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Neurology  (Expert Forum)
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Burning skin sensation...
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MedHelp Member's Question

Burning skin sensation...

by SherryDenice, Jul 26, 2004 12:00AM
Since March 2002, I have been experiecing this God awful sunburned sensation on my skin in different areas.  It started with a slight pain on my arms in 2002, went away, then came back in May of 2003 after a stressful period and attacked my face and arms.  Long story short.... I started Zolft in Septenber 2003 for depression that the burning caused and it took the burning away until December of 2003.  It came back but was not quite as intense and it had been.  It went away again and I noticed it occasionally on my face.  Just last week (July 21st to be exact) I started aching all over and the burning started back a couple of days after that.  My calves feel like they are burned, my arms have spots that feel burned, my knees have spots that feel burned.......



I have had an MRI of my brain in Aug 2003, a neck and c-spine MRI of June 2002 - both were clear.  I did stop the Zoloft back in May of this year and did fine up until now.  



I have been told it can be Fibromyalgia.  What in the world can cause a person's skin to hurt this way?????



Please, if you have any answers or suggestions, I'd love to hear them.  I'm 32 years old, have a 6 yr old son and a husband.  I'd like to believe that it's nothing serious.



Thanks!



Sherry
Doctor's Answer

by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Jul 30, 2004 12:00AM
Without examining you and taking your history I cannot provide an accurrate clinical diagnosis. I assume your neurologic examination is normal. The symptoms you have described involve various regions of your body at various times. I agree with having the MRI of the brain and crvical spine to exclude structural problems, and inflammatory disorders. B12 deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, and rheumatologic conditions (such as connective tissue disorders and fibromyalgia) can give diffuse symptoms. These disorders can be evaluated with blood work, and a consultation with a rheumatologist. Also, if other causes have been excluded psychological stressors can also cause similar symptoms. I hope this helps. Good luck.
Member Comments (21)

by Mermie, Jul 28, 2004 12:00AM
To: Sherry
I have the same thing and they are calling it myofascial pain due to my back condition and.or secondary fibromyalgia! I have severe stenosis of the lumbar spine, degenerative disk disease and large ostephites in my neck - wide spread aggressive arthritis,

and other things

I have yet to find a doctor who knows anythingabout this although my neurologist did prescribe NEURONTIN aka Gabapentin which is the generic name. It did NOT help!  I use Pennsaid anti-inflammatory topical (prescription in Canada) lotion with duclofenec (anti-inflammatory) and it helps a lot. I went through a series of myofascial release treatments to no avail.

I have found that taking supplements, particularly the B's, amino (liquid gel caps) acids, and a broad spectrum vitamin complex helps a bit. My burning is further aggravated by weather - low and high pressure. Ibuprofen if you can take it, or Motrin on the shelf might help you. I cannot tolerate it.  I think you should probably see a neurologist for a consultation and please consult your primary physician regarding any of my suggestions. I am not a doctor, I have a large support group for people in chronic pain but you must always consult your physician before trying anything.  I am sorry about your skin pain, I agree that its painful and miserable. I have it all over as well with patches in places. I am not sure if it is a component of Fibromyalgia but it is usually called myofascial pain. Hope this helps, Good luck, Mermie

by Brendasue, Aug 08, 2004 12:00AM
To: Sherrydenise
Sherrydeinse,  It is possible that you may have Post herpetic neuralgia.  I have the same symptoms that you do and it took over 2 years to be diagonosed.  This skin pain is horrible isn't it?  I have read everything possible on the subject of shingles (herpes zoster) as well as finding the right doctor to treat me.  You might not have even have realized that you had shingles and if it goes untreated it is possible to get post herpetic neuralgia, which is what I got.  Read about Shingles on your computer and this will give you all the information you need.  The last Neurologist I visited gave me no hope, but there is always hope.  I currently use a lidocane patch on the area that is most painful (my lower back) as well as taking Neurontin (300 mg) as needed.  I always take 600 mg. of Neurontin at night so that I can sleep.  At first the Neuorntin made me a bit drowsy, but after my body adjusted the side effects went away.  My MD also treats me with accupuncture.  I am not keen on taking too many meds, but I do find that the Neurontin does take the pain away.  I have good days and bad days.  I know that shingles is usually associated with the elderly, but I am in my early fourties and healthy.  I hope this help you.

by ukguy, Aug 08, 2004 12:00AM
...more burning skin; problem started at end of May 2004 with pins and needles in hands and feet, by middle of June I also had some numb patches on feet; by middle of July ends of fingers  becoming tender and very recently full-on burning in hands, feet and  back (as if sunburnt).   Awaiting further referral to neurologist (first one - in June - did very cursory exam and said it was probably nothing).  Relevant blood tests done in June all normal. I am relatively fit 41 yr old.  Does anyone have any advice about diet or complementary therapies, eg acupuncture was mentioned..?

by Dave2004, Aug 09, 2004 12:00AM
I am a 36 year old male and have had similar symptoms for the past 3 months on and off which all started after a stressful period. I started to get tingling sensations in my right foot which then moved to my left foot, then spread to hands, arms, body, and face. Then the burning to skin started. I can not go in the sun as my skin is so sensitive. I can actually feel dust particles on any surface which is a horrible feeling.  I am also getting spontanious prickling all over my body.

I went to a neurologist and had an array of blood tests with all normal results.  Had an MRI of brain and cervical also negative.  Finally he found Bilateral Ulnar neuropathy in my elbows with an EMG which is nerve damage in elbows.  I am now wearing elbow pads which are supposed to be worn for 3 months. If this does not work he said surgery to move the nerves may be necessary if arm and hand weakness develop.  I am very frustrated as he cannot zoom in on anything yet.

I am not sure if it can be psychologically related.  The prior physicians comments are encouraging if that is a possibility. I  have a history of panic attacks and anxiety whereby I take .5 mg of Xanax nightly before bed. However, I have never experienced the burning or tingling ever with my panic condition.

Right there with you.....  

by ukguy, Aug 09, 2004 12:00AM
Following Dave`s contribution I was unclear Dave about  whether your elbow problem was causing the other sensations?  I have some recent loss of sensation in the hard skin areas of the elbow (beyond what is normal).  Your comments on stress also ring true for me as my tinglings started during an especially stressful week during a stressful period.   I had been on an SSRI for a number of years although I had just discontinued before the problem started.  I had also jsut had a month of St John`s wort.   Have you found anything which helps - I intend to go on an intensive vitamin and supplement diet for 6 weeks to see if it brings any improvement.  Also as I mentioned yesterday  I want to try acupuncture (and my doctor here in London has suggested cranial osteopathy although I don`t know what it is exactly).   Keep in touch.