Fibromyalgia affects millions of people across the globe. Well-known symptoms of the condition include pain, tiredness, and brain fog. One symptom that’s often overlooked is pruritus (itchy skin). For some, the itching might be mildly annoying or distracting. For others, persistent itching may keep them up at night, scratching until their skin feels raw.

MyFibroTeam members with “fibro itch” report intense and painful itching that can pop up suddenly, anywhere on the body. They describe the sensation as a “creepy-crawly,” “prickly or mosquito bite feeling,” and “like tiny ants crawling over you.”

Some members experience itch with numbness. “I’ve been quite itchy on my left side torso. That same area is numbish,” shared one member. “Odd that there can be reduced feeling but still feel itchy.”

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about itching with fibromyalgia. We’ll discuss why it happens, why it’s sometimes worse at night, and what you can do to find relief.

Does Fibromyalgia Cause Itching?

Fibromyalgia doesn’t just affect the body’s muscles and joints. It also impacts the central nervous system (CNS). This is the spinal cord, the brain, and the network of nerves that sends and receives messages to the rest of the body.

Doctors believe that itching in fibromyalgia may be linked to central sensitization. This means the CNS becomes overactive and reacts too strongly to touch and pain signals. Normally, the brain pays little attention to light touch or mild skin irritation. In fibromyalgia, however, these signals may become amplified and misinterpreted as itching or pain.

This type of itching is sometimes called neuropathic itch. It comes from nerve imbalances rather than a rash, allergy, or skin condition. Researchers have connected this to changes in neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) like dopamine and norepinephrine. These brain chemicals control mood, pain, and skin sensations, among other functions.

How Common Is Itching in Fibromyalgia?

You may be surprised to learn how common itching is among people with fibromyalgia. One study found that chronic (long-term) itch affects about 60 percent of females with fibromyalgia. The study found that the itching wasn’t linked to how much pain they felt. Instead, it was closely tied to sleep disturbances and a lower quality of life.

The study also revealed that itching didn’t seem to improve with common fibromyalgia medicines, such as antidepressants. This means that itching in fibromyalgia may have a unique cause, separate from pain.

According to the study, the most commonly affected body parts include:

• Scalp — Affected 62 percent of participants
• Back — 58.6 percent
• Forearms — 41.4 percent
• Arms — 37.9 percent
• Shoulders — 34.5 percent
• Thighs — 34.5 percent
• Hands — 31 percent
• Face — 27.6 percent
• Neck — 27.6 percent
• Feet — 27.6 percent

Less often, people reported itch in the groin, underarms, and shins. Many people also noticed that areas of itching often overlapped with places where they already had fibromyalgia pain or other common fibromyalgia symptoms.

One MyFibroTeam member noticed, “Mine seems to be a seasonal itch that I get every year at the same time, on the forearms. It is worse in the sun.”

Another member shared, “It can pop up all of a sudden and can be anywhere, mostly the tops of my hands and feet.”

Why Is Itching Worse at Night With Fibromyalgia?

Many people with fibromyalgia notice that their itchiness feels stronger at night. If this sounds familiar, know that it’s not all in your head. There are several body changes that could explain why itchy skin at night — or nocturnal pruritus — could be happening.

First, the body’s temperature rises slightly in the evening. Warmer skin can activate itch receptors and make sensations more intense. Paired with central sensitization in fibromyalgia, this may explain why a little extra heat can feel especially irritating.

Second, hormone cycles also shift at night. Neurotransmitter levels change throughout the day, which can affect how the brain processes both pain and itch. When these levels fluctuate, it can make it more likely for fibromyalgia symptoms to flare up.

Lying still in bed or resting in the evening also means fewer daytime distractions. Without movement or focus on other tasks, it’s possible that the itching could be harder to ignore.

One MyFibroTeam member shared, “I’m chronically itchy at night. I’m not sure if it’s from allergies or fibromyalgia. Or, it could be a combination.”

How To Calm Fibromyalgia Itch

Unfortunately, there isn’t a single treatment available for fibromyalgia itching. Relief may require a trial-and-error process that includes combining medicines, self-care, and home remedies. What works for one person may not work for another, so patience is key.

Over-the-Counter Options for Fibromyalgia Itch

Simple drugstore products can take the edge off fibromyalgia-related itchy skin before moving on to stronger treatments. Options to consider include:

• Moisturizers — A fragrance-free cream or lotion can reduce dry skin, which may make itching worse.
• Anti-itch creams — Mild steroid creams, like hydrocortisone, may calm inflamed or irritated skin.
• Cooling lotions — Gels with menthol or aloe may soothe burning or stinging sensations.
• Ice packs — A cold compress can numb nerves under the skin, providing quick but temporary relief.
• Acetaminophen — This may ease the fibromyalgia pain that makes other symptoms harder to tolerate.
• Diphenhydramine — An over-the-counter antihistamine may reduce itchiness for some people, especially at night.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) — Pain medications can help with pain relief and, in the end, with itchiness, when it’s related to pain.

“I use aloe vera with lidocaine for itching,” one member shared. “Find it where sunburn relief or burn relief gels and creams are.”

“Outside of showering, calamine lotion helps me, as does pure aloe vera, and if it’s extremely bad, then taking an oral one-day dose of an over-the-counter antihistamine,” another member said.

Prescription Medications

Some prescription drugs that alleviate fibromyalgia pain may also help with itching. For example:

• Antidepressants — The research on antidepressants for itching relief is mixed. However, certain medications may help reduce itching symptoms.
• Pregabalin (Lyrica) and gabapentin — These are anti-seizure drugs that work via a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). They calm overactive nerves and may help some people with neuropathic itch.

One member shared, “I believe my itching was a nerve response. Since I’ve been on Neurontin (gabapentin), it has been much, much better.”

In some cases, switching or adjusting medications can help, since side effects from certain drugs may worsen itchiness.

Home Remedies and Daily Habits

Simple changes at home can make fibromyalgia-related itching easier to manage. For example, taking a lukewarm bath instead of a hot one helps prevent the skin from drying out. Some people also find that adding oatmeal to their bath water can help soothe irritated skin.

Using gentle, fragrance-free soaps and wearing soft, breathable fabrics like cotton can also reduce irritation. Additionally, keeping fingernails short lowers the risk of skin damage if scratching happens during sleep.

Stress management is another important step, since stress is a known trigger that can cause fibromyalgia symptoms or flare-ups. If your itching is worse at night, consider trying a deep breathing exercise before bed to help calm your nervous system.

Finally, sticking to a regular sleep routine may limit sleep disturbances, which are strongly linked to itch intensity and overall discomfort.

When To See a Doctor

If you have severe itching, bleeding from scratching, or a new skin condition that doesn’t improve, it’s important to reach out to your doctor. A dermatology (skin) or rheumatology (inflammation of joints and muscles) specialist can help rule out other causes and adjust your treatment plan if needed. A psychologist can also help with stress management.

Fibromyalgia itching can be frustrating, but relief is possible. With the right mix of care, you can protect your skin, improve your sleep, and regain control.

Join the Conversation

On MyFibroTeam, people share their experiences with fibromyalgia, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

What tips do you have for finding relief from itching with fibromyalgia? Let others know in the comments below.