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A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Spruce Pine, NC

anyone else have trouble with their legs itching for no reason? My right shin looks like I've been attacked by something bc I scratch the same spot over and over, even in my sleep. It's made sores on my leg and itch creams don't help. It's like a "Phantom itch". It's not really there but my body thinks it is. I have heard mention of similar things happening to people with other nerve disorders and just wondering if anyone else has experienced this with Fibro?

March 27, 2016
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Answer Summary

Members overwhelmingly confirmed experiencing intense phantom itching with fibromyalgia, especially on legs and scalp, with many describing... Read more

Members overwhelmingly confirmed experiencing intense phantom itching with fibromyalgia, especially on legs and scalp, with many describing scratching themselves raw even in their sleep despite creams offering little relief. Several members shared practical strategies that have helped them, including daily antihistamines like Benadryl, keeping skin moisturized with fragrance-free lotions, staying cool to avoid sweat-triggered flares, baking soda baths with essential oils, and specialized shampoos like DHS Clear for scalp issues. A recurring theme was that the itching often coincides with temperature changes or medications like Cymbalta, and while there is no perfect solution, members found relief through trial and error with cooling techniques, consistent moisturizing routines, and over-the-counter antihistamines.

A MyFibroTeam Member

Yes, this happens to me all the time. My legs and hips can look horrendous sometimes. I always get the feeling that i have hairs on me and even when i actively try to not scratch, i can tear myself apart in my sleep. Hairs growing on my legs cause me so many problems, im planning on getting laser treatment on my legs to try and reduce some of the stimuli. Fibro has some weird symptoms xx

April 2, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

Hi, I have terrible trouble with my scalp. I get these little itchy bumps or areas of redness that itch and my scalp actually hurts in areas. I use a shampoo that I order from Walgreen's, CVS, or you can get it from Amazon. It is called, DHS Clear Shampoo. (There is a DHS Shampoo that has zinc. I DO NOT use that one.) It is about $14.00 for a 16 ounce bottle. It really helps my scalp. I use just a little spray of conditioner after I am done shampooing my hair that I get at Sally's Beauty Supply. It is called, Ion Anti-frizz Solutions. It is in a white bottle with pink. This bottle lasts a long time. It is a lightweight moisturizer and a detangler. After I spray some on and work it into my hair, I rinse my hair for about five seconds just to get some of it off my scalp. Another shampoo that helps is Aveeno Pure Renewal Shampoo. It is in a light beige bottle. This one you can buy at stores. Another thing that helps and may sound crazy, I take a cotton ball, soak it in rubbing alcohol, and put it on the itchy areas. I know it sounds strange but it helps me. Using the DHS and the Ion leave-in conditioner is my favorite choice. Aveeno is helpful, too.

March 29, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

I have not experienced itchiness as mentioned above, but have had phantom bites and feeling like things are crawling on me. But when I was pregnant I had severely dry legs and was scratching until they bled.nothing worked for long, but my doctor suggested a cream with lactic acid ( OTC) and it worked great. Also another product you could try is Gold Bond cream and/or powder.its OTC as well and is suppose to help with itch. Oatmeal bath and cream also help

March 27, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

Yes mam! I swear I am itchy almost all the time! And whenever my body temperature fluctuates at all , I start to get these stabby, stinging feelings anywhere I get sweaty (generally my scalp under my hair, my neck and chest)and then Those places all start to itch like crazy! !! My Dr suggested a once daily OTC allergy medication, but it didn't really do much . I have even resorted to diphenhydramine (benadryl) if I know I am done leaving the house for the rest of the day!
My "only thing that works for me" is just trying to stay as cool as possible, and keep lotion handy. Instead of itching , apply lotion. It's worth a shot!

March 27, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

Yes, I have experienced these as well as phantom bites pins & needles, stabbing feelings etc. Sometimes I am just sitting here and yell out "ouch" because it feels like something just stabbed me.

March 27, 2016

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