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.
FAQs
What causes abnormal skin sensations with MS?
MS damage to the myelin sheath disrupts nerve signals from the brain to the skin, resulting in mixed signals and confusing skin sensations.
What are common skin sensations felt with MS?
Numbness, tingling, burning, itching, sensations of coldness, crawling, and tightness in the skin are often reported.
What triggers worsening of MS skin discomfort?
Stress, anxiety, fatigue, heat, constricting clothes, rough textures, and illnesses can temporarily worsen symptoms.
What home remedies provide relief?
Stress management, cooling off, hydrating skin, loose/soft clothes, muscle relaxation, OTC creams, ice packs, and light therapy can help.
When should you see a doctor for skin issues?
See your neurologist if symptoms worsen rapidly, disrupt sleep/daily tasks, cause anxiety, or don't improve with home treatment.
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.
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