin helped very little, so I'll stick with the Benadryl when the itching or burning gets bad.

Cherie

I take Costco's loratadine nightly. It's called AllerClear. Same formula as Claritin, but you get 300 pills for under $20.

It probably isn't as effective as Benadryl or Sudafed, but it keeps my allergies (and the subsequent sinus infections) at bay, so that's kind of double duty.

I take an AD called Cymbalta that works really well for neuropathy.

Does anyone know about using Histamine Patches for MS? Seems directly contradictory.

Hi Lday,

I meant to post earlier. A couple of thoughts.

I believe it was on the RSD board but some of them had success with robitussin cough syrup...there is something in it that helps neuro burning.

Also at one point I think MrsD posted something about benofthiamine helps with the neuro burning of PN.

Thats all I had.

:hug: