Pins and Needles

[Newt]

For the past two nights when I lie in bed, I feel itchy or possibly light pins and needles on my wrists, top of hands, neck, ears, ankles, tongue and left side of face.  Two days ago I noticed one of my toenails just fell off although I don't remember bumping my toe.  I am a 44 year old woman and in excellent health.  (I wrote you last year though that nine years ago I was diagnosed with type 1 herpes in the genital area that has not resurfaced since then but doubt this is related to that).  I do not feel any itch in my genital region nor on the trunk of my body, just basically on my extremities.  I doubt it is a rash because I itch it but see no hives except one or two small red flat bumps on the outside of my wrists that most probably got there by my scratching.  Basically I feel a pins and needles sensation that is not relieved by scratching.  I recently started using an intensive lifting cream on my face from Estee Lauder.  I also have one pinkish flat ringlike irritation on my leg which looks similar to a ring I had last year that my dermatologist told me was exema (eczema) (sorry wrong spelling).  I am not taking any medications.  I stopped smoking a pack a week last month.  I suspect I am perimenopausal but am not sure.  I plan to see a doctor this week but would be relieved to hear this might not be serious or neurological.  Thanks.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

It doesn't sound either serious or neurological.  Possibly your body is adjusting to stopping smoking.  Stress and anxiety can produce such symptoms too.  I can't think of any connection with the toenail.  More than likely, you banged it eithout recalling the incident.

I advise you to get some topical diphenhydramine or pramoxine, both over-the-counter anesthetics.  Keep one near your bed, so you can apply to the sensitive areas, and apply when the pins and needles appear.  Then keep your appointment and mention the symptoms if they're still there.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[paumo]

read up on fibre mialgia.