There are many different symptoms that are associated with the chronic neurological disease multiple sclerosis. One of these is MS itching. This is a rarer symptom that at first wasn’t linked to multiple sclerosis. However, it is now recognized that some people will have multiple sclerosis itching at some point throughout the course of their disease. This type of itching does not always include a rash or even any redness. An itching attack can last for a few minutes or even a few hours. There doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to the itching attack. Much of the attack is unknown to medical professionals at this time.
In a multiple sclerosis itching attack, the area that is affected can be localized or it can be the entire body. Some specific areas that can be affected are the hands, limbs, the chest, and the back. The itching attacks can come and go without warning. They can occur during a remissive state, and they may be more active when someone is having a flare up or a relapse. Unfortunately, over the counter treatments tend to be unsuccessful at treating the itching, and the cause is still mostly unknown. It can be very frustrating for both the patient and the medical professionals trying to treat the problem.
Help For The Multiple Sclerosis Itching
People who deal with the multiple sclerosis itching attacks have typically tried everything to get rid of the itching. It can be a very difficult problem to deal with, especially if the attack last for a long time. Many people will first turn to over the counter creams or powders. These usually don’t offer relief, but they can be a good first step. Taking a shower is another alternative treatment to try. Some people find that having the water either hot or cold will help their skin to feel better and help them to stop scratching. Other patients will use medications like Benadryl to help with the itching going on in their body.
One of the most important things to remember in an itching episode is not to scratch. Scratching the skin excessively is going to worsen the situation and potentially cause you pain as well. It can even open the skin, exposing it to dangerous infections. If you truly cannot stop scratching due to the itching, seek professional help at the emergency room. They may have prescription medications that can stop the itching sensations. It could be in the form of an intravenous drip or injection.
