Skin very sensitive to the touch - Neurology

NEUROLOGY COMMUNITY

Skin very sensitive to the touch

Post a Question

< Back to Forum

206 Comments Post a Comment

Viewing 201-212 comments:

«1

Most Recent

jcinAUS

Sep 12, 2011

To: everyone

Hi all, I'm a late comer to the thread I know, but I have had this problem all my life for as long as I can remember, on and off. I'll get the weird skin sensitivity most commonly on my left buttock, and it will then travel down my leg, usually to my calf or foot before disappearing, over the course of about 5 days. Sometimes it travels to my genitals or into my bottom, where it gets extremely painful believe me! I sometimes get it on my chest, which travels to my arm. Or on my neck, which then travels to my face and scalp after a few days. It feels like sunburn and a weird crawling skin sensation at the same time. It's hard to explain, but I know many of you understand what I mean. My doctor could offer no diagnosis. So over the years I've observed and tried to do a number of different things to see if anything would help. I wish to share my observations of things that seem to trigger it for me, and my own remedies that seem to work for me.

If I am overly tired, stressed and not getting enough sleep, I can get an outbreak. Or if I strain a joint (like back or neck) at the gym or some other way, the condition will tend start within a few hours. But not always when I strain like this! In the case of a joint or muscle strain, it tends to happen more frequently when I have recently recovered from a common cold, or when I have hayfever symptoms. Thus, it happens to me more frequently in winter and spring. I also have oral herpes (lips and nasal areas), and sometimes I'll get the skin sensitivity shortly after I have recovered from the herpes, but ONLY if I strain myself physically as noted above. I know all this might sound weird, but these things are what I have noticed as a pattern.

For some strange reason multi-vitamins with B complex shortens it. I also take lysine and super greens, like wheatgrass and spirulina, which also seem to shorten it. For example, if I start to feel sore skin on my buttock, I start taking vit B and wheatgrass straight away, and then the sore skin will go straight to my calf within a few hours or the next day and disappear faster than usual. I know it sounds really strange, but it seems to work for me.

I am a male, aged 37, prone to anxiety at times, but can fall asleep easily - I don't toss and turn at all. I have taken steps to reduce my anxiety through simple techniques. I also caught oral herpes and a young child. Aside from that my health is perfectly good, as I workout and eat well.

I hope this might help others. In a way I am glad to read that I am not alone in this thing. Notice your patterns if you can, and try a few herbal or vitamin remedies, especially superfoods and see how you go. Take care :)

jodygogo

Sep 14, 2011

To: everyone

Although I’m sorry y’all are suffering this discomfort too, I have to admit it’s a bit of a relief to know I’m not imagining this rather annoying sunburny sensation!  I’ve always had sensitive skin to begin with (lol, in my family, it’s not IF but WHEN are we gonna get skin cancer) and my cousin warned me that with time, even fluorescent lights would hurt (which I guess they do).  Also get migraines, which I did not see mentioned, and which produce numbness as well.

This sensation, which is mostly concentrated in my arms, is fairly constant.  My skin blanches to the touch (as if it were damaged/sunburned) even when I’m not particularly tanned or whatever.  It affects how I feel about people getting close to me, obviously I hate polyester or anything even remotely scratchy, and I’m always the only dork on the beach wearing a long-sleeve shirt, floppy hat, spf 60+, and hiding in the cabana!

I noticed the post about this possibly being related to consequences of having had chicken pox as a child (I had chicken pox on three separate occasions, fun, huh) so I will research this a bit further.  In any case, very interesting, very comforting to feel like an actual demographic, and my deepest sympathies to those of you who suffer from this as well.

Let’s hope we find some good ideas for relief, even if only palliative in nature—CHEERS!!

meryta

Sep 14, 2011

To: @relax237

thoughtful stuff - sounds like the way to go

meryta

Sep 14, 2011

To: @relax237

thoughtful stuff - sounds like the way to go

meryta

Sep 14, 2011

To: rockifields

hi rockifields - went recently to a classical homeopath who spent an hour with me & charged $40 - she gave me some pills for blocked ears etc to take each monday for 4 weeks. I took these 8am monday - that night I had barking bronchitis, tuesday an itchy tum that turned to chickenpox like spots, wednesday tum spots faded but I itched then found eruptions all over my back. Today back is faded to thankfully a memory [partner took photos ~].
I suspect the hom remedy [said to be potent at 200] drove out a virus as the homeopath treats for whatever imbalance she discerns from my history. Sensitive skin also appears symptomatic of organic dysfunction so find someone with discipline you trust to help you work on the SOURCE, as in essence YOU are your own solution. )

sandy19456

Sep 21, 2011

To: To everyone

I am 66 years old and have many problems such as fibromylgia (fibromyalgia) along with all the side effects but about a week ago the back of my legs became very sensitive to the touch. It hurts to sit on anything or have anything touch me skin which being where it is is a real problem. Over the years I have had some of the same things happen say sections of my arm for short periods of time like a day but this has been for almost a week and I don't know what to do as I am already on meds for pain. It seems more concentrated on the right side of my body more than the left. The other night I could not lay on my right side or have the covers on me so I am not sleeping a good nights sleep. I really have not found any solutions or answers in these posts only more people suffering the same as me. Has anyone found a solution????

smileyemily

Oct 03, 2011

To: all

30 year old female healthy here. I've had the same raw, sunburnt feeling on my skin on and off all my life, every time I got a bad cold or flu, but it always disappeared when the virus went away. However, I got a 24-hour virus a few months after my son was born, and the sensation hasn't gone away since. It's also accompanied by a mildly sore throat. It's been over 2 months and I'm getting desperate. My doctor didn't have any suggestions. I had shingles when I was in high school, but I don't have any visible rashes, so I know it's not that. I'm just so tired of this.

borrible

Oct 19, 2011

Another to add to the list. Though mine is recent and not as severe as others, it is still irritating and gets me down. 4 weeks ago down my left lumbar, buttock area - went after 10 days or so. Now ribcage on right side.

Look at a map of DERMATOMES - these are a guide to the innervation of the skin and relate to the segments of the spinal cord. I can map where I am feeling sore so it is NERVOUS SYSTEM involvement. There could be many reasons from muscle tension/nerve entrapment/nutritional deficeincy to compression due to tumour etc and more scary stuff.

Many people have mentioned recent STRESS, which can have a profound effect on the body as can recent viral infection. Therefore EAT a good diet or supplement with B VITAMINS. DESTRESS with exercise, meditation/yoga, enjoyable hobby. See a chiro/oesteopath if nerve entrapment or chronic muscle tension an issue.
Many excellent herbs around for the NS (eg: Lime flowers, Lemon balm, St Johns Wort - but take care if on medication) best to consult a qualified herbalist if you want to try this route. Good luck to all.

Harvia

Oct 20, 2011

This was the first web page I looked at for my symptoms and been fascinating to go through it. I'm 66, retired nurse with back problems and intermittent migraine. Had childhood chicken pox. Not aware of having any other herpetic condition Had first bout ever of bronchitis last April and needed antibiotics. Around the same time started seeing a cranial osteopath for migraine (seems to be helping a bit, in that they are less severe and recently stopped vomiting with them). A few weeks ago I had a cold ( ie 2 viral infections during spring/summer), and generally don't get more than one cold every year or so. I grow a lot of my own fruit and veg, don't eat meat, and try to have mostly organic food.

Fortunately my 'burning' symptoms have been minimal compared with , many others of you, and I did think a few weeks ago I might have shingles as I had a burning sensation on my hairline, which went away in a few days. Prior to that had a patch on one finger and thought I must have scalded it, but nothing to see - as everyone else. Now I have a patch on the side of one knee.

As this appears so common - and for many much much worse, than I've experienced, I shall stop thinking about MS and say 'thank you' for all the postings!

stellabella1313

Oct 20, 2011

To: all

i have the exact symptoms and i am the same age. i have been diagnosed with ms and diabetes.

B4eyeSleep

Oct 26, 2011

To: For the sensitive skin issue...

I have the same severe skin sensitivity. I believe it's called Allodynia, which is a type of fibromyalgia pain. There are medications and cremes for it that somewhat alleviate the symptoms, but what works for me is ICE. I've had this pain in my right leg, upper thigh. It started out as a softball-sized area and spread to the entire front of my right leg. I've been to the doc...no cyst, no shingles, no rash. I am currently being tested for MS and other disorders, mainly because that's what they always do when they can't figure out what's wrong. After the doctor gave me pain patches and oxycodone, I came home, got a drink from the fridge, accidentally touched the affected area with the cold drink and it instantly felt better. I've always been cold-natured and never liked using ice, but I put on a sweater and stap on my ice pack before going to bed and during the day when I can. It's helped me tremendously and hopefully it will help some of you as well. :)

sawyersauce

Oct 26, 2011

I am a 31 year old mother of one. A week ago I started feeling a raw kind of sunburnt feeling on the back of my neck. My clothes hurt and wearing a seatbelt hurts. I went to the doctors a couple of days ago and they gave me a mild steroid which is making no difference whatsoever. It has spread to my shoulders now. I have no idea what it is! When do you think I should go back to the doctor?

will8229

Oct 29, 2011

same but in my right shoulder

exj542

Nov 15, 2011

I have this sensitivity currently under my right forearm. I have had before on chest/stomach area and also one time on left cheek and forehead. I have had repeat issues with shingles and have attributed the symptoms to that. Have not been able to confirm each time since I did not always have a rash/break out more commonly associated with shingles.

jrt1

Nov 18, 2011

To: all

research herpes zoster/shingles; doesn't have to have a visible rash

hinks208

Nov 20, 2011

i am in my teen years and am experiencing the same thing on my arms. i have suffered two concussions brought on from soccer could this be related.or could i be allergic to AstroTurf. there is no visible sign of rash or bumps

hinks208

Nov 20, 2011

im a teenager experiencing the same symptoms as her and recently recovered from two concussions from soccer could this be the cause or is it possible that im allergic to AstroTurf

hinks208

Nov 20, 2011

didnt mean to post that twice

Medfree622

Dec 08, 2011

To: Bwaysaint

I'm 62 years old and have noticed these symptoms off and on throughout my lifetime--most often it has presented on the right or left middle section of my back. However, about 4 days ago I developed some flu-like symptoms and have spent the last few days mostly in the bed--yesterday, both side of my ribcage (front) began to demonstrate symptoms. I took a hot bath and used "Kool and Fit" immediately after drying off. This seemed to help, but by late evening the same symptoms presented on the backside of my ribcage (both sides). I really feel that it is possibility that being in the bed so long may have triggered this--possibly a bad position and a low immune system.

Medfree622

Dec 08, 2011

To: Everyone

Suppose I should have read all of the postings before replying to one!

1. I also had chickenpox as a child.
2. Have also developed a "fever blister" during times of stress.
3. Felt a fever blister forming Sunday night, just before waking up with a cold in my chest on Monday morning.
4. Have also been extremely stressed lately.

So these contribute to my belief that it is connected to herpes simplex or the coxacci (?) virus. ( Lysine has always either stopped the fever blister or shortened the length of time I had it. )

I do believe that "fibromyalgia" is a genuine condition, but I think that everyone has some type of "condition." It's best to do the best you can from day to day to learn to manage your pain as best you can. See the doctor whenever you feel there's a need. When you're told all the tests are normal, thank God that you've not been diagnosed with cancer. Make yourself find something to do that gets your mind off yourself.

uncle_V_

Dec 12, 2011

To: everyone

I left a post on 9/8/11. Since then my "sunburn" has gone. Vanished. Credit for this goes to all of you with your descriptions, symptoms, and search for cure. Because after reading all post, I figured this problem had to be stress related. I remember my own scenario that day when I got so mad I felt a hot flash run down my brain stem. It felt like a electrical charge zapping the base of my skull. The following day I began to fell this burning across my chest and back. A normal sunburn comes about when skin is damaged and nerve endings suffer. Of course, this will get back to normal when the nerves have a chance to regenerate. So I ask myself why can't my nerve endings get back to normal this time, too. One of the post recommended B-12 and it seemed logical. In addition, I'm on guard now against stress. Every day I set aside time to relax and think about pleasant things. I try to hang out with people who make me laugh. And feel good. Some of those posting above complain about long term problems with this sunburning. I would suggest those folks examine their daily routine to make sure, absolutely sure, that full blown stress isn't creeping into your life.
So I'll be taking B-12 and relaxing more than ever. And I realize that we are all different, reacting differently, genes are different, so what effects one might not be noticed by another. So be attentive to what's going on. And I hope you all can figure something out. Good luck.

Cavey

Dec 16, 2011

To: Cathy30

Hi

I am 46 years old and have exactly the same for 3 years. In my case I know the cause. Stress does play a part but it is caused by muscles in my back. I caused it to myself. I used to run and developed a minor issue with a trapped nerve. This was fixed quite easily but then someone said I should try core stability when I went running. I used to be a keen distance runner. Part of this was to brace my abs up to support my back. Cut a long story short after 3 weeks of doing this my upper legs were on fire after a run and the tingling / burning feeling has never gone away. I may go for a day or so but when I get stressed the muscles tighten and the tingling / burning come back. When I am totally relaxed it goes but does not take much to come back. I’ve seen the specialists who say they sometimes see this in rear end crashes when whiplash victims back muscles get stressed but I am the first one they have met who did it to himself. Some exercise do help but if I am stressed it’s like flicking a switch. My little girl once jumped out at me to “surprise daddy” and I could actually feel the muscles switch on and the burning come back. Hope this helps someone.

LavaD

Dec 29, 2011

Hello, a few weeks ago a started to feel sensitivity to my left pinky. Hurt to the touch. It started spreading to my upper arm on the left side. I am experiencing sharp pains in my arms almost like growing pains but very hurtful. My clothing hurt my skin. There is no sunburn, no bruising, or any thin visual. It spread to my shoulder and back on the left side where it s very persistant and than a nerve in the middle of my left back side behind the shoulder blade. If I nod my head down pain shoots down my spine. Also I feel tight, not loose, stretching hurts too. My left arm also has weakness. Caring groceries shot pain from the top of my shoulder through the left side of my neck, stopping at my ear.I always have fatigue for the past 12 years so that isn't anything new but its suppose to be thyroid, I don't believe this to be hormonal. I'm curious if this could be a sympton of some kind of cancer, but not one person on here has mentioned it. I want this to go away, I work and have no insurance coverage and I have a family. I'm 30 years old and usually healthy if not tired all the time. I want this sunburn sensation to go away, for every one too.

babygurl69stevo

Jan 05, 2012

i have been having this sunburned feeling on the left side hip area it goes from the left pelvic, to left hip, and around the left back side..... it is all as one not in separate spots of my body but it hurts when its being rubbed against, it hurts when i put my finger lightly over it and i dont have to be touching it and i feel the pain... it feels warmer on that side, and it looks more swollen then the right side does? i am 23 with 2 healthy baby gurls marriage bound in bout 8 months and ... really not all that stressed at the moment, but this has happened to me before in the same spot and i donno if i should take it to get checked right away or? but it hurts and i just want it gone i can bearly sit on my left side cuz of it.......

babygurl69stevo

Jan 05, 2012

To: babygurl69stevo

and its not summer here either we r now january 6th 2012 so i know its not from the sun lol

Georgie31

Jan 08, 2012

To: Jamie

Good evening ladies..I am also 31 but I have no children.
I am experiencing it right this minute and thought I would google to see if this happens to anyone else..and so it seems it does!
My skin is ultra sensitive, what follows is that my bones in my lower back start to actually hurt as well. I get severely cold, then i start to burn up..which is what stage my body is up to at the moment. This is a good thing. eventually I will start sweating which means my body has fought it off.. I'm already starting to feel better.

I have had this before a number of times. Although the longest period I have had it has been up to 1 week and it became severely dangerous. My blood pressure plummeted to 80/50.

I naturally have low blood pressure which sits at 92-98/60-65, so it doesn't take much for my blood pressure to plummet. When this happens, that is when I start to feel all the symptoms.

A common case is when you over eat continuously and do not do any light excersises. The worst situation is overeating at night..every night (even worse if it is always a meat dish). or if you do excessive excersise or it could be as simple as a lack of sleep and especially if you are run off your feet either with work or family, it can really affect you.

My cure is have a hot shower, have a shot of port and a piece of bread (mothers remedy) which is what I have just had, and within minutes you will feel better. I am no starting to sweat it out. But the key thing is to rest. Just put your feet up and don't move for a couple of hours.

I hope this helps for at least one person!

Georgie31

mojo21259

Jan 11, 2012

To: BetseyP

any reposnse to the shingles vacine? My doc wants me to get it as I had it over this summer... this stupid sensitive skin crap is ridic!! I also have Fibro, so between the two my body is hating me right now....

rtt0711

Jan 12, 2012

To: JamieA76

Hello Jamie,
I believe you need to see a neurologist. Your symptoms can be associate with several things, among them MS.
Regards

kellymyster

Jan 13, 2012

To: BwaySaint

I was reading the mesage board on skin pain and saw your post. I would not worry about the bad remarks some people just are not strong enough to handel anything bad so it is a self defense mechanizim to shoot down those who threten them.

kellymyster

Jan 13, 2012

I am a 42 year old woman. I have not ever had the chickenpoxs so i know its not shingels. Has anyone been diagnosed with fibermialgia?

spogmay

Jan 17, 2012

To: cathy30

Hey, will u.guide me coz I feel pain all over skin of my tummy n really want to get rid of it bt I think its reason might b my chronic constipation
What is Ms n how yoga can help it?
Any cd for yoga ? Which postures etc
I'm 24 years old and 12 weeks pregnant
Don't know which Dr to go coz they never understand what I'm going through

I wish if u could help me

JohnHarren

Jan 21, 2012

I've had this for the past 5 years. My theory is it is some mutation of herpes type 2 that I've had all my life. I say this because when this sunburn, half of my head and body feeling first started happening, it coincided with the time my cold sores went away. These spells have the same type of onset cold sores would have, the onset, the peak, and the recovery. It is as if the herpes virus changed how it presents itself, changing from the cold sores I've had all my life, to this new, internal manifestation. I could be totally wrong, but I'm all out of ideas. I'm thinking of going to a natropath because I've given up on other doctors.

CavendishCharlie

Jan 23, 2012

My girl friend who I have not been with for very long had a cold sore, I've never had one before & have inevitably contracted the herpes simplex virus. As it is the initial infection I had painful ulcers on my throat, tongue & gums which lasted a week & I now have the strange sensation on my skin in various places on my upper body similar to that described here by others. I assume it is just a side effect of the virus making itself at home in my central nervous system where it will apparently reside for the rest of my life :)

carol5798

Jan 23, 2012

My husband has been having skin sensitivity on his stomach area and the inside of his leg near his groin for about a week now. Also had a strange rash-looked like spider bite with some blistering. Read you site and believe that it is shingles. Here's the site that was referenced: http://www.medicinenet.com/shingles/article.htm
Also check out this site for natural relief with apple cider vinegar: http://www.****.com/CURES/shingles.html#ACV_69333
Thanks everybody for your input!! It's a relief to have an answer!

mmfiore

Jan 30, 2012

To: mmfiore

I too have just started having a stange pain on my right inner thigh of my leg. There is a thin strip of skin maybe 2 inches wide that has become sensitive to the touch. It feels like sunburn. I can see no rash of any kind. When warm water is on it it is soothing but if I touch it or the seam of my pants brushes against it it burns like sunburn. When nothing rubs against it there is no pain at all. It has been like this for about a week now. Anyone know what the heck this is?

BetseyP

Jan 31, 2012

To: GKopacz

Hi,
I have had this off and on for 30 years. I don't think it's "just" anxiety or stress. I am leaning towards the herpes connection, but have had no connection with other people being sick while I have these patches of painful skin. I think this deserves more study. Thanks, but I'm not going to quit looking for answers.
Betsey

BetseyP

Jan 31, 2012

To: Rgbr963

BetseyP

Jan 31, 2012

BetseyP

Jan 31, 2012

To: Jack

I am bi-polar also, along with my skin thing. Bi-polar is the big struggle of my life. I take both the meds you mentioned and they are very helpful. Those meds are used for other conditions besides bi-polar. There are bi-polar/schcizophrenia websites that you might find pretty interesting also. I'm glad you have a support group around you. I'll be thinking of you.
BetseyP

Helper369

Feb 01, 2012

To: cherry248

hey, i had shingles two years ago and i had a scabby, ***** areas of a rash on my lower back and legs and some on my chest, if it were shingles you would see a rash and it can be treated with antibiotics or cream. hope this helps xx

kansas70

Feb 01, 2012

To: jcinAUS

I think it does indeed have something to do with the herpes, as the virus is at home around nerves, affecting your neurosensitivity. I have the same problem and I know when I have that weird-butterflies-not-in my-stomach-but-under-my-skin feeling that an outbreak is about to happen :(

kansas70

Feb 01, 2012

Jax2866

Feb 03, 2012

To: jcinAUS

You need to look up RSD Reflex Sypathetic Dystrophy, or its also know as CRPS, People go undiagnosed for SO long. See if your symptoms match, call a neurologist and go to a pain clinic! ASAP. I have a 14 year old son whos suffers from this.

city_of_colour

Feb 07, 2012

To: everyone

beginning yesterday, the back of my left arm from the elbow up to just below my underarm became extremely sensitive to the touch. it felt nice to just hold my cold hand over the area, but just as soon as i would rub my arm, a sharp stingy-burny (horrible phrasing, i know, but i don't know how else to describe it..) sensation would occur. this took me by surprise because my arm wasn't hurting at all until i woke from a late evening nap. is this normal?

i am a teen suffering from this "Allodynia," or so i believe. i've done some research on this and the symptoms fit perfectly. while reading through these comments, i noticed that a lot of the people suffering from this are older than 20-30ish. is it strange that a young adult suffers from this as well?

lucky1916

Feb 10, 2012

To: everyone

I just read on another chat the problem might be caused by animbalance of calcium. Too much ingested and not being absorbed properly in muscles. they discovered a strong vitaminC drink helped right away. The acidity helps to absorb the calcium. Some women in menopause might suffer forom the "burning "skin as the calcium magnesium balance is upset. I am in that group but had this along time ago too. I also agree it is connected to stress and chicken pox (herpes virus) I went to a doctor and walked away feeling stupid but with quite irritated painful skin on only one side of my body. I suffered the last month so gave the vitamin C a try.... gone! maybe lucky coincidence but anything is worth a try to rid yourself of pain. Fingers crossed Best wishes that we solve it simply and stop worrying about serious diseases..

pillowgrande

Feb 10, 2012

To: JohnHarren

Your symptons rival mine...........I nave had sore spots on my scalp from time to time throughout my life but in the past couple of weeks I had a cold sore on my bottom lip it then seem to progress to my saliva gland and then to my right nostril then the sensitivity started from my nose to my cheek and up to my temple........I still seem to have a cold sore high in my right nostril but the sensitivity is bothersome and I wish it would leave........I can't correlate any reason why this happens other that the cold sores.........

Viewing 201-212 comments:

«1

Most Recent

Related Discussions

Burning sensation in right limbs and all of head (40 replies):
I am a 39 yr old female. About 10 months ago, I started...[more]
Sunburn Sensation & Hypersensitivity (7 replies):
Hello, For the past few months I have had a sensation...[more]
Skin Pain (15 replies):
Does anyone here with MS experience skin pain for no app...[more]
Skin sensitivity (4 replies):
Hi everyone, I am curious if anyone else has sensitive ...[more]
Burning skin sensation... (22 replies):
Since March 2002, I have been experiecing this God awful...[more]
Does anyone have skin pain!?! (3 replies):
Hi. I don't have very many symptoms thank god..but ever...[more]
Left shoulder pain/ dull ache/burning- help (104 replies):
I am hoping someone can provide some insight. Two months...[more]
Skin numbness (7 replies):
I don't know where who to turn to. I need help! Past: fo...[more]
burning sensation on skin (3 replies):
I have ms and have recently started experiencing a sunbu...[more]
Hypersensitive Skin (16 replies):
Hi. I suffer quite often but not all the time, from hype...[more]

« Previous Next »

Back to Forum