What to know about itching and MS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects the nerves and can cause dysesthesia, or abnormal sensations such as burning, numbness, and 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.

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 irritant. But some prescription medications and lifestyle strategies may help a person manage MS itching.

This article discusses MS-related itching and what to do to find relief.

What does MS itch feel like?

When living with MS, a person may experience a feeling of pins and needles all over their body along with itchiness.

MS itching can range from a minor bother to a stinging itch or a feeling of 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.

Why does MS cause 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, which means that it is not 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

Scratching does not relieve the itch, and it may even make the sensation worse.

When does the itch occur?

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 appear in only one area.

These itches may have different triggers, such as heat.

MS itching tends to be very intense but short-lived, lasting seconds to minutes. Its frequency also varies from person to person.

Some people experience itching from MS regularly, while others rarely or never experience this symptom.

How do you calm neuropathic itching?

In mild cases of itching from MS, no direct treatment may be necessary. The symptom may be irritating but pass quickly.

For persistent or recurring itches, a range of options is available, including:

Applying a cold compress

In some cases, applying a warm or cool compress for 10–15 minutes may help temporarily relieve the itching.

A person should wrap a very cold object, such as an ice pack, in a towel or piece of cloth before applying it to the skin. Not wrapping a cold compress puts a person at risk of experiencing an ice burn or further skin irritation.

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