Skin Sensitive to Touch: Causes and Natural Treatments
When people discuss skin sensitive to touch, they tend to imagine a skin that is allergic to beauty products or prone to redness. However, that doesn’t sum up or explain a sensitive skin thoroughly. Skin sensitive to touch no rash can be a frustrating and painful condition.
When the skin hurts to touch even with the slightest brushing or touching of a light material, it is said to be extra sensitive. Allodynia is the medical term used for the skin which is sensitive to touch but doesn’t develop rashes (1). Such heightened skin sensitivity can be a sign of other underlying health issues.
What Causes Your Skin Sensitive to Touch?
There can be several reasons for developing a skin sensitive to touch, and the reasons could range from being as simple as a sunburn to a severe disease. Look for the causes behind before looking for a cure to treat Allodynia.
1. Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal pain disorder and has no known cause. The body’s pain receptors get extra sensitive and develop a skin sensitive to touch. A genetic element is suspected as Fibromyalgia is known to run in families and cause skin pain without rash (2).
2. Sunburn
People love to sunbathe and be out in sunny weather. However, those leisurely activities are fine only up to a certain point as overexposure can lead to first-to-second-degree burns. It can make the skin sensitive, which can swell, get red and develop blisters.
3. Neuropathy
Neuropathy means something is wrong with the nerves. When skin sensitive to touch no rash develops, the underlying cause could be due to the chronic peripheral neuropathy. However, nerve damage can occur because of hereditary, kidney or liver disease, insecticide exposure, vitamin B12 deficiency and more (3).
4. Shingles
People who had chicken pox earlier may find the virus reappearing years later as shingles that can cause burning, pain, and numbness in skin. The condition begins with a red rash and is followed by the onset of the pain and blisters.
5. Migraines
Migraines can lead to the condition of skin sensitive to touch, but it can vary from person to person. The skin pain can heighten during hot and cold temperature or under extra pressure placed on the skin such as shaving or combing.
6. Midbrain Issues
The midbrain helps to evaluate different stimuli that control responses by a body. Any defect in the midbrain can cause exaggerated pain in skin and thus develop skin sensitive to touch no rash. Under this condition, there is nothing wrong with the skin or nerves, but the brain does not interpret the information correctly.
7. Anxiety
During increased stress and anxiety, one finds their skin sensitive to touch. The body releases chemicals during the stressful times and those chemicals overstimulate the nervous system. As a result, the senses get sharpened and develop hypersensitivity in the skin, and thus cause skin sensitive to touch.
8. Diabetes
Another reason behind the skin that hurts to touch could be diabetes that can cause nerve damage. The diabetic patients find an increased sensitivity in their legs, and there is no rash, but even a slight touch causes severe pain.
Natural Remedies for Skin Sensitive to Touch
There are several natural remedies to control the skin sensitive to touch and help improve the symptoms.
1. Neuropathy
Depending on the cause, you can follow neuropathy treat the skin sensitive to touch. The sensitive skin carries a burning sensation, and the symptoms may be localized or widespread.
2. Lifestyle Changes
Research shows that active lifestyle and physical activity is the good way to control fibromyalgia. Regular sleep and healthy nutrition can help ease the symptoms.
3. Lower Stress
Preventative measures can lower the migraine attacks. The butterbur plant is found to be an effective natural remedy to reduce stress and control migraines.
4. Vitamin B
In the case of sunburn, stop going outside under a harsh sun. You can use pain relievers and ice packs to reduce the pain and control the swelling. Vitamin B intake can help eliminate the tingling sensation in the skin.
As for the Herpes zoster, one can take an anti-viral drug to control the burning pain for skin that is sensitive to touch. Diabetes management plus B12 can help improve the condition.
You can use soothing creams and cold packs depending on the area affected. Using calamine lotion or oatmeal baths after having a shower can help alleviate this condition.
How to Treat Allodynia?
Allodynia is when you experience an unexpected painful response on the skin. About 50 percent of neuropathic pain patients suffer from Allodynia that leads to an extra painful skin to touch and changes in temperatures.
For intense pain, you can apply warm and cold compress on the affected area to soothe the pain. However, there could be several possible culprits behind that extra sensitive skin.
- Studies show pharmacological treatment helps to control and relieve symptoms. Certain medications can lower the neuropathic pain and can be prescribed by the doctor, depending on the diagnosis.
- In some allodynic patients, psychological treatments are helpful.
- Electrical or magnetic stimulation can carry a beneficial effect in treating neuropathic pain associated with allodynia.
A combination of different treatments can help increase the quality of life and lower symptoms. The treatments for Allodynia may include supplements, hypnotherapy, pharmacological treatment and dietary changes under the guidance of a medical provider.
When to See a Doctor?
Sensitive or tender skin is a serious health condition that requires proper medical attention. See your doctor right away if your skin is sensitive to touch and even after trying those home remedies, you are not able to get any relief.
Schedule an appointment as that extra skin sensitivity is likely to interfere with your day-to- day activities. The doctor may recommend medications and ask you to take anti-inflammatory drugs. Some doctors may also prescribe topical pain medications and narcotic drugs. Get to the underlying cause and find relief from the skin sensitivity.
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