Fibromyalgia does a number on our nervous system and can cause a lot of odd sensations. One sensation is an itch that just will not quit.
It should be noted fibromyalgia causes:
- Hyperalgesia: Our abnormal sensitivity to pain
- Allodynia: the burning skin pain sensation
- Paresthesia: ‘pins and needles’ sensations, an itch, tingling, prickling and numbness. And can cause pain.
Itching may occur in fibromyalgia due to certain nerve fibers being activated and causing an itching sensation. Itching and pain share a common pathway positioned in the spinal cord. Pain and itchiness also activate the same sensory brain areas. Someone who is sensitive to pain may also be sensitive to itchiness.
It could be then that the itching we get is Paresthesia.
Researchers have in the past been a bit startled by this symptom because it is common in neuropathy. But there has been research indicating we can get small fibre neuropathy with fibromyalgia. Either way, it paresthesia can cause an itchy sensation, or prickling sensations and even numbness.
Painkillers can also cause itch
So it may be treatment rather than the fibromyalgia itself causing the itch if you are on painkillers. That is something to consider.
Other meds that can cause itch:
- Acetaminophen – has a rare side effect of skin, rash, hives, or itching
- Ibuprofen – one of the more common side effects is itching skin
- Naproxen sodium – itching is a common side effect
- Tramadol – itching skin is a common side effect
- Duloxetine and milnacipran – burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, “pins and needles,” or tingling feelings are less common side effects
- Pregabalin – itching is a rare side effect
In one study looking at the frequency of skin-related issues in people with fibromyalgia, itching with no identified cause was reported by 3.3 percent of individuals.Medical news today
So medication is something to consider as the cause of the itchiness.
Other skin problems that were reported by people with fibromyalgia included:
- Excessive sweating – 32 percent
- Burning sensation of the skin or mucous membranes – 3.4 percent
- Various unusual skin sensations – 1.7 percent
- Skin lesions from repetitive scratching, itchy lumps on the arms and legs, or thickened skin areas that itch – 1.9 percent
- Inflammation of the skin that does not itch – 9.1 percent
Treatments for that relentless itch
Capsaicin:
Capsaicin I often say ‘burns good’ but it can be too intense for some. However, it is often recommended for fibromyalgia because it disrupts the pain signals. Be careful with it and always wash your hands after with it.
Ice
Ice is nice because it numbs sensation. I haven’t tried this treatment for it because of the issue that the itch can span a large area. But it is an option. Or even a cold cloth over the area.
OTC meds
Opiates may cause itch but Acetaminophen and NSAID anti-inflammatories can relieve it at times.
Supplement
I have tried theanine and Rhodiola. Hell, I use Rhodiola anyway for fatigue and cognitive function due to fatigue.
Meditation
Sometimes calming your system down can help with these symptoms. So meditation or yoga or acupuncture can all help. I prefer meditation because it is easy to do and easy to get into the routine of.
Medications
Such as antidepressants (duloxetine, milnacipran, and amitriptyline)
or anti-seizure (gabapentin and pregabalin) meds used for fibromyalgia
Be aware
It could be caused by something else. A med. An allergic reaction. A rash… which I get a lot of random ones with FM. So if it is a new sensation you can ask your doc about it.
Remember:
- Try not to scratch that itch as it can get worse
- Try soothing lotions with oatmeal to reduce itch
- Avoid perfumed soaps and lotions- there are some good oatmeal soaps you can find that are great
- Try Epsom salt bath with unscented or oatmeal lotion after, as heat dries out skin
- You can try anti-itch creams
- Wear loose clothes
Winter Itch
You may notice itching in the winter, typically called ‘winter itch’. Typically a problem if you have eczema as well. Winter can dry out the skin and cause inflammation. And in this case:
- Avoid hot baths
- Use thicker moisturizers
- Drink a lot of water
- Take Vitamin D and E
- Choose soft clothing
- Again be careful of soaps and lotions. Unscented is best. Oatmeal ones will also sooth the skin.
Other posts:
Rhodiola Rosea: My fatigue brain
A question of vitamin D for pain and how much
I hear you… my itching started after a major flare. Hasn’t gone away I itch all the time. My Doc recommended Benadryl. Which works some, it keeps me from tearing holes in my skin.
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That is a good idea. I have used Benadryl before
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Interesting to read about the itching. I have a couple of nerve pain conditions, and often get the itching too.
You’ve shared some great management tips there.
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I use a few of them to manage it myself
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You’ve got me itching all over now, Nikki!! At times it drives me insane and I have made myself bleed when it is nerve pain with itching. For me pregabalin and some of the opiates definitely make matters worse, but I am going to try some of your tips that I don’t use already, Cx
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It drives me up the wall too. And I have sensitive skin so I can even cause bruising from just scratching. My legs are the worst though
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Does anybody get sharp pains that feel like someone is tweezing a hair in random places, but usually it happens most on my back or sides? I also have terribly itchy skin especially in the winter. I’ve found that using a humidifier to put moisture in the air along with your tips, helps me quite a bit.
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My mom mentioned for winter itch to get moisture into the air so that is a good idea. I would suggest the sharper pains are paresthesia which can cause a lot of prickling like pain? But I don’t know
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I itch around my face and ears and scalp. My hair touching my face makes it worse. I’ve scratched my head so much I’ve made sores. I also get electrical sensations in my legs that make me jump. My feet go numb and I wear socks to bed to reduce the sensation. I get headaches a lot from sounds or tension. Is all of this fibro as well! I also have 3 bad discs in my back and arthritis from back surgery. It has spread to my hips. I hurt every time the barometric pressure changes. My brother died of Parkinson’s which is a dopamine problem. It is confusing what is fibro and which are back issues, but it’s all related to nerves and muscles, isn’t it?
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It is hard to say, I’m no doctor. I know I have extremely sensitive skin and insane allergies and sometimes I can’t tell what is fibro and what is some random reaction. I do get a lot of weird electrical, tingling, or numbness sensations BUT many, many conditions can cause that including Parkinson’s so best to get that ruled out if it is in your family for sure.
Certainly when you have another form of pain like back pain and FM it is hard to tell what is what… I have the same problem. I have hypermobility pain and I can’t tell if it is from my joints or the FM a lot of the time. So I just manage the pain as best I can anyway, whatever the cause.
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