People with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience a wide array of symptoms, such as strange sensations. They might feel tingling, pins and needles, or a burning feeling. Many people with MS experience a terrible itchy feeling that happens suddenly and can be quite intense. This is called pruritis. If your senior parent suffers from MS and sometimes experiences pruritis, you may be wondering how you can help.
Caregivers in Coronado CA: MS Itching Symptoms and Remedy Tips
What Causes MS Itching?
MS itching can be one of the sensory disturbances that occur with the disease. It can occur on any part of the body and last for minutes or much longer. There is no rash or other skin irritation associated with it.
People with MS might also experience itching due to certain medications. Medications that are given by injection can cause temporary itchiness at the injection site. Also, medications given intravenously can cause an allergic reaction that involves itching.
Can MS Itching Be Treated?
If your parent’s itching is relatively mild, there’s probably no need for treatment. You should be aware that no topical ointment will help with MS itching caused by sensory disturbances.
If your parent’s itching is severe, talk to their doctor about possible treatments. There are some medications that can help with MS itching. Common medications used include:
-Anticonvulsants.
-Antihistamines.
-Antidepressants.
What Can Be Done at Home to Ease MS Itching?
There are several techniques that may help to reduce itchiness associated with MS, such as:
-Discourage Scratching: Scratching an MS itch will not make it go away, and might even make it worse. Family caregivers and home care providers should remind seniors, not to scratch.
-Distraction: Sometimes doing something that keeps your parent’s mind off scratching can help. When your parent is feeling particularly itchy, a home care provider can engage them in an activity that they enjoy. They might try doing a craft, going for a walk, or some other activity that your parent enjoys.
-Cold Packs: Cold compresses or ice packs can help ease MS itching by tricking the nervous system. However, remember not to apply ice directly to the area as it can harm tissues.
-Look for Other Causes: Remember that people with MS can develop itchiness for reasons that are not related to MS at all. Like everyone else, they can get dry skin and other things that cause itching.
If your parent suffers from MS, a home care provider can assist them in their home for just a couple of hours a day, a couple of days a week, or for entire days throughout the week. Home care providers can even stay with your parent overnight if needed.
For more information about caregivers in Coronado, CA, call the friendly caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare who can help your aging parents remain in their own homes, at 858-454-9339. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in La Jolla, CA, and the surrounding communities.
Sources
NationalMSSociety.org
Healthline.com
MultipleSclerosis.net
Today we are the oldest and most experienced private duty agency in San Diego County.She saw a need for quality private duty home health care and she worked diligently to build an agency that filled that need.I am proud to say, her vision is carried on today with our dedicated staff.
I believe our tenure in the community speaks well for us.We have had the opportunity to be of service to countless interesting individuals, including local and worldwide celebrities.It is the people we care for that makes this a fascinating industry.Whether high profile or a more ordinary citizen, we are proud that thousands have entrusted us with their care or the care of their loved ones.Our Mission is to provide high quality, very secure and the most compassionate home health care.We believe that patients heal faster and are happiest when they can stay in their homes.”
- Four Providers Who Ease the Stress of Caring for a Chronically Ill Loved One - October 29, 2024
- Therapies Seniors May Need After a Stroke - October 22, 2024
- Keeping Psoriatic Arthritis from Triggering Other Issues - October 15, 2024
