Do you ever get the feeling that something is crawling on your skin even though there’s nothing there? It’s a sensation that can be hard to shake and it can be really anxiety-inducing. You may even start to feel like you’re being bitten even though there’s no evidence of any bugs or insects. So why do we get this feeling and what can we do about it?
There are a few different things that can cause the sensation of bugs crawling on your skin. One possibility is a condition called formication which is a type of skin sensation that’s often described as feeling like insects are crawling on or biting you. Formication can be caused by a wide variety of things including:
• Anxiety or stress: When we’re feeling anxious or stressed our bodies can react in strange ways. Formication is one of the possible reactions to stress and anxiety and it’s thought to be caused by an increase in the levels of certain hormones in our bodies.
• Medications: Some medications such as those used to treat Parkinsons disease can cause formication as a side effect.
• Illness: There are also a few medical conditions that can cause formication including diabetes syphilis and Lyme disease.
If you’re feeling like bugs are crawling on your skin your first step should be to rule out any medical causes. If there’s no obvious medical reason for your symptoms it’s likely that they’re being caused by anxiety or stress. In this case there are a few things you can do to help ease your symptoms:
• Relaxation techniques: If you’re feeling anxious or stressed try some relaxation techniques to help you feel calmer. Deep breathing progressive muscle relaxation and mindfulness meditation can all be helpful.
• Distraction: Once you’ve started to feel calmer it can be helpful to distract yourself from the sensation of bugs crawling on your skin. Try reading watching TV or talking to a friend.
• topical treatments: If the sensation of bugs crawling on your skin is particularly bothersome you can try using a topical treatment to help ease your symptoms. Antihistamines cool compresses and topical creams can all be helpful.
If you’re struggling with the sensation of bugs crawling on your skin don’t suffer in silence. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and see if there’s anything they can do to help.
Answer 1: It could be a side effect of a medication you’re taking.
Answer 2: You could have a form of delusional parasitosis which is a psychiatric disorder.
Answer 3: It could be a symptom of schizophrenia.
Answer 4: It could be a symptom of anxiety.
Answer 5: It could be a side effect of stimulant drugs.
Answer 6: You could be experiencing paresthesia which is a sensation of tingling prickling or burning of the skin.
Answer 7: You could be experiencing formication which is a sensation similar to that of insects crawling on or under the skin.
Answer 8: It could be a symptom of menopause.
Answer 9: It could be a symptom of Parkinson’s disease.
Answer 10: It could be a symptom of Alzheimer’s disease.
Answer 11: It could be a side effect of chemotherapy.
Answer 12: It could be a side effect of radiation therapy.
Answer 13: It could be a side effect of an autoimmune disorder.
Answer 14: It could be a side effect of bedbugs.
Answer 15: It could be a side effect of a tick bite.
