Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects the nerves and can cause dysesthesia, or abnormal sensations such as burning, numbness, or itching. Itching with MS may come and go or move around the body.
In some people, multiple sclerosis (MS) may cause itching early on, even before they seek out a diagnosis. Pruritus is the medical term for itching.
MS itching can range from a minor bother to a stinging itch or a feeling of having pins and needles. Unlike a regular itch, the feeling does not go away with scratching. This is because MS affects the nerves that control the area where the itch is, rather than the skin itself.
The feeling is generally brief. Some people find short-term relief by avoiding scratching and applying a cold compress to the area.
Over-the-counter remedies tend to be ineffective, as the source of the itch is not an external allergen. There are some prescription medications and lifestyle changes that may help a person control MS itching.
The itching sensation that occurs with MS may come and go, or it may move around the body, causing itchiness in different areas. It can be unpredictable.
It does not usually lead to long-term complications, but it can be disruptive and affect a person’s quality of life.
Itchiness from MS is a neurological response, meaning that it does not come as a response to something on the skin itself. In MS, the immune system attacks the nerve tissues in the brain and spinal cord. This can cause changes in the nerves elsewhere in the body.
Alongside itching, a person may experience sensations of:
- burning and heat
- coldness
- prickling
- numbness
- tingling
- stabbing
- tearing pains
Scratching does not relieve the itch, and it may even make the sensation worse.
MS itching can appear at any time, anywhere in the body. Sometimes the pain is symmetrical, meaning that people will feel it in the same area on both sides of the body. At other times, the pain will only appear in one area.
These itches may have different triggers, including heat.
MS itching tends to be very intense but short-lived, lasting seconds to minutes. How often it comes back also varies between people.
Some people experience itching from MS regularly, while others rarely or never experience this symptom.
When home remedies do not work, a person can try medical treatments for MS itching, such as:
Medications
Regular itching treatments, such as cortisone creams or sprays, will usually have no effect on MS itching.
However, there are some medications that may help.
The National MS Society list several drugs that may help reduce MS itching:
- some antidepressants, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and amitriptyline (Elavil)
- anticonvulsants, such as phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Tegretol), and gabapentin (Neurotonin)
- hydroxyzine (Atarax), which is an antihistamine
Learn more about medical treatments for MS.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
By attaching a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit to parts of the body, a person can send charges of electricity to those parts. The electrical impulse confuses the nerves in an area, bringing relief.
A TENS unit may help relieve neuropathic pain from MS. It may also help relieve itching.
Anyone with access to a TENS unit should talk to their doctor before using it to treat an itch.
While itching can be irritating, many people with MS can control mild itching with cold compresses and good skin health habits.
Avoiding triggers, changing habits in the home, and finding ways to relieve stress may help some people control their symptoms. For others, medications can help.
Anyone experiencing MS itching should discuss their options with a doctor, who may have additional tips.