Managing Uncomfortable Skin Sensations of Multiple Sclerosis

Coping with Skin Sensations from Multiple Sclerosis

Having multiple sclerosis (MS) can sometimes make you feel like you want to "crawl out of your skin." Uncomfortable and abnormal skin sensations are common symptoms of MS. While not physically dangerous, these sensations can negatively impact quality of life.

Knowing what causes these skin symptoms, what they feel like, and how to manage them can help restore comfort and confidence.

What Causes MS Skin Symptoms?

MS is caused by damage to the protective myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. This interferes with transmission of signals along the central nervous system.

When myelin is damaged, nerve impulses from the brain have trouble reaching their destinations, including various parts of the skin. This results in mixed signals and confusing skin sensations.

Common Abnormal Skin Sensations

Some of the skin sensations that people with MS commonly experience include:

Numbness

Loss of sensation in areas of skin, as if they are "asleep." Most commonly occurs in the face, arms, legs, and trunk.

Tingling

Prickling, pins-and-needles, or buzzing sensations under the skin. May occur randomly or when touching something.

Burning

Feeling like the skin is sunburned, stinging, or on fire. May happen without visible signs of irritation.

Itching

Intense, irritating itchiness that has no visible rash or skin condition associated with it.

Coldness

Parts of the body feeling extra sensitive to cold. Hands and feet may feel constantly cold.

Crawling

Sensation of insects crawling on or underneath the skin. No bugs are actually there.

Tightness

Skin feeling taut, stiff, and tight even though it looks normal.

Triggers for Uncomfortable Skin Sensations

Certain triggers can temporarily worsen or provoke skin discomfort in people with MS:

Stress and Anxiety

Can amplify itching, burning, tingling, crawling and tightness sensations in the skin.

Fatigue

When energy levels are depleted, sensations like numbness may intensify.

Heat

Heat worsens MS symptoms for many. Hot weather or showers can spark flares of pins-and-needles and prickling.

Clothing and Texture

Constricting clothes and rough, scratchy textures may chafe sensitised skin.

Infection

Illnesses like flu, UTIs, sinus infections worsen MS tingling and numbness.

Coping with MS Skin Discomfort

While MS skin symptoms can't always be prevented, the following strategies may help provide relief:

Stress Management

Relaxation practices like mindfulness, meditation, yoga, deep breathing can reduce anxiety that amplifies skin discomfort.

Cooling Techniques

Bathing in lukewarm water, swimming, cooling vests/bandanas, avoiding direct sun can prevent overheating.

Moisturizing

Hydrating dry skin with thick lotions reduces friction and sensitivity. Add a menthol cooling effect.

Loose, Soft Clothing

Avoid restrictive outfits. Choose soft, breathable fabrics like cotton that won't chafe.

Muscle Relaxation

Tense muscles put pressure on nerves, worsening skin symptoms. Massage, Epsom salt baths relieve tightness.

OTC Creams

Over-the-counter hydrocortisone and antihistamine creams temporarily relieve itching and irritation.

Ice Packs

Applying ice packs to burning or intensely itchy areas provides numb relief by slowing nerve signals.

Light Therapy

Red and near-infrared light therapy improves circulation and cell function, easing tingling.

Acupuncture

This practice activates natural painkilling endorphins and increases blood flow for soothing relief.

Medical Treatment Options for MS Skin Discomfort

If skin symptoms become severe enough to disrupt sleep and daily activities, talk to your doctor about medical treatment options such as:

Topical Lidocaine

This numbing cream offers relief when applied to intensely painful or itchy spots.

Antihistamines

Oral antihistamines like Zyrtec block histamine to reduce sensations of prickling, tingling and itching.

Anticonvulsants

Gabapentin and pregabalin calm overactive nerves causing discomfort. They also aid sleep.

Tricyclic Antidepressants

Amitriptyline provides general pain relief by boosting neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine.

Steroid Injections

Injecting triamcinolone into severely affected areas briefly suppresses inflammation and discomfort.

When to See a Doctor

Consult your neurologist if skin symptoms:

• Spread or worsen rapidly
• Cause significant sleep loss or anxiety
• Limit ability to perform self-care and daily tasks
• Do not improve with OTC remedies and home treatment

Getting professional advice ensures you recover comfort, restore confidence, and avoid having sensations negatively impact quality of life.

Know You Aren't Alone

MS skin symptoms can make you feel isolated. But countless others face these challenges. Connect with support groups and share strategies. There are many tools to help manage discomfort so you can feel at home in your skin once again.

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.