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Creepy crawlers, irksome itching, and other sensory occurrences such as these are just a few examples of skin sensitivities and weird sensations that I have dealt with for many years. I know I’m not the only one who has had experiences with this issue. A lot of people with multiple sclerosis go through the same thing, although our experiences with skin sensitivities may vary, it is quite common. Some of us may only have mild or occasional issues, while others will find themselves struggling day in and day out. This can make it quite difficult to find a sense of calm and comfort.
 
Sometimes, I find myself rubbing my eyes, rinsing them with water or saline drops because it feels like there’s an eyelash or debris stuck in there. Sometimes, I find myself trying to remove stray hairs from my face, neck, or my arms, but to no avail. Sometimes, the tip of my nose tickles and I’ll grab a tissue or blow my nose, but it still tickles. Sometimes, my scalp itches as if I’ve got a bug bite (this happens with me a lot). Sometimes, I feel like there’s a cold liquid is dripping down my calf, but of course, there’s nothing there. I call these “phantom bugs,” but there are other skin sensitivities that are quite visible, tangible, physical, and can put you in a cranky mood right quick.

Here are just a few examples of skin sensitivity triggers I deal with on a regular basis: 

* Undergarments – I hate bras! I keep trying to find one that works for me, but for some reason the sensation of having something wrapped around my body causes me severe nerve pain in my upper and middle back (thoracic). Underwear is also uncomfortable (the waistband and binding around the groin and crotch area). This seems to be most problematic based on my body position. Standing seems to be tolerable but sitting or in bed is another story.

• Socks and Shoes – I hate socks because of the way they feel on and around my toes. I prefer to be a barefoot gal, but this isn’t always feasible, nor is it truly safe. My slip-on shoes, with a supportive arch, are my typical “go-to.”
• Accessories – I no longer wear any jewelry except for lightweight earrings. I don’t like the feeling of rings, bracelets, or necklaces on my skin. Hats are okay until they start to bother my forehead. Belts? What’s a belt? All jokes aside, I gave away all of my belts years ago (too constricting). Hair ties and clips are great because I can’t stand the feel of my hair on my face or neck. But, for some reason it can also be painful because it feels like my hair is being pulled, so it takes me a while to get it just right. 
• Reading Glasses – I need them, but after a while, the bridge of my nose goes numb and it becomes painful. I try to switch out different glasses when this happens.
• Clothing – I love leggings and have several pairs, but sometimes the waistband can feel too tight when it’s really not. Other clothing items must be somewhat loose, comfy, easy to put on and off, and nonconstricting.
• Pajamas – I need loose, soft, lightweight PJ bottoms and a roomy t-shirt to sleep. Still, if the bottoms ride up or get twisted around on my legs, it’s irritating.
• Bedding – I do have good quality bedding and wonderful pillows, but it takes me a long time and lots of tossing and turning before I can get comfy. If you add in the occasional wonkiness with PJs or hair issues, then it’s even more bothersome. 
• Temperature changes – showering, wind, hair dryer, etc.

I find myself fiddling and fidgeting with the clothes I’m wearing because even though they may have felt “normal” or even comfortable when first dressing myself, this can swiftly change without rhyme or reason. As I become increasingly uncomfortable, it seems there’s little to nothing I can do to remedy the situation. It’s hard for me to find and maintain comfort.

As we all know, there are numerous painful and annoying symptoms related to MS that continue to disrupt our lives in one aspect or another, but it’s the skin sensory issues that can drive me up the wall. “Phantom bugs” and other oddities are just plain weird. Sometimes I think I’ve become used to these skin sensations, but sometimes it can be all consuming and makes me a bit neurotic. 

Yes, MS can cause a variety of skin-related symptoms, most often because of nerve damage and how the brain interprets our sensory signals. These symptoms can include sensations such as burning, itching, tingling, or extreme sensitivity to touch, even light touches, which is a condition called allodynia. While these sensations may feel like they are coming from the skin, they are actually caused by misinterpretations of signals from the brain and spinal cord.

Skin sensitivity and other weird sensations affect many people with MS and other health conditions. Here is a basic overview addressing skin sensitivities and some of the reasons why such sensations happen. I’ve included a few things you might want to try to better manage your symptoms and improve your level of calm and comfort. 

1. Allodynia:

• This is a key symptom where a light touch that would normally be painless feels uncomfortable or even painful.
• It's a type of neuropathic pain, meaning it's caused by damage to nerves in the brain and spinal cord.
• Examples of allodynia include the skin feeling sensitive to clothing, bedding, or even gentle touch. 

2. Other sensory symptoms:

• Itching (pruritus): Itching can occur without any visible skin irritation or rash, making it a form of dysesthesia. Sometimes though, we want to scratch that itch, thus creating a different kind of skin problem. I can attest to this myself and it’s not fun. 
• Tingling, burning, or pins and needles: These sensations are also common in MS and can be localized or widespread. 
• Numbness: A loss of sensation in specific areas of the body can also occur. 
• Temperature sensitivity: Changes in temperature, including skin temperature, can trigger or worsen MS symptoms, including sensory and cognitive issues. 

3. Underlying mechanism:

• Nerve damage: MS causes damage to the myelin sheath, which protects nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. 
• Misinterpreted signals: This damage can lead to nerves sending abnormal or incorrect signals to the brain, causing unusual sensations. 
• Dysesthesia: This is the term for abnormal touch sensations, and it's a common symptom in MS. 

4. Managing MS related skin symptoms:

• Stress management: Stress can worsen MS symptoms, including skin and other sensory issues. Lack of sleep, allergies, and pain can worsen these symptoms as well.
• Temperature control: Maintaining a comfortable body temperature can help reduce symptom exacerbation. Make sure to dress accordingly with weather changes or other environmental situations that come into play… be prepared. 
• Loose clothing: Wearing loose clothing can minimize irritation and pressure. Figure out what works for you and if you need to completely eliminate or modify the clothing you wear, then do so (i.e., bras, underwear, waistbands, belts, socks, leggings versus pants, etc.).
• Stress-relief techniques: Techniques such as massage, deep breathing, stretching, or low-impact exercise may help reduce pain and discomfort. Keep yourself clean – Take a shower, bath, wash your hair. Even if you just wash your face and wipe yourself down with cool cleansing clothes (my mom calls these sponge baths), it truly helps. 
• Medications: In some cases, medications can help manage pain and other sensory symptoms. Some people find taking prescription meds for anxiety to be helpful, while others find some temporary relief with OTC meds such as Lidocaine, hydrocortisone creams, Benadryl, and the like.
• Communication with healthcare providers: It's important to discuss any skin-related symptoms with a doctor to explore potential causes and treatment options.