Abnormal Skin Sensations and Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

Understanding Abnormal Skin Sensations With Multiple Sclerosis

Having sensations like cold water drops on your skin can be alarming, but these types of abnormal skin feelings are common symptoms for those living with multiple sclerosis. MS is a chronic, often progressive disease that affects the central nervous system made up of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.

Myelin is the protective covering around nerve fibers that allows for smooth transmission of signals throughout the central nervous system. With MS, myelin is damaged which leads to disrupted nerve signals and a wide array of symptoms depending on where the damage occurs.

What Causes Strange Skin Sensations With MS?

When myelin is degraded in the central nervous system, nerve impulses traveling to and from the brain and spinal cord can become slowed, distorted or interrupted completely. This myelin damage is what causes the array of symptoms seen with MS.

While MS can cause visual problems, mobility issues, and cognitive changes depending on the location of myelin damage, it can also cause sensory problems and abnormal skin sensations when the myelin damage affects sensory nerves.

Common descriptions of these odd skin feelings include:

• Tingling or prickling pins and needles sensations
• Feeling like water or cold drops on the skin
• Numbness
• Reduced ability to feel touch, vibration or temperature changes
• Burning sensations
• Feeling electrical shocks or zaps on the skin

These abnormal skin feelings are not only unnerving, but can sometimes be painful or extremely uncomfortable.

MS Nerve Damage That Leads to Skin Symptoms

Strange skin sensations are due to lesions forming on nerve fibers, which are caused by inflammation and myelin damage. However, specific nerves when damaged can lead to particular skin symptoms.

The trigeminal nerve roots exiting the brainstem provide sensation to the face, allowing facial touch, temperature and pain signals to reach the brain. When myelin on the trigeminal nerve becomes damaged, facial numbness, tingling or painful pins and needles are common.

The dorsal columns in the spinal cord contain nerve fibers extending up to the brain, allowing vibration, touch and position sense to be transmitted from the limbs and trunk to the brain. MS lesions in the dorsal columns can make the arms and legs feel numb or lead to sensations like water dripping on the hands and feet.

Damage along sensory pathways up to the thalamus, an information relay in the brain, can lead to strange feelings on both sides of the body. However, one-sided abnormal skin sensations may point to a lesion located on just one side of the specific sensory pathway.

Tests for MS-Related Skin Symptoms

Since numbness, tingling, pins and needles and other skin sensations can be caused by many medical conditions besides MS, doctors will conduct exams and tests to help determine the cause.

Some examples of diagnostic steps may include:

• Discussing your medical history and timeline of symptoms
• Conducting a physical exam to assess skin sensations and nerve function
• Ordering MRI scans to look for MS nerve lesions
• Analyzing cerebrospinal fluid for inflammatory proteins and antibodies
• Referrals to neurologists who specialize in diagnosing and treating MS

Diagnosing MS often involves ruling out other potential causes of similar symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to help prevent permanent nerve damage over time.

Treatments That Can Improve Abnormal Skin Sensations

While MS has no known cure yet, various treatments are available that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Some options to discuss with your doctor for relieving MS-related skin symptoms include:

Medications

Disease modifying therapies used for slowing the progression of MS may also help reduce skin sensations coming from new myelin damage. Options include:

• Interferon beta injections to reduce inflammation
• Ocrelizumab infusions to deplete immune B cells
• Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulators like fingolimod

Medications to directly treat neuropathic nerve pain may also provide symptom relief:

• Anticonvulsants like gabapentin
• Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline
• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors like duloxetine
• Topical lidocaine ointments or skin patches

Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy

Working with physical and occupational therapists can help retain movement and independence in daily activities. They may use techniques such as:

• Exercises to maintain mobility and flexibility
• Electrical nerve stimulation for pain relief
• Assistive equipment and devices if needed
• Strategies for retaining independence with self-care tasks

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Adopting habits that support overall health may reduce MS progression and symptom severity. Examples include:

• Following an anti-inflammatory diet
• Quitting smoking
• Losing excess weight if overweight
• Exercising regularly within limitations
• Reducing stress through mindfulness or therapy
• Getting quality sleep nightly

While MS symptoms like abnormal skin sensations can be bothersome, a variety of treatments are available for managing them. Working closely with your healthcare providers can help determine the most effective options for your individual circumstances.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.