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Is There Any Way To Get Rid Of Itching Sensation On The Legs, Arms, Back And Scalp In A Diabetic?
Posted on
Mon, 21 May 2018
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 21 May 2018
Answered on
Tue, 26 Mar 2024
Last reviewed on
Question : I have type 2 diabetes and have had for 20 years. Recently I have been having itchy skin, legs, arms, back and scalp. When it starts sometimes I can stop it from itching with using Gold Bond Diabetics lotion. Tonight it is not working very well. Is this a form of Neuropathy? Is there anything else I can try to get rid of the itching when it starts? I am at a loss. It doesn't happen all the time, maybe 2 or 3 times a week. I don't have an rash or breakouts. Sometimes I do get scratches on my arms and legs from itching too hard. I probably should talk to my MD about it but never had trouble before getting it to let up until tonight. It took the lotion a long time to take hold. Is there something else I can try or consider before rushing to my DR?
Brief Answer:
Dry skin most likely cause.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Diabetic neuropathy has different subtypes so it can manifest differently and can't be completely excluded. However it certainly wouldn't be a typical way of manifesting, I wouldn't say neuropathy to be the most likely cause.
Most commonly itching in diabetes patients is due to dry skin. The fact that it is at times soother by Gold bond lotion would support that hypothesis as its aim is precisely to deal with dry skin. So I would call that the most likely cause. Apart from gold bond lotion is to bathe less frequently, use soap with moisturizer and apply hydrating skin cream after taking baths. I would try that first.
If not enough I would see your doctor to look for some other possibilities. One possibility to look at would be fungal infections of the skin which are much more common in diabetic patients. Poor circulation is another possibility (though less likely with the scalp being involved. Allergic reactions might be also considered, but again less likely in the absence of a rash. Only if the above are excluded would consider possibility of neuropathy.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Dry skin most likely cause.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Diabetic neuropathy has different subtypes so it can manifest differently and can't be completely excluded. However it certainly wouldn't be a typical way of manifesting, I wouldn't say neuropathy to be the most likely cause.
Most commonly itching in diabetes patients is due to dry skin. The fact that it is at times soother by Gold bond lotion would support that hypothesis as its aim is precisely to deal with dry skin. So I would call that the most likely cause. Apart from gold bond lotion is to bathe less frequently, use soap with moisturizer and apply hydrating skin cream after taking baths. I would try that first.
If not enough I would see your doctor to look for some other possibilities. One possibility to look at would be fungal infections of the skin which are much more common in diabetic patients. Poor circulation is another possibility (though less likely with the scalp being involved. Allergic reactions might be also considered, but again less likely in the absence of a rash. Only if the above are excluded would consider possibility of neuropathy.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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