Published on: 4/28/2025
These sensations can be caused by nerves sending mixed signals due to irritation or damage—a phenomenon known as neuropathic itch. It happens when your body’s nerve fibers miscommunicate, resulting in a mix of tingling and itchiness.
Your body’s nerves are responsible for carrying messages to and from your brain. When these nerves are damaged or not working properly, they might send confusing signals. For example, small fibers in your skin may start to malfunction. This can cause a feeling of pins and needles along with itchiness, because the nerves are mixing up sensations. Studies have shown this kind of response is often linked to conditions that affect the nerves, sometimes seen with abnormalities in sweating or other small fiber issues. In some cases, a condition like multiple sclerosis might also cause similar sensations by affecting how nerves send messages. These sensations can be uncomfortable and may be a sign that your nerves are not working as they should. If the sensations persist or worsen, consider getting help from a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.
(References)
Kataria S, Neupane K, Ahmed Z, Rehman U, Asif S. An Unusual Presentation of Multiple Sclerosis in a Middle-Aged Woman: A Case Report and Literature Review. Cureus. 2020 Oct 18;12(10):e11017. doi: 10.7759/cureus.11017. PMID: 33214945; PMCID: PMC7671168.
Flores S, Davis MD, Pittelkow MR, Sandroni P, Weaver AL, Fealey RD. Abnormal sweating patterns associated with itching, burning and tingling of the skin indicate possible underlying small-fibre neuropathy. Br J Dermatol. 2015 Feb;172(2):412-8. doi: 10.1111/bjd.13576. Epub 2015 Jan 18. PMID: 25597261.
Hachisuka J, Chiang MC, Ross SE. Itch and neuropathic itch. Pain. 2018 Mar;159(3):603-609. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001141. PMID: 29389746; PMCID: PMC6106783.
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