Not all itches are the same.
The itch tends to be chronic (persistent) and often difficult to treat.
Verywell / Laura Porter
Causes of Neuropathic Itch
There are many things that can cause neuropathic itching.
Verywell / Laura Porter
What Does Neuropathic Itch Feel Like?
Neuropathic itching differs from other types of itching in that it can often happen along withneuropathic pain.
This is because the disorders that cause neuropathic itching affect the same nerve pathways that cause neuropathic pain.
Neuropathic itching can have the following symptoms with or without increased or decreased skin sensitivity.
Unlike with some other types of itching, scratching can actually make neuropathic itching worse.
Other Types of Itching
There are several types of itch.
They differ in their causes and from which part of the nervous system they originate.
Neurological (neuropathic) itch is a chronic itch resulting from nerve damage.
It can involve either the central nervous system or the peripheral nervous system.
The other three basic types of itch are as follows:
How Is Neuropathic Itch Diagnosed?
Neuropathic itch can be challenging to diagnose.
Treatment
Neuropathic itching is difficult to treat.
Typical anti-itch remedies likeantihistaminesortopical steroidsare usually of little to no help.
Home Remedies
Home remedies for neuropathic itch focus on preventing scratching.
Scratching an itch can cause lesions, and lesions can itch themselves.
When you’re sleeping or not paying attention, scratching can get particularly bad.
As the article describes, there are several medications specifically geared toward neuropathic pain.
Getting the appropriate diagnosis can get you on the right path to relief.
How Long Does Neuropathic Itching Last?
It’s hard to predict exactly how long neuropathic itching lasts.
Neuropathic itch is often chronic, meaning that it tends not to go away.
Treatment of the underlying condition may reduce or prevent symptoms.
The causes of neuropathic itching are many and often difficult to treat.
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