Multiple sclerosis (MS) may cause altered sensations on the skin. Itching, also known as pruritus, can be an uncommon but uncomfortable symptom of MS.

This sensation is medically referred to as cutaneous dysaesthesia. It is often seen in people with neurological (nerve) diseases, including MS. Not only is itching painful, but a constant itch can greatly reduce your quality of life.

In a study of 428 people with MS, 23.8 percent reported experiencing unusual sensations of pain at some time in their lives.

A recent study on chronic pruritus in MS patients found that, among 77 participants, 35 percent experienced pruritus. The most affected parts of the body were the face, scalp, extremities, and torso.

However, there is little research on how many people with MS specifically deal with itching as a symptom or a side effect of treatment.

In MS, abnormal sensations, such as itching, are a type of nerve pain and are not usually associated with a relapse.

Read on to learn what may cause itching with MS, and what you can do to get relief from this irritating symptom.

Members Describe Itching in MS

MS-related itching can happen anywhere on the body and can affect one or both sides. It most commonly affects the face, torso, arms, and legs.

On MyMSTeam, many members have shared their experiences with itching. One member asked, “Does anyone get itchy skin with MS?” Over a hundred members responded:

• “I sure do ... I feel like mine is due to meds.”
• “My back itches early on in my case, but then later it goes away.”
• “My legs itch terribly when I’m in bed at night.”
• “I’ve got a couple of dry itchy spots on my arm. I’m not sure whether it’s related to MS.”
• “I always itch at my injection site.”
• “Thought maybe it was eczema to begin with, as it was in patches, but now it is generally around the area where MS hugs me.”

For people with MS, itching can happen in different parts of the body. The causes can vary for everyone. Some members notice itching as a side effect of their MS treatment, while others find it related to MS itself or other medical conditions.

What Causes Itching in MS?

Sometimes, itching can be caused by MS itself. In MS, abnormal sensations such as itching are a type of neuropathic (nerve) pain. This sensation is not usually associated with a relapse. In other words, you may experience itching whether or not you’re having a flare-up, a new lesion, or other MS symptoms.

Although itchiness is felt in the skin, this kind of itching is not caused by skin problems, such as allergies, irritation, or a rash. Instead, this sensation results from nerve damage caused by MS.

When you have MS, your body’s white blood cells attack the central nervous system. The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord. MS attacks cause inflammation and strip the body’s nerves of their protective coating (myelin), in a process known as demyelination. This leaves the nerves vulnerable. Without this protective layer, nerves can’t send electrical signals properly to the brain. As a result, the brain misinterprets these nerve signals and tries to relate them to a sensation you have already experienced, such as burning or itching.

Can MS Treatment Cause Itching?

Some MS medications can also cause itching, either as a side effect or a symptom of complications from the treatment. “Yes, I have very itchy skin,” one member said. “But it’s made worse by my skin drying out from all the meds I’m on.”

For example, alemtuzumab (Lemtrada) is an intravenous infusion treatment for MS that lists itching as a common side effect.

One new oral medication, called diroximel fumarate (Vumerity) is known to commonly cause skin flushing and itching. It can even increase your chances of getting shingles, an itchy and painful skin condition.

Some injectable medications, like interferon-beta 1a (Rebif) can cause skin itchiness at the injection site. In more severe cases, they may cause allergic reactions that include itchy hives and throat swelling. If you think you are having an allergic reaction to a medication that you recently started, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Talk to your doctor if you believe your medication is causing itching that is unbearable and long-lasting. Never stop taking a medication without first speaking to your neurologist.

How Is MS Itching Treated?

In some cases, dysesthesias such as itching may go away on its own without treatment. They may also go away and return at different times. Using an ice pack covered in a cloth on the itchy area may help numb the itching sensation and provide temporary relief.

Unlike cases of dry skin and eczema, MS itching and pain won’t be relieved by moisturizers, creams, or lotions.

Members of MyMSTeam have shared lifestyle changes and home remedies that have helped relieve their itch. “Alcohol definitely makes my itch worse,” one member said. “I restrict myself to a glass of wine now and again with my wife.” Another said they like to “use ice packs to shock the skin” when the itching becomes unbearable.

Drugs To Treat MS Itch

If MS itching becomes too uncomfortable or has a significant impact on your daily life, your primary care doctor or neurologist may prescribe medications to help manage this symptom.

Because itchiness in MS is not caused by a problem with the skin or an allergic reaction, over-the-counter topical treatments, such as corticosteroids and oral antihistamines, are not effective. Unlike cases of dry skin and eczema, neuropathic MS itching and pain won’t be relieved by moisturizers, creams, or lotions.

Instead, doctors may prescribe anti-seizure medications, also known as anticonvulsants, such as gabapentin (Neurontin), carbamazepine, or phenytoin to help relieve this symptom. Some antidepressant medications, such as amitriptyline, can also be used to treat neuropathic pain and other sensations. Hydroxyzine (Atarax) is another option that can reduce MS-related itching. It’s important to discuss the potential benefits and risks with your doctor before starting any of these medications, as they can have significant side effects.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyMSTeam is the social network for people living with multiple sclerosis and their loved ones. On MyMSTeam, more than 217,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with MS.

Are you living with MS and itching? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.