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Avatar universal

Neck and face skin sensitivity?

I am a teenage female and ive had this condition (or whatever it is) since i was about 14, from what i can remember. Now being two years later, i've come to notice it more, as it has gotten worse and worse throughout the years and is affecting my life. To cut to the chase, i have eczema in the underarms area, on the sides of my neck, on the back of my head at the beginning of the scalp, and on the opposite side of my elbows. However i do not think that the eczema really has anything to do with this. So, when i wake up every morning i take a very long time to get ready, and i dread it. Every morning upon waking up, (it doesnt have to be in the morning, simply after waking up.) the skin from my forehead down to my chest feels almost numb,warm, and bloated, or swollen. It doesn't hurt at all whatsoever, nor does it itch.  Those areas are very sensitive to hair touching them, (this having NOTHING to do with hair removal, or hair dye. as that's all that google seems to think it is.) they are also sensitive to metal or cold objects touching them (such as earrings and necklaces) and i also have other odd things that i dread in the morning such as artificial light (meaning any light besides sunlight.), warm water, warm anything, wearing make up and wearing a bra. I simply cant stand these things in the morning. I close my eyes if there is artificial light, or i turn it off. I always wash my face with cold water, i avoid warm air, warm food etc., and, well, i have to wear a bra and makeup so i cant do anything about that. Back to the hair which is what bothers me most, it doesnt itch or hurt me at all. All i can say, is that the feeling of my hair touching my forehead down to my chest makes me cringe and i walk around for maybe 45 minutes with my head cocked to the side so that my bangs don't touch my forehead, which leads to my neck cramping up and getting sore. I take off all my make up before i sleep, and i wear a headband so no hair touches me as i sleep, because both of those (make up and hair) bother me as i sleep and in the mornings.  If i keep it down and still go through cocking my head and walking like a robot so that my hair doesnt touch me, it starts to feel normal against my skin after about 4 or 5 hours, and my skin doesnt feel bloated and numb anymore. Nobody seems to know what this is, and they tell me to compromise and cut my hair short, or rock the no bra look, get only windows in my house, and wear no make up- but i want to fix this. I just dont think that im the only person on the planet who has sensitive skin like this, and id like to figure out how to solve this problem because im late for everything, i look crazy walking around like a robot all day, and its just the most uncomfortable feeling in the world.
I have no idea what this condition, or mental issue could possibly be. I've spoken to a psychologist who believes that this derives from a form of OCD and stress, so he believes it is a mental situation. I've also spoken to a doctor, who simply didnt understand and recommended itch cream. Im leaning towards it being a mental problem, however. Because since it doesnt itch or hurt, i just cant see it being physical, or a disease of some sort. Please help! thank you!
2 Responses
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563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
From the symptoms it looks like hyperalgesia. It is an increased sensitivity to pain, which may be caused by damage to nociceptors or peripheral nerves. It can be due to a post inflammatory reaction, allergies, long term opioid use or spinal cord causes.

I suggest you to consult a neurologist and get it evaluated. It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.
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Avatar universal
Have you found any help for this condition?  My five year old daughter has the same problem with her hair and the feeling of underwear on her.  She also has ezcema and we've thought about taking her to an allergist or to an occupational therapist to see if they can help.  I am wondering what you found out.  She complains about her body itching but it doesn't always itch or hurt so it is hard to figure out why it is worse certain times.  We've noticed that it does seem to be worse when she is tired.  I am interested to hear what you've found out.
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