apollo
  • Male
  • 19 Years
  • 22/01/2025

Good evening, doctor. Lately, I've been experiencing this weird sensation like something is crawling on my skin from the inside, almost like bugs or insects. It happens all day and night, but especially at night, it's so bad it wakes me up and I can't sleep because of the fear. I don't see anything on my skin from the outside, but the feeling is definitely there. Could you help me figure out what's going on?

Doctor 1

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

The sensation you're describing, feeling like something is crawling on your skin from the inside, is known as formication. This can be a distressing and disruptive symptom.

Possible Causes:

  1. Anxiety or stress: High levels of anxiety or stress can cause formication.
  2. Neurological conditions: Certain conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, or peripheral neuropathy can cause formication.
  3. Skin conditions: Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis can cause formication.
  4. Nutritional deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins like B12 or magnesium can cause formication.
  5. Medication side effects: Certain medications, such as antidepressants or antihistamines, can cause formication as a side effect.

What to Do:

  1. Consult a doctor: Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician or a dermatologist to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
  2. Keep a symptom journal: Track when the sensations occur, how long they last, and any potential triggers.
  3. Practice stress-reducing techniques: Engage in activities like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to help manage stress and anxiety.
  4. Get enough sleep: Establish a consistent sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine to improve sleep quality.
  5. Avoid stimulants: Reduce or avoid consumption of caffeine, nicotine, and other stimulants that can exacerbate anxiety and formication.

Additional Tips:

  1. Keep your skin moisturized: Use gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers to keep your skin hydrated and comfortable.
  2. Avoid scratching: Try to resist the urge to scratch, as this can further irritate your skin and worsen the sensation.
  3. Consider cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): A therapist can help you address underlying anxiety or stress contributing to your formication.

Dr. Dr Khaleel Suggests...

Consult a Dermatologist

Answered 04/07/2025

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  1. Possible Causes
    a. Consider conditions like formication, a sensation of insects crawling on the skin.
    b. Evaluate stress, anxiety, or neurological issues as potential contributors.

  2. Immediate Actions
    a. Maintain a symptom diary noting when sensations occur and any triggers.
    b. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which may exacerbate symptoms.

  3. Consultation
    a. Schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation.
    b. Discuss any recent changes in medication or lifestyle that might be relevant.

  4. Further Investigation
    a. A dermatologist or neurologist may be consulted for specialized assessment.
    b. Consider blood tests to rule out deficiencies or imbalances.

Recommended next steps

Consult a Dermatologist or Take a COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT (CBC) Test

Answered 20/08/2025

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