There are a number of skin-related fibromyalgia symptoms. It is estimated that 70 to 80 percent of people with fibromyalgia have some sort of skin-related symptoms. Some common complaints include dry skin, itching and burning skin, rashes, mottled skin and bruising. Some of these skin-related fibromyalgia symptoms can make sleeping more difficult, and increase pain and fatigue. Skin problems can also make it hard to choose clothes to wear.
Studies have shown there is a lot going on under the skin’s surface when you have fibromyalgia. Researchers have found there are excessive sensory nerve fibers in the palms of the hands of women with fibromyalgia. Research has also shown that an elevated level of immune-reactive proteins exists just beneath the skin’s surface.
One Swedish research group found there are four times the number of mast cells in the skin tissues of those with fibromyalgia. Mast cells are generated by the immune system and contain substances such as histamine and cytokines. Both of which, may be responsible for causing skin irritations and painful reactions.
With all that is going on just beneath the skin, it’s not difficult to understand how someone with fibromyalgia might suffer from rashes and itching or burning skin.
Types Of Skin-related Fibromyalgia Symptoms
There are a number of different types of skin-related symptoms that occur in fibromyalgia. Many of them are present alongside one another or become chronic problems. Skin-related fibromyalgia symptoms include the following:
- Dry Skin – Many people with fibromyalgia are plagued with dry, cracked skin. Dry flaky skin can appear anywhere on the body, but it particularly affects the hands and fingers. Sometimes this dry skin will begin to peel and cause pain and discomfort.
- Itchy Skin – Itchy skin is usually one of the most common skin complaints among those with fibromyalgia. Of course dry skin and rashes can make your skin itch but most often, with fibromyalgia, it occurs without any obvious cause. It is known as a sensory itch and has to do with how our body interprets pain signals.
- Rashes – People with fibromyalgia often complain of skin rashes. The typical rash associated with fibromyalgia is red and can be flat or raised and bumpy. In some cases, there is also itchiness. Scratching or sun exposure can make the rash burn.
- Mottled Skin – The skin of fibromyalgia sufferers often begins to change color, appearance, or tone. Mottled skin is due to blood vessel changes in the skin that cause a blotchy appearance. These blotches can appear anywhere on the body, particularly on the inside of the forearms and thighs.
- Bruising – Many of us with fibromyalgia experience unexplained bruising. I often end up with bruises on my arms, legs and other areas of the body and don’t remember bumping into anything.
- Painful Skin (Allodynia) – Allodynia is a fairly rare type of pain in which your skin hurts. Allodynia is believed to be a hypersensitive reaction to temperature and stimuli that wouldn’t normally cause pain. Even a light touch to the skin can be unbearable.
If you struggle with intense itching, red rashes or see a huge bruise that you have no memory of creating, you are not alone. These are not symptoms that you would naturally link to fibromyalgia, but they are connected.
I considered myself fortunate because I never experienced skin pain. My clothing or bedding irritated me, but I never experienced pain from someone touching me. That all changed this summer when my skin began stinging and burning. It’s from head to toe…my scalp, face, arms, legs, body, even my eyelids.
If you suffer from skin pain, you may want to read this post about Allodynia.
Do you have any tips for dealing with any skin-related symptoms, or just want to vent? Please leave a comment below.
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I know exactly what you mean Sue. Skin pain will come and go for me. I noticed a traveling sensation like a sunburn on legs, thighs, and arms. It usually stays for about 4-5 days, then either moves or abates for a time only to come back. So weird. One of the many adventures of the ‘Fibro Clan’! 🙂
Fibro is an adventure for sure. I am thinking temperature and humidity have something to do with it for me. Maybe that’s just wishful thinking, guess I will find out when winter gets here.
I have dry skin and the painful skin. Sometimes the wind hurts. 🙁
Thank you for linking up to the Chronic Friday Linkup! I pinned your post to the Chronic Friday Linkup board!
I can relate to all of the above symptoms. My doctor took a scraping a few days ago for testing/diagnosis. Hopefully, the test results will show why I have a rash on my thighs and forearm. I have found that prescription triamcinolone helps with some of the rashes, mainly on my forehead and hands. My previous doctor told me unexplained bruising is part of aging, but I find it hard to believe I could have as many bruises as I do without banging into things is from aging.
HI, Amelia. I hope you get an answer for your rash. Some doctors want to blame almost everything on aging. I have a woman doctor who is around my age now. Age rarely comes up now. I always have bruises which are unexplained.
I get bruising amid the rashes, like I’m scratching or pressing too hard. Do you?
Yes, Margaret, I do.
Same here, I get a very small bump and it itches then it turns into several small itchy bumps together. When I scratch it it turns bright red and bruises for a week or better. This itching is driving me crazy
After years of no one believing me, I am finally vindicated with a fibro diagnosis. Yet, people still don’t believe I have this legitamate disease. Anyway, my legs, below the knee, are always on fire with itching. My legs itch so much I itch them until I bleed. My legs are so dry due this constant scratching. It’s maddening. And, my issue absolutely seems worse at night which keeps me up. I find myself grabbing sharp objects to satisfy these itches; forks, nail clippers, knives, earring posts….anything that is on-hand. Okay, I am don’t venting.
Hi Jennifer. Sad to say but there will always be people who don’t believe us or our diagnosis. I have gotten to the point where I just don’t care and am not willing to spend time with those people. I have even walked out on a doctor in the middle of my appointment because she was so condescending. I itch sometimes but never to the extreme you are experiencing. I sometimes take Benadryl, use over-the-count cortisone cream for the itching. Have you told your doctor how bad the itching is? He or she may be able to prescribe something. Vent here anytime. 🙂
I’ve had fibro forever…My Dr recently proscribed hydroxyzine to me, for anxiety. It is an antihistamine that can be used for off label purposes I guess…. I’m just wondering if your doctor has considered it for your itching?
OMG ive been able to live with the pain fatigue loss of libido brain fog but the itchy skin keeps me up all night! Its there during the day too, tickling skin i cant ignore but at night when i’m trying to sleep is the worst! I have noticed it tends to be in same spots, like back of left leg, top of right arm type of thing. My hair on my neck pricks my skin even though my hair is soft. Even my ass itches. The sheets feel soft to the touch yet end up feeling rough in the night. That along with anxiety and constantly feeling like I have to pee and nightly and daily restless legs is making my life miserable. Going to work is hell, i’m too tired from lack of sleep and irritable. I eat healthy, workout every other day at least and do stretches throughout the day. Other than the itching I think the restless legs are the worst. The product “restful legs works sometimes as well as ibuprofen although I got an ulcer from taking too many ibuprofen and drinking too much coffee in the morning just to be able to function at work. I’m somewhat relieve to find that the itching is a side effect of fibro cuz I don’t have a rash, just feel like someone is tickling me with tiny feathers but so much that it drives me crazy. I have no insurance and can’t afford a doctor. I’m going to try benadryl again and see if it helps (tried years ago ) wish I could afford ambien to knock me out every night. I took it years ago when my son was still at home and I had medicare. It was awesome, I could sleep regular hours and have energy during the day. I was able to keep my weight down as a result.
Coffee can cause fibro flare ups, so while it may seem helpful to get you through the day, it could be the very factor in what is making it hard for you to sleep.
My mum suffers with R.Arthritis and burning skin rashes that itch like you all describe, my sister has fibromyalgia and is having terrible muscle pain that stops her in her tracks and i am going through numerous tests as my symptoms are widespread, from brain fog, itchy skin, restless legs AND arms, gastro-related symptoms ie paraesthesia of the gut, abdominal lesions that start as dry cracked skin but become infected as im T1diabetic. Our link between these varying symptoms was brought about after all of us over the past 5 years were hospitalised with sepsis. Having read your comment on the culprits being laundry soap etc, all 3 of us were informed about a couple of cytotoxins that are in so many daily cleaning, laundry, shower/bath personal care products and cosmetics, even mouthwashes, that are known to cause Allergic Contact Dermatitis and also possible nerve/neurological damage. These ingredients are: Methylisothiazolinone combined with Methylchloroisothiazolinone. (sorry long words) Ive looked online and Wikipedia and it proves quite an eye opener. I commented about my mum & sisters symptoms because apparently there is a genetic link within the RA family medical history. I use Atarax 2x25mg tablets at night for itching and paracetamol for restless legs but also keeping legs and arms warm seems to help during the day.
Hello, could you elaborate on the cytotoxins your referring to? Methylchloroisothiazolinone? I was diagnosed with Fibro and Chronic Fatigue 30 years ago. I’ve learned to deal with aches, pain, and exhaustion. My issue is a skin burning sensation from stress, heat, allergens such as polyester, chlorine, and cocoa powder, but mostly to the sun. I’m now totally intolerate to sunlight. I’ve been tested for EVERYTHING, so it’s not another disease. Now I’m looking at what else I’m exposed to that could be causing all of this.
Thank you!
Amber
I can relate to this intense itching that feels like you need to scratch to the bone. This intense itching started this past fall. My doctor said it’s dry skin. Now I have scarring, bad scarring on my legs and my arms.? When the doctor saw it he sent another consult to the dermatologist who didn’t seem to believe in fibromyalgia rashes. !!! My beautiful arms and legs are no more. … It’s a very hard disease to live with.
It is slowly taking away my life.!!
Hi, Shelley. It must be nice to pick and choose what you believe about fibromyalgia and its symptoms. Too bad we don’t have that option. The rashes I get are usually an allergic reaction. The biggest culprits are laundry soap, bath soap, and certain things in the air. My skin itches a lot even when there is no rash. By accident, I found that baking soda helps for itching. A while back I started adding a little baking soda to my shampoo because it is supposed to make your hair feel thicker. I don’t think it helped thicken my hair but I noticed that whenever I skipped the baking soda my scalp was itchy. So now I keep a waterproof container of baking soda in the shower and add little to my shampoo, facial cleaner, and bath soap. It has really cut down on the itching. Might be worth a try.
I never thought about baking soda. I’m gonna give it a shot! Thanks, Sue. My dermatologist said for me to take 2 Allegra in the morning and 2 at night along with 3 Hydroxyzine before I go to bed. The RA specialist the regular doc sent me to said I didn’t have Fibro (Ha!!!!) I hope she starts to itch just so she knows what a freakin’ nightmare this is!!!
Has anyone experienced dark dry patches on the skin?
Hi, Cheryl. I haven’t had that problem but maybe someone who has will reply.
I have Cheryl. A few spots…My ankle and the tops of my toes. It’s insane. At first I thought my shoe rubbed my ankle the wrong way. It won’t go away. It literally is dark brown and almost callus feeling. Nothing I do will soften it or make it change color. Same with my toes. Brown and rough. I’ve literally used a pumice sponge to scrub to no end to smooth the skin and it hasn’t worked. I have no clue.
I have the exact same thing…my shins used to be beautiful, now they are scared, bruised, still itchy …especially aftrr i eat, or am in the sun, covered in flakey raised scars that just peel of patches of skin then bleed it weep
Those patches are psoriasis. I also have that.
Try using Allegra for the itching and burning, it takes the edge off.
I have developed severe psoriasis on my scalp and it is itchy to the extreme. Has anyone experienced this type is skin irritation with their fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome?
Hi, Heidi. I don’t suffer from psoriasis myself but many people with fibromyalgia do. I recently wrote a review about Hemp CBD lotion made by The Fay Farm. It helps with pain and skin conditions. A fellow chronic illness blogger also reviewed the lotion. She has psoriasis on her scalp and has pictures of before and after she used the lotion. It looked like the psoriasis was completely gone. You can see the pictures on her blog.
Itching!, when my pain is worse, Fibro and IC
I have some skin issues but I also will get sore fingernails. Does anyone else have this complaint?
Hi Debby. The only time my fingernails bother me is if I wear nail polish. But heck everything else hurts so why not fingernails, too.
Going crazy with this itching – getting worse! Don’t know what to do! I recently purchased a Quell machine for my back pain, and it seemed to help that, but I wonder if it has made my itching worse. I have not been diagnosed with Fibro yet, but I have ALL of the symptoms. A nurse practitioner told me last week that Doctors call it fibromyalgia when they don’t know what it is. My doctor told me that it was fibromyalgia the last two visits to him. I go see a Neurosurgeon in November and maybe he will tell me the truth.
Since the Quell stimulates the nerves I suppose it is possible it could make the itching worse but I can’t say for sure. I find such relief from my Quell I would hate to stop using it. I can only use certain brands of dish soap, laundry soap, and bath soap or the itching is unbearable. Taking Benedryl helps with itching and so does taking a warm bath with one cup baking soda and/or apple cider vinegar. Since the symptoms of fibromyalgia are similar to other health conditions most doctors don’t give a fibromyalgia diagnosis until they rule everything else out. My doctor was very familiar with fibromyalgia because her mother has it so in my case, I was diagnosed first and everything else was ruled out by a rheumatologist after that. I hope you get some answers soon. Take care!
Has anyone gotten what looks like lots of mosquito bites all over? It started over a week ago with just 3, but now they’re all over my body. It doesn’t look like a rash, more like bites. They’re not in big clumps, more spread out, but there are a couple of places where there are small groups of 3 to 6 in a smaller area. I went to the ER last night and the PA said he didn’t think they were actual bites, but he had no idea what they are. I’m just looking for answers because they itch like crazy (he didn’t think they were chicken pox or measles though that’s what they remind me of).
Hi, Lucy. I wonder if it is an allergic reaction. A few years ago I got small bumps on my hands and wrists that itched reaIy bad. It turned out I was allergic to the dish soap I was using. I changed dish soap and everything was okay. Later, I became sensitive to my laundry and bath soap, too. I can also break out from things in the air like fresh cut hay.
Not sure if this is related, but I ended up covered in those type bumps and it turned out to be ringworms. We had a new kitten that was a carrier, not presenting them himself. My doctors said that they couldn’t be that since there so many of them. Well, it turned out to be the case. I used lotions for athletes foot (they are treated the same). Just a thought…
I’m on here looking to see why my skin burns. Ive had Fibromyalgia for 30 years and doctors never connected an intolerance to sunlight could be the problem. If you hear of anything related, please let me know!
Best of luck finding a treatment for your itch!
I totally understand you pain!!
Amber
That’s how mine are on my legs. The recent dermatology I saw thought bedbugs because they tend to go in lines of 3. But I don’t know how those would have gotten in my house and I’ve looked for signs and nothing.
I just started getting this symptom like bug bites. I get them right before a fibro flare and so far it’s always in the same place on my knee. I’ll get 1 or 2 at a time and itch like crazy. Looks a lot like chicken pox!
I get them daily. I went thru all of the allergy testing because I was told by my doctor it wasn’t linked to anything I have. I am a type 2 diabetic NLD and fibromyalgia. They have me on Zyrtec, Zantac and singular ever morning and Zyrtec Zantac and Benadryl every night along with my other meds, they’re still convinced it’s just allergies but now that I’m hearing more stories like yours I’m beginning to think it is definitely fibromyalgia related. Seems to be in the general area where my pain is the worst sometimes and sometimes just everywhere in general. Went to er several times and they treated me like it was an allergic reaction and hives and sent me on my way. Going back in to see my neurologist soon tho.
I was so sick of itchy skin that I would try anything but I now use the Aloe & Jojoba Therapy from Made From Earth. It has calmed my itchy skin it has a nice smell not over powering.
I have never tried Aloe & Jojoba Therapy. I like to use Healing Hemp CBD Lotion made by The Fay Farm for pain and itching.
I’ve got a doozie of a skin condition for you. As you all know fibro has a stress related component, my stress manifested itself in a wonderful skin problem called nodular prurigo. I have always had what I called Adult Acne or more to the point, spots that would erupt in a very painful pimple with several cores that just refused to heal for months. I would often get an area that would come up like a shingles outbreak with the pain being severe enough to make you catch your breath when it felt like someone putting a hot poker to my skin. Even the wind blowing on my face was painful.
I had one outbreak in October 2013 that was particularly aggravating, resulting in my doctor removing the offending mass that gave me the diagnosis. I had a blemish free face for 3 weeks until it broke out in another place on the other side of my mouth. After many doctors visits, a truck load of cortisone creams and when I had had just about enough of it all my darling doctor came up with the idea of applying the cream and covering it completely with an opsite strip. I did that for 2 months more and finally it seemed to heal this was in April 2016.
2 years and 7 months of not really wanting to see my reflection in a mirror was over, not that I want to look in the mirror that often.’
Nodular Prurigo consists of thousands of nerve endings and I’m sure each one was firing at the same time. Even over my pain medication it was unbelievably agonizing. Hey, I thought I had a high pain threshold, but this bought me to my knees and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Has anyone else had this problem?
Hi, Helen. I have never heard of nodular prurigo before. It sounds awful. Thank goodness your doctor came up with something that helped.
Went to a Rheumatologist last month. She claimed I do not have Fibromyalgia. I don’t believe her. I currently itch on my left thigh, and if I scratch (have to do it), I break out in huge welts! Talk about miserable! I take Benadryl several times a day and also Cetirizine 10 mg. In the meantime, I discovered I was allergic to my blood pressure med called Lisinopril. Things are getting better, but I still itch. Some days I think I will go crazy!!!!! If you take Lisinopril for high blood pressure, I urge you to read about the drug on line. It will scare you to death!
I’ve had the worst rash ever for at least 4 monthe. On my legs it’s raised red spots that go in lines and weird patterns. My knees itch alot but show no rash. The rash is on my stomach, breasts, back, and bum. Even my groin itches terribly and it seems like little balls of dead skin come off there, its where my leg mettes the groin. I have raised scratches on my bum and stomach that look like a talon got me. Have tried steroid dose pack twice and it almost went away then came back with a vengeance. Does this sound familiar to anyone? One biopsy diagnosed folliculitis but the next Derm I saw took another biopsy that I haven’t heard from yet.
Hi, Margaret. If the recent biopsy comes back negative then I wonder if could be an allergy to a food, bath soap, or laundry product.
I also have craniofacial hyperhidrosis, sometimes it’s my boobs and back that sweat too but the,head and face the sweat just pours out and drenched my hair. I’ve had grocery clerks ask if I’m ok, if I need medical assistance.
I have been asked that, too. Especially when my face was beet red with the sweating.
Wow! I thought I was the only one that had that problem! Thanks for sharing!?
I have very painful head, face, scalp, hair, eyes, I can’t even use warm water to shower its so painful. I have told my doctors about and I’m dismissed both by primary care and ruemotologist. I also have my right ear that is painful and keeps itching and sometimes ooses, it’s all very overwhelming. Can anybody help? Renee
Hi, Renee. For the ear, you should probably see an allergist. My primary doctor sent me to one when antibiotics would not clear up the fluid in my ear. Who knows maybe the head, face, and eye pain is related. Although the painful skin is also a symptom of fibromyalgia itself. You should not have to feel dismissed by your doctors. If at all possible, I would consider finding a different doctor. Take care!
I experience annoying itchy spots all the time. Like falling asleep isn’t hard enough but add an intense itch here then there!! However recently I started having itch in my eyelash area, like it makes me want to pull my eyelashes out. There is no rash, no flaking, no one can see anything!!! People think I’m crazy when I say how bad my skin itches! Drink more water, put on lotion!!!! Really!!!! So I guess I’m wondering if anyone else has had this happen to eyes?
Hi, Kim. My eyes itch and so does my scalp and face. Allergy eye drops help with the itching eyes and I have found that adding a bit of baking soda to my shampoo, face cleanser, and body soap helps with the itchiness. I still get the random itchiness here and there but not as intense. I have also found that Healing Hemp lotion from The Fay Farm works great for the itching.
Agony my skin is so sore every little thing hurts the hell out of me.I’m desperate so I will be trying aloe Vera plant and get the juice from it I’m hoping it works.
Let us know how it works. Take care, Anne.
Showers have always been extremely uncomfortable. ..the sensation of getting wet…is painful, once wet I am fine. I also have leisons on my legs from what starts out as itchy red bumps the crawl out of shins, at first they are weepy, and itchy links ants live beneath the skin, and then as they heal they become raised dry flakey bumps that just want to be peeled. Very hard to heal.
Sounds aweful. Gentle Hugs.
I get a rash on both lower legs and feet it iches and comes and gos now today I have a stinging burning bumpy blistery sipping deal going on the back of my lower neck do I seek attention go to a doctor or what should I do it’s annoy in as hell nothing can touch it with out it hurting bad
Hi, Deborah. Rashes that come and go are usually caused by an allergy reaction to something you are exposed to. But there can be other causes so I think you should consult your doctor to be safe. Take Care.
This past year I have had unrelenting itching all over. Lotions don’t offer much relief. I have found that mega doses of hydroxyzine does work much of the time. My insurance no longer covers this medication though. Benadryl does NOT work, and I had to stop lamictal because that made the itching beyond unbearable. Now that I no longer have access to hydroxyzine, it is coming back with a vengeance.
Hi, Debra. It figures that when you find something that helps, your insurance stops covering it. There are a lot of treatments my insurance won’t cover. It’s really sad.
I notice it only seems to affect women going by this thread. My other half is going through this at the moment and not only is doing her head in, it’s doing mine in! 6 different doctors and GPS have said it’s an allergy. I suspect it’s to do with fibro/ allodyina. Any suggestions ladies?
Hi, Jake. Honestly, it could be all three. Fibro, Allodynia, and allergies. Fibro itself causes sensitivity to many different things, especially chemicals that are used in everyday products. My advice is to go as chemical-free as possible and use products that are hypoallergenic.
I actually stumbled upon your blog when I went on a Google search for correlations between skin peeling on my fingers and Fibro. I was only diagnosed recently (just over a year ago) but I’m sure I had been suffering un-diagnosed for years. I’ve had this one spot on the inside of my left foot, just below the ankle bone that itches incessantly! And I mean it’s BAD! To the point that I scratch at it in my sleep to the point of bleeding and now scaring but it still itches. My fingers started peeling when my doctor, misdiagnosing me with other issues, prescribed me Prednasone just before realizing I have Fibro. Usually after prednasone, the side effects go away, sure some take longer than others but the skin peeling on my fingers hasn’t stopped over a year later.
I have only experienced skin pain a few times, usually my face or shoulders. Itchy skin, rashes, mottled skin…all those in some degree or another but only recently I get more than one at the same time. It’s a constant adventure..that’s for sure!
Hi, Stacey. I had trouble with my skin peeling on my hands many years ago. My doctor told me to try buying a different dish soap and that worked. Fibro is a constant adventure for sure.
I was placed on disability in 2010 and diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2012 by a neurologist and also have a rheumatologist. I’ve had all the itching with rashes and stinging pain like needles, scaring and dry peeling skin, muscle pain, joint pain, fatigue, stiffness, soreness, decreased libido, bruising easily, etc. What has helped me the most for itching is Clobetisol Propionate Gel, 0.05% (RX), Luxiq (RX) (has moose like texture and soft cool feeling, very soothing), Cetaphil Antibacterial bar soap (OTC – Walmart & Target usually carries it and least expensive, ~$3.00/bar but worth it), U-lactin body lotion (order on-line), “All free and clear” laundry soap and sometimes do extra rinse cycle. I stopped using fabric softeners or dryer sheets. I try to stretch and do yoga as much as I can tolerate, walking and swimming, and try to stay busy. I try not to sit too long, I get very stiff and sore, try to change things up, pace myself throughout the day and try not to overdo it with cleaning, yard work, etc. Advil (Ibuprofen) works best for my pain but I don’t need it every day. Trying to eat clean with more fresh fruits & vegetables, less fatty foods, avoiding sugar, drink plenty of water, trying to loose extra weight gained due to decreased activity, and getting a good nights sleep which is “very important”. I take a very small dose of Ativan (RX) 1/2 hour before bed time which helps me relax and fall asleep. Depression can be a culprit also, so make sure you see a specialist for it. Antidepressants are sometimes prescribed to help decrease pain and other issues, anxiety, not getting restful sleep, etc. Try to keep the stress levels down if at all possible. I hope this information has helped some of you who are suffering from Fibromyalgia. If I think of any other helpful ideas I may have left out, I will definitely post them. Take good care of yourselves and hopefully you are able to find what works best for you in alleviating your symptoms.
Hi, Gail. Thanks for sharing your good advice. It takes all of these things to manage our health and live as well as possible. That’s why it is so important for each of us to take responsibility for our own health. It’s a lot of work that no one can do for us. I agree with everything you said especially about sleep. It is very important, maybe the most important. If I am getting good sleep I have more energy during the day to move more and make sure I eat healthy meals. If I am not getting good sleep all of my symptoms get worse including depression. Thanks again for sharing! 🙂
I have it round my ankles and my bones hurts bad
Hopefully someone knows what I have. For approx 30 yrs (I am 54) I have had a patch of skin suddenly become extremely sore and sensitive. It feels like the nerves are on fire and electric shocks zap me in this patch. It lasted 1-2 days back when it started and used to only happen about 3-4 times a year (the patch was usually on my arms or legs or torso but would move around each time). There is nothing visible where this burning is occurring. No rash, spots, dry skin….nothing. As I am getting older, these episodes are occurring much more frequently (weekly or more) and the patches are either becoming larger (my whole back and sides for example once lasted over a week) or more intense (the one on my leg last night would make my leg jump every time the nerve would “zap”. Does anyone else have these symptoms? I have mentioned them to my Dr who doesn’t have any idea what they could be.Thanks.
Hi, Susan. Since there is nothing visible, it could be allodynia which is basically skin pain. Allodynia is believed to be a hypersensitivity to stimuli that would normally not cause pain. The pain can be provoked by a light touch to the skin, pressure from clothing, showering, brushing your hair, or a breeze blowing across the skin. You can read more about Allodynia here. The jumpy leg could be either Allodynia or you could be developing Restless Leg Syndrome.